"I've Heard Trusts Aren't Much Use Any More?"

"I’ve heard trusts aren’t much use any more?”

It’s something I hear often — usually after someone has received well-intentioned advice from friends, family, or a quick Google search. The law has changed. Everything suddenly seems more complex and expensive. And trusts don't really "work" any more... right?

It’s a fair question. And yes, the laws have evolved, compliance expectations are higher, and trusts do require more care and attention than they once did. But like most things in this space, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

It can help to think of a trust like a tool. Like any tool, they work really well in some situations, and not so well in others. It depends on your particular circumstances, and what you are wanting to achieve.

Sometimes the best option is putting a trust in place (or keeping the one you already have). For example, trusts are often the perfect tool if you're wanting to:

- Protect assets from future business risk

- Keep important assets in the family long-term

- Provide for someone with particular needs, including after your lifetime

Other times, it’s about refining what you have - updating your trust to fit your family’s life, or putting other safeguards in place (like a contracting out agreement) to make sure you’re covered in different situations.

And sometimes, it’s recognising that a simple legal structure now fits your life better - such as an up-to-date Will and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

One of the most valuable things you can do is understand what legal tools are available, and how they each fit your life, goals and budget. Great advice in this space isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution - it’s about knowing you and your family, what you want to achieve, and guiding you on options which genuinely suit your circumstances.

Chances are, what’s best for you will be different to what’s best for your friends or wider family - and that's completely okay.

If you’d like some guidance on your trust, or to explore what other options might be right for you, we're here to help. Book a free, initial 15-minute chat here with Lighthouse' Legal's Trust specialist, Sarah Simpson-Thomas.

Names and any identifying information have been altered to protect the privacy of individuals. The information in this blog is current at 1 April 2026. The information in this blog is general, educative information only. As such, it should not be relied on in place of getting your own legal advice.