Trustees and trust companies

As trusted advisers to trustees and trust companies, we deliver commercially focused, technically rigorous legal expertise across complex governance and restructuring matters, asset protection, tax and risk management, enabling confident decision-making globally.

We advise UK and international trust companies, corporate trustees and fiduciaries on the legal, tax and practical issues affecting trust structures.

Our expertise helps trustees to manage risk, maintain compliance and make effective strategic decisions on succession and wealth planning, particularly in cross-border environments to ensure the safe stewardship of assets and the smooth day-to-day operation of trusts.

Our teams in private client, corporate, built environment, family, and dispute resolution work together to provide bespoke solutions designed to fit your specific needs.

How we can help

Our specialist trust solicitors can help you navigate the multiple areas of complexity you face.

A well-administered and actively managed trust can be a flexible and protective planning tool, capable of meeting a wide range of family, commercial and succession objectives.

Cross-border trust advice

We provide specialist advice on:

UK tax exposure of offshore trusts and companies
Trusts holding UK assets, including property and trading businesses
Interaction with UK-resident settlors and beneficiaries
Double tax treaty considerations
Structuring and restructuring of international trust arrangements

Trust company advisory services

We support trustees across full trust portfolios, including:

Ongoing management of complex trust structures
Advice on trustee duties and decision-making
Risk management and governance
Interaction with beneficiaries and advisers
Transfer of trust business between providers

Contentious and risk matters

We also support trustees where disputes arise or are foreseen, including:

Disputes between beneficiaries
Allegations of breach of trust
Court blessing applications
Claims for removal of trustees/ fiduciaries
Mediation and settlement strategies

Restructuring and wind-up

We regularly assist trustees with:

Reviewing and modernising historic structures
Responding to legislative or tax changes
Implementing restructuring strategies
Advising on orderly wind-up of trusts and underlying entities

Trust administration services

We also provide day to day support and compliance to trusts through our trust administration services.

Get in touch

Our experience

Some examples of our recent work include:

Advising a Jersey corporate trustee on UK tax exposure and restructuring options for a trust with UK trading companies
Supporting an Isle of Man trust company on the wind-up of a multi-jurisdictional trust structure
Working with international trust providers supporting entrepreneurs following major liquidity events
Advising on UK tax implications of complex holding structures and family wealth arrangements
Assisting a Jersey Trust company with capacity matters threatening to undermine the operation of the structure
Acting for a Trust Corporation in applying to court for the blessing of a momentous decision on how best to dispose of trust property where beneficiaries took opposing views

Specialist advice, seamlessly connected

Trust structures often span multiple sectors and services. By co-ordinating teams across these areas, we provide trustees with a joined-up view of risk, structure and long-term strategy.

Built environment

Trust structures frequently involve significant property interests, such as UK portfolios, landed estates, or development land. Our built environment and real estate teams help trustees manage, restructure and optimise these assets, ensuring compliance and maximising value.

Learn more about our built environment team

Corporate

Many trusts include underlying companies or business assets. Our corporate law specialists advise on governance, restructuring, and transactions, supporting trustees and business owners with effective planning and risk management.

Learn more about our corporate services

Family

Family dynamics can have a significant impact on trusts and wealth structures. We provide specialist advice on divorce and family trusts, financial settlements, and wealth protection strategies, helping families safeguard assets and manage change with confidence.

Learn more about our family services

International private wealth disputes

Cross-border trusts and estates can give rise to complex disputes involving multiple jurisdictions, assets and stakeholders. Our highly regarded, market leading estate, trust and will disputes team assists with resolving conflicts between trustees, executors or beneficiaries arising during the lifetime or on the death of a key stakeholder.

Learn more about international private wealth disputes

Tax, structuring and risk management

Effective tax planning and risk management are essential for trustees and wealth structures. Our team advises on UK and international tax exposure, structuring across trusts and companies, insurance solutions, and ongoing compliance to safeguard assets and meet regulatory requirements.

Learn more about our tax and structuring capabilities

What our clients say about us

Mills & Reeve handle our most complicated trusts with confidence and clarity.
Chambers HNW 2026
Mills & Reeve is exceptional when it comes to understanding trusts and advising clients accordingly. With this team, communication is always excellent and expectations are managed accordingly.
Chambers HNW 2025
Mills & Reeve is really efficient in their use of resources. I rate them on complex matters too, especially technical issues and urgent matters. The team is top of the game.
Chambers UK

Who do our trust lawyers work with?

We build long-term relationships with trustees and fiduciaries across a variety of jurisdictions, including:

Offshore trust companies (such as Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Cayman, Switzerland, BVI and beyond)
UK corporate trustees
Trust and company service providers (TCSPs)
Family offices and fiduciaries managing international wealth structures

For individuals, families and trustees, our private client team provides expert support with trust planning, administration and ongoing compliance.