Hi, to answer the question of tax . Myparents had a trust , it was set up when dad died in 2012, mum had the option at that point what she put in the trust and chose just to add the house and not any of dad’s funds. My half brother and I were trustees , all of us 5 kids were equal beneficiaries, dad was common denominator but it had long been decided not to distinguish between us. Up to the point mum died in 2020 my job was to do the trust return to HMRC, once I’d pointed out to HMRC there was no income from the trust (as it was just the house) they didn’t require annual returns. (Phew!). If there’s any income ie interest then you might have to do returns. The benefits outlined to us in 2012 were should mum require care , if the liquid funds ran out the local authorities couldn’t force a sale as she only owned half a house. On mum’s death the trust half (dad’s share) was distributed immediately from sale of house. Her share went through probate so took a bit longer. My advice : Use a recommended local solicitor who handles these things regularly, and keeps up to date as the law changes. You don’t have to stay with the solicitor who set up the wills in the first place.
