Fact finding ― inheritance tax planning

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
Produced by Tolley in association with Emma Haley at Boodle Hatfield LLP
Trusts and Inheritance Tax
Guidance

Fact finding ― inheritance tax planning

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
Produced by Tolley in association with Emma Haley at Boodle Hatfield LLP
Trusts and Inheritance Tax
Guidance
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Preliminary matters

An essential first step of any estate planning exercise is to get to know the client and find out all the relevant information about their circumstances (past, present and future), as far as these can be determined.

The adviser will first need to complete the necessary identification procedures to comply with money laundering regulations. The usual client acceptance (onboarding) procedures will need to be followed as well.

The adviser will then need to take instructions from the client. These should be recorded in writing and form part of the client care agreement so that the scope of the work to be undertaken is clearly understood by both adviser and client. The extent of the work may develop into other areas as the matter progresses, and this should also be agreed on both sides.

What are the relevant questions to ask the client?

Once the client’s objectives are clear, the adviser should carry out a detailed

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Emma Haley
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Associate at Boodle Hatfield LLP 

Emma Haley is a senior associate solicitor at leading private client firm, Boodle Hatfield LLP, renowned for providing first-class and practical legal advice to wealthy clients around the world.Emma has many years experience in dealing with all aspects of wills, probate, capital taxation and succession planning as well as UK and offshore trusts. Emma currently heads up a technical know-how team and is a regular writer and lecturer on estate planning and inheritance tax and also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

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  • 11 Dec 2025 10:30

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