Life Assurance, Death in Service & Pensions

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Life Assurance, Death in Service & Pensions

If you need advice on how to best plan your estate when taking into account life insurance or death-in-service benefits, you should talk to the expert solicitors at JMW today. We will be able to assess your situation and explain your options, recommending which will benefit your estate and post-death planning the most.

Award-winning team

Our team is recognised in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. We have won industry awards, including Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards.

Diverse clients

We have assisted with a range of complex requirements for a variety of charities and high-net-worth clients, including families, business owners, entrepreneurs, sports professionals, and entertainers. 

Cutting-edge

Our team is made up of young, dynamic solicitors who understand the environments you operate in and the need for bespoke succession planning.

For advice on life assurance, death in service or pensions, call us today on 0345 872 6666 or fill out an online contact form and we will be in touch.

Knowledgeable Life Assurance, Death in Service & Pensions Solicitors

The experts at JMW understand the different variables and tax effects of owning or benefitting from life insurance or death-in-service benefit and can use our relevant knowledge to help you plan ahead. 

We can advise you on the options open to you when receiving these payments. We can help you decide if the default position of paying to your estate or to a surviving spouse is appropriate or whether you should consider mitigation for a potential inheritance tax liability. We are able to set trust structures in a lifetime for any death in service or life assurance proceeds, instead of allowing those payments to be made directly to the estate of you or your spouse that could have unintended consequences and tax liabilities.

Why Choose JMW?

The wills, trusts and estate planning team at JMW has a professional and up-to-date knowledge of the laws surrounding life insurance and death in service. We will work to understand your circumstances, your long-term goals and what will benefit you and your beneficiaries. 

JMW has been recognised by The Legal 500 as a top law firm in the UK - something that our wills, trusts and estate team has significantly contributed to. We have a strong reputation for working well with high-net-worth individuals and taking on the responsibility of their estate. You can trust us to advise you on the best options available to you.

FAQS ABOUT LIFE ASSURANCE, DEATH IN SERVICE & PENSIONS

Q
What will happen to my pension if I die?
A

Your pension will not form part of the estate on death and will pass by way of your pension provider and the nomination you hold with them.

Each pension policy is different and it is important to understand how yours would pay out on death.

You should speak to your pension provider to check that any pension policy you hold has been nominated and is up-to-date with your current wishes. You should also consider taking financial advice.

Q
Will I pay tax on death in service or life insurance proceeds?
A

It is unusual for death-in-service payments to be subject to tax, but many people make nominations such that the payment passes to a surviving spouse (which is very inheritance tax-inefficient) or to children (which provides no protection). We can assist with a review of your policy to understand and advise on the current position. If it is beneficial, we are able to set up a trust in lifetime to receive the death in service policy payment in order to mitigate the tax liability and/or provide protective structures for the beneficiaries.

Talk to Us

To discuss your personal position and understand your estate planning needs, speak to one of our experts today. Call us on 0345 872 6666 or fill out an online contact form to request a call back.