Not because they are unimportant, but because they can feel difficult to begin.

In many cases, it is not the legal side that creates hesitation. It is simply not knowing how to start, or not wanting to make the situation feel uncomfortable.

As a result, these conversations are often delayed until something changes, at which point they can become much harder to navigate.

Why these conversations matter

When plans are not discussed, families are often left making decisions without clear guidance.

This can lead to uncertainty, delays or added pressure at a time when things are already difficult.

We often see situations where the right intentions were there, but the detail was never shared. People are left trying to piece things together, unsure whether they are making the right decisions.

A simple conversation in advance can provide clarity, reduce stress and help ensure that wishes are properly understood.

What people tend to avoid talking about

These conversations are usually not complex, but they can feel personal.

They often include practical questions such as who would step in to help if needed, whether any plans are already in place, and where important documents are kept.

There can also be more personal considerations, such as preferences around care, financial arrangements, or how certain responsibilities should be handled.

In many families, some of this is assumed rather than clearly discussed. While assumptions may be correct, they can just as easily lead to confusion later on.

Even a basic level of understanding can make a meaningful difference.

What can happen when nothing is discussed

Without these conversations, families are often left dealing with both the practical and emotional impact at the same time.

This might mean trying to locate documents, understand financial arrangements, or make decisions without knowing what someone would have wanted.

It can also place pressure on one person to take the lead, even if they do not feel fully prepared to do so.

These situations are not unusual, and they are rarely the result of poor planning. More often, it is simply that the conversation never quite happened.

How to start the conversation

There is no perfect way to approach this, but keeping things simple often works best.

Choosing the right moment can make a difference. A relaxed setting, such as during a walk or over a coffee, often feels more natural than a formal discussion.

It can also help to begin with your own thoughts rather than asking direct questions. For example, mentioning that you have been thinking about getting things organised can open the door without creating pressure.

Keeping the conversation gradual is important. This does not need to be resolved in one sitting. It is something that can develop over time, with each discussion adding a little more clarity.

The aim is not to cover everything at once, but simply to make a start.

A more positive way to think about it

Rather than focusing on what might go wrong, these conversations are really about making things easier for the people around you.

They allow decisions to be made with confidence, reduce uncertainty and create a shared understanding within the family.

For many people, once the first conversation has taken place, there is a sense of relief that it is no longer something left unsaid.

Common questions

What if my family are not comfortable talking about this?
That is very common. In many cases, it helps to approach the conversation gradually rather than trying to cover everything at once. Starting with your own plans or thoughts can often make it feel less direct and more natural.

Do we need to have everything decided in one conversation?
Not at all. These conversations rarely happen all at once. It is usually a series of smaller discussions over time, each adding a little more clarity.

When is the right time to have these conversations?
There is rarely a perfect moment. Many people find that everyday situations, such as a change in circumstances, a family event or even hearing about someone else’s experience, can provide a natural starting point.

What if plans are already in place?
Even where a Will or other arrangements exist, it is still helpful for family members to have a general understanding of what has been put in place and where key information can be found.

Should these conversations include professional advice?
In some cases, yes. Once initial conversations have taken place, it can be helpful to speak with a professional to make sure everything is properly structured and reflects your wishes.

These conversations do not need to be perfect. They just need to happen.
Taking a small step now can make a significant difference later, both practically and emotionally.

That part matters, but it is only one piece of the picture.

In practice, many Executors struggle not because the Will is unclear, but because important information was never written down or shared. These gaps often come to light at an already difficult time, adding unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

Below are some of the things we most commonly see being overlooked.

Where important documents are kept
Even when a Will exists, Executors are often unsure where the original is stored.

This may include:

The original Will
Property deeds
Insurance policies
Trust documents
Details of pensions or investments

Knowing what exists is helpful. Knowing where it is can make all the difference.

Which professionals to contact
Families are sometimes left trying to piece together who was involved in someone’s affairs.
Think about a creating a contact sheet of the professionals related to your affairs such as, Solicitors, Financial advisers, Accountants, Mortgage providers and Insurance brokers.

A simple list of professional contacts can save time and help avoid delays during estate administration.

Online accounts and digital information
Digital assets are increasingly important, but frequently overlooked.

This may include:

Email accounts
Online banking or investment platforms
Subscription services
Cloud storage
Social media accounts

Executors do not need passwords, but knowing which accounts exist and how to approach them can prevent confusion later.

Funeral wishes that were discussed but not recorded
Many people speak informally with family about funeral wishes, but those conversations are not always written down. This can leave loved ones unsure whether they are doing the right thing, even when trying their best to honour those wishes.
Recording preferences clearly can remove uncertainty at an emotional time.

Personal items with sentimental value
Not everything of importance has financial value. Items with sentimental meaning, such as jewellery, photographs or family heirlooms, can sometimes cause unexpected tension if wishes are not clearly expressed. A short note explaining what matters, and why, can help avoid misunderstandings.

Why this matters
None of the above replaces a properly drafted Will or legal advice. However, making this information clear in advance often makes a real difference for those left behind. It can reduce uncertainty, help Executors feel more confident, and allow families to focus on what matters rather than searching for answers.
Good planning is rarely about doing more. It is about making the right things clear.

Here when you are ready to talk
Many conversations start with a simple question rather than a plan.

If you are reviewing your Will, thinking about putting one in place,
or would like guidance on how to support your Executors,
we are always happy to talk things through.

From 1st–31st October, we’ll be giving our time and expertise to write basic Wills free of charge. Instead of paying a fee, clients are invited to make a voluntary donation to Noah’s Ark. These donations help the charity provide specialist care and support to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, while also offering their families practical and emotional support.

Why Make A Will? A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever make. It ensures your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and that the process of dealing with your estate is simpler for those you leave behind.

Despite this, many people delay making a Will, often finding it difficult to talk about or unsure of how to begin. Make a Will Month provides the perfect opportunity to take this important step in a supportive, compassionate way, while at the same time contributing to a local cause that touches many lives.

How Does It Work? Taking part is simple. To arrange an appointment, you can contact Anvoner Law remembering to mention “Noah’s Ark – Make a Will Month” when you book. During your appointment, we’ll prepare your basic Will with the same professionalism and care that we bring to all our work. Instead of paying a legal fee, you will then be invited to make a donation directly to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in support of the invaluable services they provide.
The suggested donation is £120 for a single Will or £175 for a pair of mirror Wills, though any additional work beyond a basic Will may involve separate costs agreed with you in advance.

Please note: more complex Wills or changes to existing Wills may incur additional charges, which we’ll always agree with you in advance.

Why This Matters? Our Principal Solicitor, Samantha Anastasiou, specialises in private client work and is dedicated to helping families plan for the future with clarity, compassion, and care.

For Samantha, Make a Will Month is about more than just the legal process:

By inviting clients to donate to Noah’s Ark instead of paying a Will fee to us, we’re able to support an incredible local charity while ensuring families have the peace of mind a Will brings. Community is at the heart of what we do, and this campaign allows us to combine our professional expertise with giving something meaningful back.

– Samantha Anastasiou

Supporting Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice: Noah’s Ark is the leading children’s hospice service in north and central London, providing vital care to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Their dedicated team offers everything from clinical support and specialist therapies to respite care, sibling support, and end-of-life care.

By taking part in Make a Will Month, every donation made in place of a Will fee goes directly towards helping children and families make the most of every day.

Find Out More

If you would like to learn more about Make a Will Month
or Noah’sArk Children’s Hospice, you can visit their
website: noahsarkhospice.org.uk.

At Anvoner Law, we are proud to play a small part in this wider effort,
helping families plan for the future while also supporting one
of our community’s most important charities.

When I stepped into this role, my goal was simple: to honour the firm’s proud 30-year legacy while shaping a more modern, compassionate, and community-minded practice for the future.

The world has changed a lot in that time, and so have the needs of the families we support. Now, more than ever, people want straightforward, trustworthy advice delivered with care and understanding. That’s the experience we strive to create every single day.

Putting people first
The last few years have reminded us all of what truly matters – family, stability, and peace of mind. At Anvoner Law, our work has always been about more than paperwork. We help people through some of life’s biggest moments – planning ahead for loved ones, protecting what they’ve built, or dealing with loss.

That responsibility is something we take seriously. Every client who walks through our doors should feel seen, supported, and understood – not rushed or overwhelmed.

Modernising without losing our heart

Over the past three years, we’ve invested in clearer communication, simpler processes, and a warmer, more personal experience.

We’ve refined how we explain legal matters, making sure every conversation is grounded in clarity, not jargon. We’ve also updated our systems and digital tools so clients can get the information they need, when they need it – whether that’s securely sharing documents or appointments online.

Our focus has remained on the areas that make the most difference to local families:

• Wills & Estate Planning – helping families protect what they’ve built.
  
• Probate – easing the pressure during life’s most difficult times.
• Lasting Powers of Attorney – giving peace of mind for the future.

Each service is built around real people, not processes – ensuring that even the most complex situations are handled with empathy and professionalism.

Strengthening our roots in the community
Anvoner Law has always been part of the local fabric. Supporting community causes and local charities is something I’m personally passionate about.

One initiative particularly close to my heart is Make a Will Month in partnership with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. The hospice provides vital support to seriously unwell children and their families, and being able to contribute to their work through our legal expertise feels incredibly meaningful. Community work like this reminds us why we do what we do – to help families find comfort, clarity, and confidence when it matters most.

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, our mission remains unchanged: to make private client law feel human, accessible, and reassuring. We’ll continue building on what makes Anvoner Law special – a trusted local practice where every client is treated with warmth and respect, and where legal advice comes with empathy, not intimidation.

“Anvoner Law has always been about people, not paperwork.
Our role is to bring clarity, care, and confidence to every family we help.”

Whether you’re planning your future or navigating the loss of a loved one, we’re here to guide you with professionalism and compassion, every step of the way.

Samantha

Samantha Anastasiou
Principal Solicitor of Anvoner Law

Cras cursus orci ac leo pulvinar mattis. Duis magna tellus, venenatis a metus eget, scelerisque tempor ex. Curabitur dictum nec ligula ut tempor. Nunc semper felis a arcu scelerisque posuere ut at neque. Duis a efficitur est. Cras rhoncus diam libero, sed euismod diam mollis non. Pellentesque id augue eros.

Donec sit amet mi vitae felis vulputate dignissim. Mauris interdum, est in aliquam lacinia, metus ex convallis erat, euismod pulvinar ante nisi eu mauris. Sed eget leo sit amet dolor cursus ultrices. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Ut at consequat neque. Pellentesque sit amet neque nibh. Pellentesque semper semper elit, sed vehicula eros bibendum at. Vivamus rutrum neque vulputate sem laoreet, a feugiat erat scelerisque. Pellentesque semper cursus justo id feugiat.

Vivamus ac interdum dui, sed porttitor elit. Quisque vestibulum lobortis mauris, quis interdum nibh. Duis lectus sapien, pellentesque non ullamcorper quis, rhoncus sit amet lectus. Nunc mattis rhoncus felis. Ut venenatis, nisi a vestibulum iaculis, metus libero dapibus massa, ut dictum neque metus eu justo. Proin pellentesque id elit vel mollis. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Etiam sit amet neque id odio lobortis molestie eu sagittis diam. Aliquam eget turpis a ex finibus posuere. Ut vehicula aliquam tellus vel auctor. Sed et diam ex. Pellentesque bibendum consectetur magna tristique imperdiet. Suspendisse porttitor quam eget quam gravida, non egestas justo fermentum. Nam in velit augue.

Phasellus sit amet ornare eros. Pellentesque maximus tellus nisi, vel dictum massa ornare eget. Quisque et mi urna. Quisque pharetra sem massa, euismod varius nisl suscipit in. Phasellus ut quam sit amet ante viverra aliquet a vel lacus. Duis fermentum diam vel metus faucibus, non luctus magna laoreet. Cras dolor lectus, commodo eu justo vitae, mollis dapibus velit. Nunc sed massa eu velit iaculis sollicitudin at a turpis. Proin vitae velit libero. Donec eu dictum lacus. Sed faucibus egestas neque, vitae luctus nisi auctor sed. Curabitur ipsum justo, imperdiet et sagittis in, tincidunt nec neque. Duis egestas sodales consequat.

As a result of an epidemic of “blissful ignorance” we see so much money going to the taxman unnecessarily.  Most people don’t worry too much about Inheritance Tax because they think it only applies to ‘rich’ people.  But these days, anyone owning their own home may well be ‘rich’ enough for their assets to be liable for tax when they die.  If these matters aren’t addressed early on then it may well be too late, and you could have worked hard all your life just to hand everything over to the tax man when you die.

The Inheritance Tax allowance currently stands at £325,000 – with an additional allowance of £175,000 if you are leaving a property in your Estate to direct descendants.  Tax is paid at a rate of 40% on anything in an estate over and above that amount unless passing to your spouse or to charity, but with proper planning this can be greatly reduced or even eliminated altogether. You could save your loved ones a considerable amount of money by the use of flexible wills, properly advised lifetime gifts and trusts, and by taking advantage of Inheritance Tax reliefs and exemptions.

As specialist Solicitors, at Anvoner Law we recognise that every person has a different set of circumstances and different priorities and wishes.  We can explain to you in plain English how Inheritance Tax works and how it can often be avoided or minimised by taking the right steps.  We’ll go through suggestions which are relevant to your situation, showing how tax planning  can work, and what possible disadvantages have to be weighed against potential benefits.

Luckily for Sonia, she was given a reprieve when it became apparent that she still had her Grandad’s Inheritance Tax allowance to use, but not everyone will be that fortunate.  So don’t take a chance – get in touch with us for expert advice or download our brochure for further information. https://anvoner.co.uk/inheritance-tax-protection-of-assets/

You can call us on: 020 8449 0003

You can email us at: law@anvoner.co.uk

And you can find us at:

Sópers House
Sopers Road
Cuffley
Hertfordshire
EN6 4RY

We look forward to welcoming you.

Samantha Anastasiou

Principal Solicitor

Anvoner Law

And I have also secured the final piece of the jigsaw to enable me to fulfil my own dream. As my daughter was opening her A Level results, I received an email from the Solicitors Regulation Authority notifying me of my successful application for authorisation to set up my own Law practice.

When I was 18 years of age, and deciding on my future path, it was always my dream to study drama and perform. However, I was unsuccessful in gaining a place to do this, so instead followed a career in Law.

Whilst not my intended career, my passion for law started to develop and following qualification I attained a position as a Litigation lawyer in a City firm. A few years passed and I took some time out from my career to raise a family. Skip forward a few years, and upon attending a legal conference to refresh my knowledge in Private Client matters, I was introduced to Mr Michael Anvoner – and the next chapter began.

Michael Anvoner & Company first opened their doors around 30 years ago. Initially working from his kitchen table, Mr Anvoner has successfully built up an established private client business which has an excellent reputation for an exceptional service, with the added advantage of still providing a personal, friendly approach with your best interests at heart.

Michael Anvoner has now decided to retire from practice. However, I have been given the privilege and opportunity to acquire the firm and to continue to build upon Michael’s legacy. With such a strong foundation, I am looking forward to continuing to provide the consistent high level of personal service that our clients expect. All of the current team working at Michael Anvoner & Company (other than Michael) are staying on board so the team working with clients will be the one you already know.

From today (1st September) my new firm, Anvoner Law will practice from nearby Cuffley at Sopers House, Sopers Road, Cuffley, Hertfordshire. EN6 4RY. The main telephone number and email addresses will remain unchanged so you will be able to contact us in the usual ways.

Whilst I cannot offer Michael’s homemade biscuits (that family recipe is firmly held under lock and key!) I can offer you a relaxing modern environment (with a cappuccino or flat white!) where you will feel at ease to discuss your legal requirements.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his advice and legal expertise over the years and for trusting me with the opportunity to continue his legacy, and I look forward to you joining me as this new chapter begins.

Samantha Anastasiou

Principal Solicitor

Anvoner Law

If you are a Trustee, or you administer or benefit from a Trust, it’s important that you understand how the introduction of the UK Trusts Register may affect you and your Trust.

The Trust Register is now the only way that Trusts can be notified to HMRC for self-assessment purposes. It is imperative that Trustees of all new and existing Trusts (whether UK based or offshore) assess whether they fall within the registration requirements and take action accordingly.

The Trust Register was introduced in June 2017 and at that time trusts were only required to be registered where there was a UK tax liability, such as required to pay Income tax, Capital gains tax, Inheritance Tax or Stamp Duty Land Tax. However, in October 2020 new legislation was introduced to capture all trusts, regardless of whether they have a UK tax liability or not.

If a Trust has a UK Tax liability and has not previously been registered with HMRC, it must be electronically registered within 90 days of creation or two years of death if a Will Trust.

A Trust which does not have a UK tax liability and was in existence on or after 6th October 2020 must be registered before September 2022. After September 2022 the trust must be registered within the same deadlines as the trust with a UK tax liability.

Many common types of trusts are now required to be registered including Discretionary Trusts and Bare Trusts, although there are some exceptions, and responsibility for registering the trust falls with the Trustees.

The information below details the registration process, but if you are unsure about whether this affects you or what steps you need to take then please contact us for further advice.

You can put your trust in us – we’re aways here to help.

REGISTERING YOUR TRUST

If you’re a trustee, or you administer or benefit from a trust, it’s important that you understand how the introduction of the UK Trusts Register may affect you and your trust.

The Trust Register is now the only way that trusts can be notified to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for self-assessment tax purposes. It  is imperative that trustees of all new and existing trusts (whether UK based or offshore) assess whether they fall within the registration requirements and act
accordingly.  The Register was introduced in June 2017 and at that time trusts were only required to be registered where there was a UK tax liability. In October 2020 new legislation was introduced to capture all trusts, regardless of whether they have a UK tax liability.

If a trust has a UK tax liability and has not previously been registered with HMRC, it must be electronically registered within:
• 90 days of creation
• Two years of death if a will trust.

A trust which does not have a UK tax liability must be registered before September 2022.  After September 2022 the trust must be registered within the same deadlines as the trust with a UK Tax liability (within 90 days of creation or within two years of death if a will trust). Responsibility for registration falls with the trustees.

The information required by HMRC covers the trust itself, its beneficial owners, and any potential beneficiaries:

Trust Details
• The full name of the trust
• The date on which the trust was set up
• A statement of accounts for the trust, describing the trust assets and identifying the value of each category of the trust assets at the date of settlement
• The trust’s tax residence
• Where the trust is administered
• The trustees’ contact address
• The full name of any advisers acting on behalf of the trustees for their tax affairs.

Beneficial Owners & Potential Beneficiaries
• Full name
• Date of birth
• The nature of the individual’s role in relation to the trust
• National Insurance Number or unique taxpayer reference (if any).

For individuals without a National Insurance Number or unique taxpayer reference, you must provide their usual residential address. If this address is not in the UK, you must also include the number, country of issue and expiry date of their passport or identification card.  If the individual does not have either a passport or identification card, you must include the same details for any equivalent form of identification.

The beneficial owners of a trust include a wide group of people, including:
• The settlor
• Trustees
• Named/ascertained beneficiaries
• If there are no names/ascertained beneficiaries, then the class of people in whose main interest the trust is set up or operates
• Protectors, enforcers, guardians, appointers and anyone else who has a power to:
• dispose of, advance, lend, invest, pay or apply trust property
• vary or terminate the trust
• add or remove a person as a beneficiary or to or from a class of beneficiaries
• appoint or remove trustees or give another individual control over the trust
• direct, withhold consent to or veto the exercise of the four powers mentioned immediately above.

Trustees or their agents can register a trust using the UK ‘Government Gateway’ facility after setting up a Government Gateway account online. This is yet
another layer of compliance for trustees to consider alongside their many other responsibilities.

Trustees must maintain accurate and up-to-date written records of the beneficial owners of the trust and of its potential beneficiaries. Trustees of registered trusts must notify HMRC if details they have supplied (apart from asset values) change during years when the trust is taxable.

Further information on the TRS can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/register-a-trust-as-a-trustee