When Poor Planning Increases Tax and Forces Asset Sales
John believed his estate plan would reduce inheritance tax and protect his family.
In reality, the situation was far more serious.
The Hidden Risk He Hadn’t Considered
Not only did his will fail to reduce inheritance tax…
It could actually increase the liability — and bring it forward.
Inheritance tax would need to be addressed before probate could be granted.
Without available cash, this creates a major issue.
What That Means in Practice
If there isn’t enough liquidity:
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Assets may need to be sold quickly
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Properties could be sold below market value
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The family could lose control over key decisions
So the very plan designed to:
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Protect his wife
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Preserve his assets
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Reduce tax
Would have achieved the complete opposite.
No Advice — Just Instructions Followed
When asked about legal advice, John confirmed:
There wasn’t any.
The solicitor had simply acted on his instructions.
The Outcome
By restructuring his will properly, he was able to:
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Protect his wife’s position
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Prevent forced sales of property
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Maintain control over how assets passed to the children
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Create a far more efficient inheritance tax position
Most importantly, uncertainty was replaced with clarity.
The Key Takeaway
If you own your home and have assets you want to pass on, it is not enough to simply have a will.
It has to be the right will.
One that protects:
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Your spouse
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Your children
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Your assets
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Your intentions
Because getting this wrong doesn’t just create inconvenience.
It can create conflict, financial loss, and lasting damage — at the worst possible time.