What is a Trust & Estate Practitioner and why should you use one?

A TEP is the designation given to full members of STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners) which is an international professional association. Membership is by examination and members have specialist knowledge and experience in relation to inheritance and succession planning.

Most TEPs are solicitors and draft wills and trusts, administer estates, act as trustees and advise families on how best to structure their finances to ensure compliance and preserve their assets for future generations.

TEP's often help people when they are going through an especially difficult or emotional time, such as after the death of a love done, so why should you use one?

A TEP has:

• Specialist expertise: TEPs are recognised experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience. By joining STEP and maintaining their membership they have also shown significant commitment to their continued professional development in this specialist area.

• Integrity: TEPs are subject to an extensive code of professional conduct, requiring them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the wider community. These professional standards provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect.

• Knowledge: TEPs are required to maintain and develop the knowledge and skills relevant to their role as a condition of their continued membership. This means they will always be up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments that may affect you and your situation.

• Connections: TEPs have access to a global network of 20,000 professionals, enabling them to share knowledge and expertise across professional and geographic boundaries and to offer a joined-up service that can really add value to you as a client.

At Wilkin Chapman, we have more than 10 Trust & Estate Practitioners throughout our network of offices including Lesley Archer and Lucy Butterfint in Beverley. By instructing a TEP, you can be assured that your matter will be dealt with sensitively and efficiently by lawyers you can trust. For more life planning advice, contact one of our specialists.