PERSONAL ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
Inheritance Tax Planning (IHT)
Protect Your Wealth — Keep it in the Family
Why Inheritance Tax Planning Is So Important
Inheritance tax is widely known as a ‘voluntary tax’, because there are legal, tried and tested solutions to reduce or even mitigate it. Every year, thousands of families pay unnecessary tax because they didn’t plan ahead.
The final Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts for the 2024/25 tax year reached a record of £8.2 billion. This was an increase of £750 million from the previous year's total.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had forecasted slightly higher total receipts for 2024/25, with an initial estimate in October 2024 of £8.3 billion, revised to £8.4 billion in March 2025.
This continued rise in IHT receipts is primarily attributed to:
- Frozen tax-free thresholds (nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band) which are in place until April 2030, a form of fiscal drag that brings more estates into the IHT net as asset values increase.
- Rising property and asset values across the UK. Rising house prices push ordinary families over the tax threshold — and HMRC is keeping more of what you worked for.
For the current 2025/26 tax year, the OBR forecasts IHT receipts to rise further to £9.1 billion, with predictions to exceed £14 billion by 2030 due to these factors and planned policy changes.
With our help, you can:
✔️ Use HMRC allowances and reliefs ✔️ Protect your family home and business
✔️ Secure your legacy for future generations ✔️ Get total peace of mind
✔️ Secure your legacy for future generations ✔️ Get total peace of mind
Local experts working in association with regulated and insured industry professionals.
Clear, legal ways to reduce your Inheritance Tax burden
Trusted by families across Devon
Book Your Free Inheritance Tax Review — no jargon, no hidden costs.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Clelia G
1 year ago
I contacted Michael Doctors having searched for specialist Estate Planners in my area and found the Michaels & Co website. He offered us a free in depth review of our existing Wills, circumstances and concerns. We work in Budleigh Salterton and Michael was very accommodating as far as when and where consultations can take place. As well as a free initial consultation, we were able to request online, a free estate planning guide which discussed the various Trust & Estate Planning options available. Michael clearly is very knowledgeable in all aspects of Wills, Trusts & Lasting Powers of Attorney and comes across as someone who truly cares.
Response from the owner
Dear Clelia, thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It was a pleasure meeting with you and discussing your estate planning needs. I'm glad you found the initial consultation and planning guide helpful, and I truly appreciate your kind words about my approach and knowledge. If you ever have any further questions or need support in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.I look forward to seeing you soonBest wishes,Michael1 year ago
Nicola Wilson
1 year ago
Michael Doctors has a natural ability to grasp complex personal circumstances and responds with clarity, professionalism, and warmth. He creates a calm, unhurried space to talk through sensitive topics and offers a free initial online consultation.
His website provides clear, educational resources that reflect his thoughtful approach — including a downloadable guide that explains the importance of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and establishing Trusts.
It’s clear he genuinely cares about getting things right for the people he works with, and he’s willing to travel extensively to spend time with clients in person.
His website provides clear, educational resources that reflect his thoughtful approach — including a downloadable guide that explains the importance of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and establishing Trusts.
It’s clear he genuinely cares about getting things right for the people he works with, and he’s willing to travel extensively to spend time with clients in person.
Response from the owner
Dear Nicola, thank you for your thoughtful and generous review. I'm truly grateful for your kind words. It means a great deal to know that you felt supported and at ease when discussing such important and often sensitive matters. I always aim to provide a clear and reassuring approach, and I’m glad to hear that came across during our conversations.It’s also good to hear that you found the website resources helpful — I believe informed decisions come from clear guidance, and I’m pleased they reflected that intention.Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. It’s a privilege to work with clients like yourself, and I remain committed to providing care, clarity, and support wherever it’s needed.Best wishesMichael Doctors1 year ago
Tyra Kellett
1 year ago
I contacted Michael Doctors for a free initial consultation via the contact form on his website. I didn’t at any point feel obligated to use Michael Doctors services and this is a genuine offer for an in depth review of our circumstances and concerns. We are based in Budleigh Salterton and have a young family and a busy work life, running the popular Brook Kitchen Art Café & Restaurant. Along with the free initial consultation we received a free estate planning guide which we are finding tremendously helpful in making decisions about our estate planning. We would definitely recommend making contact for a discussion concerning all aspects of Wills Trusts & lasting Powers of Attorney. Michael Doctors really does know his stuff and we never felt that he was watching the clock!
Response from the owner
Hello Tyra,Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I am delighted you found our discussion relaxed, whist comprehensive and addressing all your concerns.Best wishes,Michael1 year ago
Andy Lewis
2 years ago
Michael provided estate planning advice for me. Michael Doctors is an incredibly patient and professional advisor, who carefully explains intricate elements of financial services in an engaging way. Being based in East Devon, having a local financial specialist has been reassuring and I’d definitely recommend him.
Response from the owner
Thank you for your review Andy, all feedback is greatly appreciated. The lines between Estate Planning and Financial Planning can often be blurred and I take great pride in demystifying this area of advice for clients. Working hand in hand with chartered financial planners whilst establishing Trust structures is essential for any robust Estate Planning strategy and I look forward to working further with you on this.2 years ago
Jane McGregor
2 years ago
Michael came up with some very important points to consider for my will which had not been suggested by a solicitor for my previous will. He also introduced me to the concept of trusts and helped me understand how I can make things easier for my children to manage my estate when I die, or if I become unable to make decisions myself.
Michael offers excellent customer service and was extremely patient with my endless questions.
Michael offers excellent customer service and was extremely patient with my endless questions.
Response from the owner
Dear JaneThank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your experience with our estate planning services. I'm grateful that you found the consultation helpful, particularly regarding the trust options.Identifying important Estate Planning considerations which hadn't been previously addressed by solicitors is a complex and personal matter, and it's crucial to explore all available options to ensure your wishes are carried out effectively while making things manageable for your children Your questions were never "endless" – they were all important and helped us create the most appropriate plan for your specific situation. I believe that thorough understanding is essential when making such significant decisions about your families future.Please don't hesitate to phone me if you have any additional questions.Best regards,Michael2 years ago
Derek Burgess
2 years ago
My wife and I used Michael Doctors to revise our wills, set up Powers of Attorney and also Trusts. Michael gave us good advice and set up everything according to our wishes. He was very thorough and answered all of our questions to our complete satisfaction. We both recommend him.
Response from the owner
Dear Derek & Margaret Thank you for your thoughtful review and recommendation. I'm delighted that I could assist you and you both with your estate planning objectives. Creating well-structured wills, powers of attorney, and trusts is essential for protecting your family's future, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me for these important decisions.Your satisfaction with our services and my ability to address your questions thoroughly means a great deal. I strive to ensure each client receives personalised attention and clear guidance through the estate planning process.Should you need any assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to phone me.Best regards,Michael Doctors2 years ago
michelle westcott
3 years ago
what did you like best
Michael Doctors of Michaels & Company, advised us about Wills, Family Protection Trusts & Lasting Powers of Attorney. We were very concerned to keep control of these affairs within our family and wanted to ensure that our estate remained within our family.
Michael provided initial consultation by video call and followed up with a personal face to face visit at our home. At no time did we feel rushed or pressurised. All our questions were answered and after we instructed him to set everything up for us he provided up dates and arranged a further visit to ensure our documents were signed correctly.
What would you tell your friends or colleagues about me?
Michael was not at all pushy as we found with other companies providing this service. He provided clear explanations in plain English which we could understand. We have already recommended him to our neighbour.
Micheal is a well presented down to earth gentleman ,thoroughly knowledgeable in this field highly recommend to anyone looking into this .
Thank you Micheal
Michael Doctors of Michaels & Company, advised us about Wills, Family Protection Trusts & Lasting Powers of Attorney. We were very concerned to keep control of these affairs within our family and wanted to ensure that our estate remained within our family.
Michael provided initial consultation by video call and followed up with a personal face to face visit at our home. At no time did we feel rushed or pressurised. All our questions were answered and after we instructed him to set everything up for us he provided up dates and arranged a further visit to ensure our documents were signed correctly.
What would you tell your friends or colleagues about me?
Michael was not at all pushy as we found with other companies providing this service. He provided clear explanations in plain English which we could understand. We have already recommended him to our neighbour.
Micheal is a well presented down to earth gentleman ,thoroughly knowledgeable in this field highly recommend to anyone looking into this .
Thank you Micheal
Response from the owner
Dear Michelle,Thank you for your kind review, it's very much appreciated. I take a great pride in my work and conducting myself 'the right way'. This area of law is such sensitive issue for all clients no matter the age, gender, ethnicity or walk of life and Estate Planning is a journey and often one which clients found difficult to address. As such I find patient approach is the only way and I'm delighted to have helped you achieve your objectives.Please stay in touch, especially where there are and changes in your circumstances, which may give rise to needing updates to your legal documents.Best wishesMichael Doctors3 years ago
diane shelton
4 years ago
Michael was very professional and knowledgable in addition to being a very pleasant person.
To discuss such a complex and potentially distressing subject he was a pleasure to have in our home
I would recommend his services to anyone.
To discuss such a complex and potentially distressing subject he was a pleasure to have in our home
I would recommend his services to anyone.
Response from the owner
Thank you Diane & Angus.Likewise, you were a pleasure to work with. Please let me know if there are any significant changes whereby you feel you may need a review of your Family Protection Trusts and Estate Planning.Best wishesMichael4 years ago
Mrs China
4 years ago
Michael Doctors of Michaels & Co provided advice on Estate Planning, Wills and Family Protection Trusts and all conducted in the comfort and privacy of our own home.
The Planning was tailored precisely to our circumstances and at a competitive price considering Michael came to us for both the initial consultation and he personally supervised the attestation of our engrossed documents.
Michael provides a range of Legal Services specialising in Estate Planning and has the experience and qualifications which provided us with the confidence in dealing with both him and his team.
Everything was carefully explained and options given. Communication was always reliable and Micheal himself was very personable.
The Planning was tailored precisely to our circumstances and at a competitive price considering Michael came to us for both the initial consultation and he personally supervised the attestation of our engrossed documents.
Michael provides a range of Legal Services specialising in Estate Planning and has the experience and qualifications which provided us with the confidence in dealing with both him and his team.
Everything was carefully explained and options given. Communication was always reliable and Micheal himself was very personable.
Response from the owner
Dear Lucy, thank you for your review and feedback, it was a pleasure seeing your parents and you again and should you have any questions relating to the Family Protection Trust in the months and years to come please phone me directly. With very best wishes, Michael.4 years ago
Sarah Cummins
4 years ago
We were originally introduced to Michael Doctors during Covid lockdown and he provided a video call consultation.
He spent time understanding our complex family situation and he was able to confidently provide in-depth explanation of products including Wills, Family Protection Trust and Lasting powers of attorney.
Michael was able to provide complex family bloodline protection advice which he was able to explain in terms that was easy to understand.
We had spent over 20 years deliberating this matter and his personal tailored service was a breath of fresh air.
Michael was very attentive and demonstrated great professionalism and patience during the process and we felt throughout that we were in very safe hands.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Michael Doctors to friends and family.
Sarah and Andy – Burgess Hill, West Sussex
He spent time understanding our complex family situation and he was able to confidently provide in-depth explanation of products including Wills, Family Protection Trust and Lasting powers of attorney.
Michael was able to provide complex family bloodline protection advice which he was able to explain in terms that was easy to understand.
We had spent over 20 years deliberating this matter and his personal tailored service was a breath of fresh air.
Michael was very attentive and demonstrated great professionalism and patience during the process and we felt throughout that we were in very safe hands.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Michael Doctors to friends and family.
Sarah and Andy – Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Response from the owner
Dear Sarah and Andy, thank you for instructing me in the matter of your Estate & Succession Planning. I’m delighted you are pleased with the service, which is of course ongoing. As such, should there be any significant changes in family circumstances as a result of which we may need to revisit the planning, please let me know. Best wishes, Michael.4 years ago
How It Works — Simple 3-Step Process
1
Free Call or meeting in person
We learn about your family’s dynamics and objectives.
2
Tailored Plan
You get clear, Trust options to minimise IHT.
3
Ongoing Support
We help you put everything in place — so you stay compliant and your family is protected.
See What Other Families Say
“I had been looking for advice on inheritance planning and after having no success with solicitors and IFA’s, was fortunate to find Michael Doctors. He was able to give me enough information about my situation in an initial phone call, that I was happy to quickly arrange a face-to-face meeting. I have been so impressed by the way Michael Doctors has explained (and helped us sort out) ‘preserving wealth for future generations’ that I have recommended Michael Doctors and his estate planning services to several friends and family members since”.
Real-Life Example: Tax Saved
CASE STUDY:
A retired couple in East Devon with a property worth £1.2m and savings of £400,000 were facing a potential £240,000 IHT bill. By setting up bespoke trusts we were able to eliminate this. With rising house prices and growth of investments there are further options for additional tax planning.
Why Families Trust Michaels & Co. Estate Planning Limited
Local and regulated Trust strategies.
27 years’ experience.
Plain-English advice — no jargon or pushy sales
5-star rated by families in the South West & South East
Take Control Today — Get Your Free IHT Review
Don’t leave your family with an unexpected tax bill. Get a clear plan you can trust.
Book a Free Initial ConsultationOur Personal Estate Planning Services
Will Writing, Family Protection Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Care Fee Planning, Probate, Trust Taxation, Deed of Variation, Disability Trusts
Our Business Estate Planning Services
Protecting Business Assets, Cross Option Agreements, Shareholder Trusts
“Michael Doctors dealt with the situation sensitively, professionally and promptly. We could not have received a better service at what was a very difficult time”.
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