Lara Barton comments on the importance of Wills for UHNW teenagers in Tatler
Lara’s comments are published in Tatler, 16 June 2025, and can be seen here.
Lara Barton, Partner in our Private Client department, is quoted in Tatler exploring the growing importance of Wills among young ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals. The piece highlights a shift in estate planning, as teenagers increasingly hold significant assets, from digital investments to early inheritances, necessitating earlier legal preparation.
Lara emphasises the risks of intestacy, particularly when assets are held in bare trusts, where the absence of a Will could inadvertently reverse careful estate planning by returning assets to parents. She supports the proposal to lower the legal age for making a Will to 16, aligning it with other legal responsibilities young people can already undertake.
The article also broadens the conversation beyond Wills, highlighting the importance of holistic planning tools such as powers of attorney, family charters, and trusts. Lara notes that even the most robust structures can falter without foundational legal documents.
As the “great wealth transfer” accelerates, she stresses the need for young heirs to be equipped not only with legal protections but also with the knowledge and professional support to manage their inheritance responsibly. The article concludes that early education, guided involvement, and structured planning are essential to preparing the next generation for the complexities of modern wealth.
Read the full article on the Tatler website [external link].