Wills and trusts

We know it can be difficult to plan for the future. Mencap can help make things easier by offering advice and suggestions about making a will, so you can be sure your loved one with a learning disability will get the financial support they need when you are no longer around.

At Mencap, we understand that parents and families worry about how their loved one with a learning disability will manage their financial affairs when they are no longer around - and are often concerned that a large amount of money may put them in a vulnerable position.

Families may also be keen to ensure that their loved one with a learning disability continues to receive their means-tested state benefits, but still enjoys any family inheritance.

The wills and trusts information service includes:

• Free booklets about writing wills and setting up trusts for the benefit of someone with a learning disability.

• A directory of specialist wills and trusts solicitors across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• Free 'Planning for the future' seminars around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These free two-hour seminars offer vital, professional legal advice and give parents and carers a much-needed opportunity to ask a local solicitor any questions about wills and trusts.

• Our in-house wills and trusts solicitor Aarti Gupta advises many parents, carers and trustees about their options when considering their family members with a learning disability in wills and trusts. Aarti is able to give free advice over the phone and by email, but does not make wills or set up trusts.

• Mencap Trust Company Limited is a company that sets up and manages discretionary trusts for people with a learning disability.

• Information about leaving a gift to Mencap.

For more information, please contact:

The wills and trusts team
Telephone: 020 7696 6925
Email: willsandtrusts@mencap.org.uk