> Experience > Families and their advisors > Beneficiaries and heirs
Regardless of whether the bequest consists of land and property, a business, cultural assets, a financial endowment or a mixture of several of these, you will want to know how best to safeguard the value of it. We are proud to act for new wealth creators as well as generations of successful families since we were founded in 1896. As a result, there are few issues we have not encountered and advised on.
Gift tax, estate tax, transfer taxes, wealth taxes and other forms of capital tax could all be due on an estate, depending on the circumstances. Our international team is one of the leading groups for advising on the structuring of estates to manage tax. Trusts and foundations are hugely useful for efficient wealth and succession planning if they are properly set up and managed and, we can provide a truly global perspective.
Succession disputes are unfortunately all too common, and it is frequently the case that the larger the estate in question, the more sources of contention tend to emerge. We have one of the largest international teams dedicated to dealing with such issues as they arise, or with such disputes where no internal resolution is possible. International inheritance fights can be particularly complex and must be handled very carefully to avoid a host of unwanted and unforeseen consequences. Using tools such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are also effective ways of ensuring that an estate is protected.
When you have secured your bequest, you may want to give some thought to ways in which it can be used to benefit your community and others around the world. We can advise you on the variety of options for establishing a philanthropic enterprise and the right way to structure your giving to avoid triggering punitive legal and financial implications.
We are highly experienced in handling claims against estate administrators. Our leading team can identify any wrongdoing and advise on remedies. We also regularly act for fiduciaries themselves.
Estate planning, wills and successionWhether you wish to protect family assets, navigate cross-border tax issues or benefit a good cause, our private client lawyers will discuss your priorities, advise on options and put a plan in place.
Court of ProtectionWe are here for you in the difficult situation where someone has lost capacity to take key decisions for themselves, routinely bringing and defending applications in the UK Court of Protection.
Family businessesFrom small companies to global brands, we understand the dynamics of family businesses and what makes them special. We offer a rounded view on everything from tax to succession planning.
At difficult moments in life, you need the best advice available. As one of the largest and most experienced teams of family and divorce lawyers in the world, we’re here to help you through.
Probate and estate administrationAt a time of loss, it is important to avoid a drawn-out administrative process. Our leading lawyers offer a seamless service, helping families, executors and trustees to handle complex estates.
Problems with trusteesWhere there are concerns about trustees and other fiduciaries, it is important to act quickly. We advise beneficiaries and trustees on a range of disputes and can help you to get a resolution.
Will, estate and legacy disputesAs one of the only global law firms with a team dedicated purely to succession disputes, we offer families, friends, executors and charities guidance on all manner of challenges to wills.
We help individuals, families and their advisors to plan for the future, establishing priorities and finding solutions. And we offer seamless support for those with international interests.
Trust, estate and inheritance disputesAs one of the largest teams of trust, estate and inheritance dispute lawyers in the world, we draw on extensive experience to explore your succession dispute and find the best available solution.
PhilanthropyThere is no single approach to philanthropy; what’s key is that your giving has the biggest impact possible. Whichever way you choose to donate, our team can advise on what is most effective.
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Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore
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