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Trustees, executors and fiduciaries
It's a great honor and responsibility to be entrusted to manage and dispense wealth on behalf of others. As the rules regarding investments, accounting and taxes get ever more complex, it's vital that you understand what powers and responsibilities you do or don't have.
This is particularly critical when interests in multiple jurisdictions around the world are involved, as hasty decisions can trigger punitive tax consequences which could otherwise be prevented.
Global experience
We have acted for many generations of executors and trustees and our team is available to guide you through the different rules and decisions you must deal with. With 17 offices globally, we are particularly skilled on cross-border matters involving complex questions of tax, as well as advising trustees and executors on claims brought against them by beneficiaries or third parties.
Given your fiduciary duty to the trust’s or the estate’s beneficiaries, you may be particularly vulnerable to claims of breach of duty, and in certain circumstances, this can lead to personal exposure to a claim. We help manage risk for a wide cross-section of trustee clients. We act in ‘friendly’ disputes, where the court simply gives guidance on how best to resolve a particular trust or estate problem; but if the matter cannot be sorted out or the parties are ‘hostile’, we prosecute or defend on behalf of our client as necessary.
Our in-house trust corporation, WITCO, has a full-time team who can act as executor or trustee for UK wills and trusts, and we have extensive contacts throughout the onshore and offshore world of trust management.
How we can help
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.
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.
Divorce, separation and financesFinancial matters can be one of the most stressful aspects of a separation. Our highly experienced team will set a clear strategy and work hard to achieve the fairest possible arrangements.
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.
Allegations of wrongdoing are extremely concerning for trust beneficiaries, trustees and executors. With long experience of trusts around the world, our lawyers offer smart, practical advice.
Inheritance, estate and gift taxesWhether your assets are based solely in your home country or spread around the world, we can help with inheritance tax planning so that the authorities do not take more than their fair share.
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.
We can help you to identify the right structure to hold your wealth, find the right global location to establish it, and stress-test it robustly so your assets are well protected for the future.
Wealth structuringWe 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.
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.
Track record
Recognition
Our team

Natasha Stourton
Partner | London

Anisha Ramanathan
Partner | Hong Kong

Paul Hewitt
Partner | London

Steven Kempster
Partner | London

Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York

Yee Hoong Chua
Partner | Singapore

Elizabeth A. Bawden
Partner | Los Angeles

Fernando Gandioli
Partner | Singapore
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Beneficiaries and heirs
Whatever you have inherited, and wherever it is in the world, our leading team of lawyers can help you to protect the value of the asset, manage the tax implications and resolving any disputes. Find Out More
Families and family offices
Families call on us when they want a firm that understands their needs – whether they are looking to pass down wealth, set up and run a family office, or make their mark through philanthropy. Find Out More
High net worth individuals
With complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that. Find Out MoreGet in touch
Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.