- Charities, philanthropy and gifts
- Cross-border estate planning
- Education, training and preparation of next generation
- Emergency measures
- Emigration and immigration
- Estate planning
- Estate taxes and duties
- Family assets; art, portfolio, realty
- Family business
- Family disputes and solutions
- Family Governance and Family Charters
- Family Office
- Foundations and Trusts
- Last will and testament
- Living will
- Marriage contracts, nuptial agreements and matrimonial law
- Personal income tax
- Protection of assets
- Residency
- Structures to hold, control or manage family wealth
- Succession planning and transfer to next generation
- Tax Planning
The History of the Family Office
It is often assumed that the acclaimed American family, the Rockefellers, pioneered the family office in the late 19th century. However, history suggests otherwise. While today’s family offices are a modern phenomenon, they have always existed in various shapes and forms since ancient times. The discussion around family offices has intensified over the last decade as an increasing number of affluent families take a structured approach to their wealth management. Yet, we are not likely to ever find a uniform definition that encompasses everyone’s notions of what these offices should do or...
Succession Planning in the UAE for Family Businesses
Succession Planning in the UAE Succession Planning in the UAE - Family Businesses (“FBS”) are significant contributors to United Arab Emirates’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), wealth creation and economic stability. However, research demonstrates that the survival rate of FBS over the generations is low. Several factors contribute to the low survival rate, from increased competition to lack of capital, with one of the key reasons being lack of succession planning. It is typical for high net worth individuals to delay succession planning indefinitely as they believe there is no threat to...
Enforceability of Pre- and Post-marital Agreements
Enforceability of Marital Agreements An important issue for the couple is whether the marital agreement will be enforceable. Generally, it will be upheld if it was entered into voluntarily and is not unconscionable. There are several facts the courts will look at to determine enforceability. First, both parties must sign the agreement voluntarily. It should not be signed in circumstances that may indicate duress, coercion or undue pressure. This means that the parties should not sign the agreement en route to the wedding ceremony. Ideally, the agreement should be signed well in advance of...
The advantages of private foundations
A private foundation is a corporate entity with separate legal personality, but which has no owners, and therefore does not issue shares or other ownership interests. It is established by a founder who contributes initial funds or assets to the foundation. The foundation is governed by its constitutional documents, which typically consist of a charter and bylaws, and a governing body called directors or council members. There will typically also be a guardian or enforcer who is empowered to supervise the directors to ensure they are complying with the foundation charter and bylaws, and...
