- 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
Introducing Pre- and Post-Marital Agreements
Marriage today is more complex than ever given the high rates of divorce, second marriages, blended families, and increasing globalization of couples. Anyone with significant property, an inheritance, a family business, or children from a prior marriage ought to consider a pre-marital agreement. Those entering a same sex marriage or civil union should also consider one. If the couple is multinational or goes global, there could be unintended changes to property ownership and tax consequences. What additional considerations should a couple take into account in planning for their marriage...
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...
International Estate Administration from a Canadian perspective
International Estate Administration for Canadian executors or beneficiary The administration of an estate can be a complex and intimidating process at the best of times. If the estate in question has international components to it, the complexity increases and professional guidance will almost certainly be essential. This article will provide an overview of some of the issues that arise in the context of estate administration with international elements, from the perspective of a Canadian executor or a Canadian beneficiary. There are a number of things that can make an estate...
Forced Heirship under Italian Law
Italy is a civil law country and title to property succeeds from one generation to the next according to the provisions of the Civil Code. Property may pass by the laws of “headed” succession (without a will), or by will or other testamentary instrument. Forced Heirship Forced heirship is an aspect quite specific to Italian Law, insofar as it poses stringent limitations to the freedom of a person to dispose of its assets post mortem, and to some extent also in his/her lifetime. Below we will consider its main provisions and practical examples. Under the Italian Civil Code, when a person...
