Succession law and estate planning

Succession law and estate planning arise at crucial moments in life: when drawing up a marriage contract, making or revising a will, planning a gift, establishing a lasting power of attorney, or when settling an estate and resolving a succession dispute. The regulatory framework is complex and the financial, and mostly family, interests at stake are considerable. A considered approach and timely advice make all the difference. A lawyer specialising in succession law and/or estate planning provides support from the first questions through to the final settlement, with particular attention to timing, communication and harmony within families.

What is succession law and estate planning?

Succession law encompasses all the legal rules governing the transmission of an estate and the rights and obligations of heirs.

Estate planning allows a person to consider, during their lifetime, the transfer of their assets by means of gifts, wills, lasting powers of attorney or other legal instruments such as marriage contracts and companies.

What can FAIRWAY do for you?

FAIRWAY advises and assists clients in all aspects of succession law and estate planning, both as lawyers and as mediators:

• Advice and guidance on drawing up or amending a marriage contract
• Advice and analysis regarding wills and gifts
• Guidance on other forms of estate planning such as companies and simple partnerships
• Guidance on lasting powers of attorney and provisional administration
• Liquidation and division of estates
• Challenging wills or gifts
• Guidance on declarations of succession
• Guidance on the transfer of a family business

Wherever possible, we consistently pursue an amicable resolution through dialogue and negotiation. Where necessary, we also provide assistance and representation in court proceedings. You can also turn to our accredited mediators.

For whom is a succession and estate planning lawyer useful?

A succession and estate planning lawyer is of value to anyone wishing to organise their assets in a considered manner or facing an estate matter. This applies both to those wishing to consider the transfer of their assets by means of a will, a gift or a lasting power of attorney, and to heirs facing a complex estate, a dispute or tensions within the family.

Want to know more?

Anyone with questions about succession law or estate planning is welcome to contact FAIRWAY. We listen, analyse and safeguard your interests with expertise and with particular attention to the human aspects.