The way assets are owned can become particularly important when operating a business, providing personal guarantees or taking on financial risk. We advise on appropriate ownership structures and asset-protection strategies designed to separate personal, family and business assets where possible.

Our advice includes the use of trusts, companies, shareholder arrangements and other structures. We also review existing arrangements to ensure they remain effective and have been properly administered.

Personal and business assets can be significantly affected when a relationship ends or one partner dies. We help clients understand how the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 may apply to their circumstances and put appropriate arrangements in place before problems arise.

This can include contracting-out agreements, advice on the ownership of trusts and companies, and planning for inherited assets, family wealth and business interests. Where a relationship has already ended, our family law team can advise on the classification and division of assets.

A carefully structured succession plan can help preserve family assets, avoid uncertainty and ensure wealth is transferred in accordance with your intentions. We work with families to plan for the transfer of homes, businesses, farms, investments and other significant assets between generations.

Our advice considers trusts, wills, enduring powers of attorney, business succession, retirement arrangements and the changing needs of different family members. We take a long-term approach, helping clients establish arrangements that are both practical now and adaptable for the future.

The structure and timing of a transaction can have significant tax consequences. We provide legal advice on the tax implications of trusts, property ownership, business structures, succession arrangements and asset transfers.

Where specialist accounting or tax advice is required, we work alongside your accountant and other professional advisers to ensure the legal and financial aspects of your arrangements are properly coordinated.

Asset-planning arrangements should not be treated as “set and forget”. Changes in legislation, relationships, business activities, family circumstances or financial objectives may mean that an existing structure is no longer suitable.

We review trusts, companies, wills, relationship property agreements and ownership arrangements to identify gaps, unnecessary complexity or risks. Where changes are required, we provide clear advice and assist with implementing a more appropriate structure.