Family office & private client disputes

Disputes involving family wealth can be complex and personal. Where family relationships, business interests and significant assets overlap, a disagreement may have financial, commercial and reputational implications.

We consider the legal issues alongside the wider family, commercial and financial context, with the aim of protecting our clients’ interests and identifying an appropriate way forward.

How we can help

Private wealth disputes may involve assets, individuals and legal structures in several jurisdictions. We work with clients and their advisers to understand the issues, assess the available options and develop a strategy for resolving the dispute.

Where appropriate, we seek to resolve matters through negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Where formal proceedings are necessary, we act to protect our clients’ interests.

Our work may involve disputes concerning:

  • Family offices and family-owned businesses
  • Employment disputes involving family offices, family businesses, family members and senior executives
  • Shareholders and family business ownership
  • Succession/ inheritance disputes
  • Trusts, foundations and other wealth-holding structures
  • Family constitutions and governance arrangements
  • Ownership and control of family assets
  • Gifts and transfers of wealth
  • Property and other significant assets
  • Trustees, beneficiaries and fiduciaries
  • Estate administration
  • Professional advisers
  • Cross-border assets and structures

Family office and family business disputes

Family offices can sit at the centre of relationships between family members, businesses, investments and wealth-holding structures. Disagreements about ownership, control, governance, decision-making, distributions or the management of assets may therefore have consequences beyond the immediate issue.

We advise on disputes involving family assets and investment interests, including disagreements between generations or between family members and those responsible for managing family wealth. Our approach takes account of the immediate legal position and the wider interests of the family and its businesses.

Succession and inheritance disputes

Disputes may arise over inheritance, succession arrangements or the ownership and distribution of assets. We advise family members, beneficiaries and other interested parties on contentious succession matters, particularly where estates, assets or family members are connected with more than one jurisdiction.

We can also assist where concerns arise about the validity or interpretation of succession arrangements, an individual’s capacity or intentions, or the circumstances surrounding a transfer of wealth.

Trust and foundation disputes

Trusts, foundations and other structures may be used to hold and manage family wealth. Disagreements can arise over their operation, management or control.

We advise trustees, beneficiaries, founders and family members on issues including distributions, decision-making, fiduciary responsibilities and beneficial interests.

Family business ownership and governance disputes

Disagreements between family shareholders or other stakeholders can affect both family relationships and the business itself.

We advise on disputes involving ownership, management, governance, succession, decision-making and the transfer of interests between generations. Where possible, we seek to identify solutions that address the dispute while taking account of the business’s value and continuity.

Property and asset disputes

Family wealth may include property portfolios, investments and other assets held personally or through companies, trusts, foundations or other structures.

We advise where disagreements concern the ownership, control, use or disposal of these assets, including disputes between family members, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

Disputes involving professional advisers and fiduciaries

Private clients and family offices may rely on trustees, directors, investment professionals, accountants, tax advisers and other specialists to manage their affairs.

Where concerns arise about an adviser’s or fiduciary’s actions, we help clients assess their position, consider available options and determine an appropriate course of action.

Cross-border private wealth disputes

Where family members, businesses, trusts, investments or property are spread across jurisdictions, disputes may require coordinated advice. We work with clients and, where required, advisers in other jurisdictions to help develop a joined-up strategy.

Resolving disputes with care

Private wealth disputes may raise concerns about confidentiality, family relationships, business continuity and reputation as well as financial outcomes. We handle these considerations carefully, using negotiation and mediation where appropriate while remaining prepared to pursue or defend formal proceedings when necessary.