Partner and Head of Private Client James Cohen and Senior Associate Natasha Southam recently advised a high-profile individual on a bespoke cross-border succession planning structure. The plan was designed to support his family, safeguard his legacy and address the complexities of holding assets across multiple jurisdictions. In our latest case study, we highlight how tailored Wills, trusts and powers of attorney can work together to provide long-term security and flexibility while adapting to changing personal circumstances.
As his personal and financial affairs became increasingly international, a public-facing individual began reviewing how his estate should be structured for the future. Having built a successful career, he wanted a plan that would protect his family, reflect his wishes and carefully manage the cross-border nature of his assets.
The challenge
As the client’s career and personal circumstances evolved, planning for the future became an increasing priority. With property and investments held across multiple jurisdictions, children from a previous relationship and a marriage on the horizon, it became clear that a standard Will would not adequately address the complexities involved.
Partner and Head of Private Client James Cohen and Senior Associate Natasha Southam were instructed to advise on a structure capable of addressing the international aspects of the estate while also supporting the client’s long-term family and succession planning objectives.
The solution
Rather than relying on a single document, the team prepared a bespoke English Will covering the client’s worldwide assets, excluding those in France. A dedicated French Will was prepared to deal specifically with his French property, ensuring compliance with local legal requirements.
The English Will incorporated a Flexible Life Interest Trust (FLIT), designed to provide financial security for the client’s future wife during her lifetime and safeguard the inheritance for his children. The structure enabled his spouse to benefit from income generated by the assets, while also giving her the option to end her interest if she chose to do so. Regardless, the structure would ensure the assets would be passed down to the next generation.
A Letter of Wishes accompanied the Will, providing additional guidance to the client’s trustees regarding the administration of the trust and the approach he hoped would be taken in supporting his family.
To ensure further protection, Lasting Powers of Attorney were put in place for both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. His sons were appointed to act jointly and severally, providing the client with confidence that, should he ever lose capacity, his affairs would remain in trusted hands.
As the client’s forthcoming marriage could have automatically revoked a standard Will, the document was drafted in contemplation of marriage to ensure it remained valid after the wedding. At the same time, Seddons GSC’s Family team advised on a prenuptial agreement to complement the wider estate planning arrangements.
The result
The completed arrangements brought together the client’s Will, trusts and powers of attorney in one cohesive plan tailored to his personal and international circumstances.
The bespoke plan included:
- A structure designed to support his spouse while protecting his children’s inheritance.
- Wills compliant with both English and French law.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney covering financial and welfare decisions.
- Estate planning arrangements future-proofed for marriage and international complexities.
Looking ahead
By taking a joined-up approach, we were able to help the client establish a structure intended not only to manage current complexities, but also to remain adaptable in the future.
For high-profile individuals balancing family, assets and jurisdictions, careful estate planning can bring confidence that personal wishes are reflected clearly and that legal arrangements remain effective as circumstances evolve.
If you would like to discuss estate planning or succession arrangements, please contact James or Natasha at: [email protected] and [email protected].