Using Offshore Trusts and Companies: An Introduction to the International Estate Planning Process

• Author: David Brownbill
• Pages: 93-101

93

Using Offshore Trusts and Companies

10

Using Offshore Trusts and Companies: An Introduction

to the International Estate Planning Process

David Brownbill

I Introduction

THE INTERNATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS is designed mainly

to provide clients with answers to the following two broad questions:

First, how will my assets be dealt with on my death? Collateral concerns

falling under this general question include:-

(i) Will there be costly delays before the assets can be transferred to my

family?

(ii) Can these delays be avoided or at least reduced?

(iii) How can I be sure that the assets will be properly managed for my

spouse and children?

Secondly, can I control the disposition of my estate following my death?

This introduces further related questions such as:-

(i) Can part of my assets be preserved for the enjoyment of future

generations?

(ii) What steps can be taken to protect my assets both now and in future

years?

(iii) Can I reduce the burden of taxation, and in particular avoid double

taxation?

(iv) Can I avoid sovereign risks which may affect my assets?

(v) Can I secure my estate from creditors and family claims?

(vi) How can I preserve the confidentiality of my financial affairs?