Estate & Succession
Planning Coordination
Practical Structures for Multi-Generational Wealth
For substantial family wealth, estate and succession planning cannot stop at the will. Assets may sit in trusts, companies, offshore entities, loan accounts, family businesses or shared ownership structures. If those arrangements are not reviewed collectively, the will may only deal with part of the problem.
Garde Capital helps families assess whether their succession arrangements can work legally, fiscally and operationally. We look at control, liquidity, estate duty, tax exposure, heirs, trustees, companies and offshore interests before a death, sale, dispute or health event forces decisions under pressure.
What this service addresses
Secure The Next
Generation’s Success
This service helps families move from document-based estate planning to a practical succession structure that can be implemented and defended. Garde Capital reviews the estate plan as part of the family’s wider structure, not as a stand-alone document. The process usually includes:
Family and asset review
We review the family structure, key individuals, assets, liabilities, trusts, companies, offshore interests and existing succession intentions.
Document and control review
We assess wills, trust deeds, shareholder agreements, company ownership, loan accounts and governance documents to identify inconsistencies.
Estate duty and liquidity assessment
We identify where estate duty, executor fees, loan accounts, tax liabilities or asset transfer costs may create pressure.
Succession risk assessment
We consider whether control, decision-making and ownership can transfer without unnecessary conflict, delay or unintended tax consequences.
Recommendations and specialist input
Shaun and Charl remain involved in the recommendations, drawing on legal, tax, fiduciary and structuring perspectives. Where specialist legal drafting or tax input is required, the relevant advisors are brought in.
Implementation oversight
We help ensure agreed changes are properly documented across wills, trusts, companies and related structures.
What changes for the family
Garde Capital’s Difference
A succession plan that reflects how the wealth is actually held.
Better visibility over estate duty and liquidity exposure.
More disciplined preparation for future control and decision-making.
Reduced reliance on informal family understanding.
Better alignment between wills, trusts, companies and offshore structures.
A practical plan that can be implemented with the right specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a will not enough for high-net-worth estate planning?
A will only deals with assets that fall into the estate. High-net-worth families often hold wealth through trusts, companies, offshore structures, loan accounts and business interests, which must be reviewed alongside the will.
What is estate and succession planning coordination?
It is the process of aligning wills, trusts, companies, ownership arrangements, liquidity, estate duty exposure and future control. The aim is to ensure that wealth can transfer with fewer structural surprises.
When should a family review its succession plan?
A review is important before a business sale, restructuring, emigration, offshore investment, family dispute, health event or generational transfer. It should also happen when trusts, companies or family circumstances change.
Can estate planning reduce estate duty?
What are common liquidity risks in estate planning?
Liquidity risks include estate duty, executor fees, tax liabilities, debts, loan accounts and costs linked to transferring or retaining assets. If cash is not available, the family may be forced to sell assets at the wrong time.