Trust Structuring
& Administration Support
Protecting Your Family’s
Legacy with Purpose
A trust does not protect family wealth simply because it exists. The deed, trustee conduct resolutions, records, tax treatment, beneficiary position and asset flows must all support the purpose of the trust.
Garde Capital helps families review whether their trusts remain defensible, compliant and capable of being administered in practice. Where a trust no longer serves its purpose, we help identify what must be corrected, strengthened or restructured with the relevant specialists.
What this service addresses
Where wealth, succession
and legacy align
Trust structuring and administration support is relevant for families using trusts for asset protection, succession, estate planning, business ownership or offshore structuring.
This service helps families move from passive trust ownership to proper trust governance and administration that can stand up to scrutiny. The process usually includes:
Trust deed and purpose review
Trustee and governance review
We review trustee appointments, decision-making, independence, meeting processes and documentation standards.
Administration review
We consider resolutions, records, distributions, loans, accounting, tax compliance and document flow.
Structural fit review
We assess how the trust interacts with the family’s estate plan, company structure, offshore arrangements and beneficiary needs.
Recommendations and specialist input
Shaun and Charl remain involved in identifying what should be corrected, amended or restructured. Where legal drafting or tax input is required, we work with the relevant specialists.
Ongoing support
We help families maintain proper trustee processes, records and reviews so the trust remains defensible over time.
What changes for the family
Garde Capital’s Difference
A trust structure that better reflects its intended purpose.
Stronger trustee process and documentation.
Reduced exposure to creditor, divorce, beneficiary or tax challenges.
Better alignment, between trusts, wills, companies and offshore structures.
More disciplined records and decision-making.
A trust that is easier for the family and advisors to administer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a family need trust restructuring?
A family may need trust restructuring when the trust deed is outdated, the trust no longer reflects the family’s objectives, administration is weak or the trust creates tax, creditor, beneficiary or estate planning risk.
What makes a trust defensible?
A defensible trust has an appropriate deed, properly appointed trustees, independent decision-making, accurate records, documented resolutions, tax compliance and conduct that reflects the trust’s purpose.
Why do trusts need ongoing administration?
Can a trust protect assets from creditors or divorce?
A properly structured and administered trust may assist with asset protection, but weak governance can undermine that protection. The conduct of trustees and the quality of records are often decisive.
What trust documents should be reviewed?
The trust deed, letters of authority, trustee resolutions, minutes, financial statements, tax records, loan accounts, distribution records and related company or estate documents should be reviewed together.