We are more globally connected than ever before. Digital communication, technology, global movements and education have all played a significant part in bringing us closer together and allowing us to share meaningful experiences across cultures, distances and generations.
The impact of these changes on Asian families are both complex and nuanced. While many practices remain firmly rooted in tradition, families are increasingly choosing to uphold new values and beliefs, including impact investing and philanthropy.As families become more aware of the importance of protecting their wealth for future generations, estate and succession planning solutions are becoming increasingly vital. With our robust global network and deep bench of expertise, we remain dedicated to helping families ensure that their wealth is transferred in a way that is tailored to the family's unique needs.
Starting out
- Buying your first property
- Starting a business
- Inheriting family wealth
- Investing and structuring wealth
- Relocating
New relationships
- Marriage, pre-nups, post-nups and cohabitation agreements
- Choosing where to live
- Buying or selling property
- Bringing together assets, considering international issues
- Creating wills and estate plans
Expanding families and business interests
- Having children, surrogacy, adoption, stepchildren
- Updating your will
- Developing and operating your business
- Relocating or expanding your home
- Planning for education
- Supporting your business activities
Moving on
- Children's marriage and protecting family wealth
- Divorce and separation advice
- Grandchildren and asset planning
- Family governance planning and engaging with the next generation
- Planning for increasing business seniority and succession
- Selling your business, vesting shares
- Charitable giving
Later years
- Retirement and business succession
- Inheritance planning, potentially across multiple generations
- Philanthropy and foundations
- Buying property abroad
- Capacity issues and care funding
Insight
Families can be complex, with diverse needs and interests, often spanning generations and different countries.
Whatever success means to you, we can help.
With the increasing globalization of wealth, the intersection of trusts and divorce is a growing area of complexity. Our family law team across the US, UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore, share how trust structures can be safeguarded in marriage breakdown. They look at the role of dynastic trusts, the integration of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and approaches to manage property. Read the full article here.
Considering setting up a family office in Hong Kong or Singapore? From tax-efficient asset management to succession planning, these jurisdictions provide attractive opportunities for high net-worth families. With the recent changes in the family office tax exemption regimes, it is crucial to understand the diverse roles and benefits they offer. Our experts consider essential factors including tax exemptions, market access, legal expertise and government policies to optimize your family's financial investments and ensure long-term asset continuity.
Did you know that financial orders in divorce cases, which determine asset division and maintenance, can have cross-border tax implications? As families become globally connected, many are still unaware of the impact that international laws can have on their personal and financial lives. Understand the tax implications in divorce settlements so that you can navigate the process efficiently and even avoid financial pitfalls.
Learn how trust structures and shareholder agreements can protect your family business in the event of a divorce or the death of family members. With cross-border marriages increasing exponentially, the process can become highly complex. Understand how 'stress testing' existing trust structures are vital to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
Backing Innovation
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Where next? Living and working around the world
Helping successful people and their families manage relocation. Find Out More
Thinking about the unthinkable
Life, law and lineage are interlinked, whether you’re planning ahead for the future or dealing with an unthinkable family issue. Find Out More
Crisis management
A crisis can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere – even the most successful businesses and individuals. We provide clarity, whether you need a strategic recovery plan or you're looking ahead to prevent future risk. Find Out More
Family businesses
From small companies to global brands, we understand the dynamics of family businesses and what makes them special. We offer a rounded view on everything from tax to succession planning. Find Out More
Your Will, your legacy
Demystifying the process of creating a Will through a series of Q&A videos. Find Out More
Evolving families around the world
Ensuring family is protected and provided for motivates us all to prepare for the future. Each family has its own needs and in a fast-changing world, with many families based across several locations, it can be challenging to address all of the risks and complexities.
With the right guidance, planning for tomorrow can deliver long term protection.
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Meet the team
Stacy Choong
Partner | Singapore
Katie Graves
Partner | Hong Kong
Alex Chung
Partner | Hong Kong
Connie Yik Kong
Partner | Singapore
Deirdre Fu
Partner | Hong Kong
Ivan Cheong
Partner | Singapore
Jocelyn Tsao
Partner | Hong Kong
Kwong Wing Leon
Partner | Singapore
Laurence Ho
Registered Foreign Lawyer (New York) - Withers Hong Kong, Partner - Withersworldwide | Hong Kong
Laurence Ho
Registered Foreign Lawyer (New York) - Withers Hong Kong, Partner - Withersworldwide | Hong Kong
Private client and tax
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Lian Chuan Yeoh
Partner | Singapore
Yee Hoong Chua
Partner | Singapore
Yong Sheng Hon
Partner | Singapore
Experience
Successful people frequently call on our comprehensive knowledge of investment classes from art to complex financial products. Our teams around the world can handle tax, regulatory and cross-border issues.
Global mobilityGetting talent in the right place at the right time has never been more important. Whether you are seeking to transfer employees abroad or set up operations in a new country, our global mobility lawyers will work with your HR team to handle the whole process seamlessly.
Estate planning, wills and successionWhether you wish to protect family assets, navigate cross-border tax issues or benefit a good cause, our private client lawyers will discuss your priorities, advise on options and put a plan in place.
Trust, estate and inheritance disputesAs one of the largest teams of trust, estate and inheritance dispute lawyers in the world, we draw on extensive experience to explore your succession dispute and find the best available solution.
We work across the generations of families, helping them and their advisors to safeguard and grow their legacies.
Divorce and familyAt difficult moments in life, you need the best advice available. As one of the largest and most experienced teams of family and divorce lawyers in the world, we’re here to help you through.
Commercial litigationOur highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
We are the go-to law firm for private capital, working hard to help individuals, families, startups, household names and charities to grow their assets and protect their interests around the world.
Institutions and businessesWe work with businesses of all sizes and purposes, from venture capital to not-for-profits. In all instances our advice is aimed at managing risk and driving success.
Aviation and marineBuying a yacht or private jet should be a pleasure, not a headache. Our global team can cover all the technical aspects of each transaction, as well as the tax treatment of luxury assets.
How can we help you?
If you would like advice or guidance on any of the issues covered here, please get in touch and a member of the team will contact you.