ABL Private

Protecting wealth

Many forces risk eroding wealth, including family law claims, commercial pursuits, and the liability inherent to high-profile roles. ABL is experienced in structuring and implementing strategies which manage these risks and protect family wealth.

Estate planning and disputes

We are experienced in formulating and implementing strategies to ensure clients’ testamentary wishes are fulfilled while addressing critical tax considerations and managing the risk of disputes and family acrimony. We also have extensive experience in representing key stakeholders in disputes involving estates and trusts, including family provision claims and other litigation dealing with beneficiary claims.

Family separation

In some circumstances, the future of a family depends on independence. We are experienced in advising on the restructure and separation of privately held assets and businesses, including in relation to critical tax impacts and in the context of familial disputes.  

Business succession planning and family agreements

We know that effective business succession planning is much more than just the transfer of ownership of a business. We devise strategies for private clients whose businesses are entering a transitional phase, so that the appropriate control mechanisms are established, and appropriate individuals are appointed to run the business.

We also assist clients wishing to transfer business ownership to specific individuals in a manner that is fair and equitable to all family members. 

Taxation planning and advice

With the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continuing to target high-net-worth individuals and family groups for investigation and audit, an effective wealth management strategy is vital in protecting assets from the potentially erosive effects of taxation.

Our reputation in the area of private client taxation is unrivalled. See our Taxation page for more information and contact details.  

Philanthropy

A large number of our private clients support important social causes through philanthropy, including the establishment of charitable funds. ABL is at the forefront of this area of law, being widely experienced in charitable giving, from the perspective of both the donor and the recipient organisation.

Of particular note is our work in establishing private ancillary funds (PAFs), a Federal Government initiative to promote corporate and personal philanthropy. In addition, partners of the firm act as trustees on several client PAFs, and more broadly, advise on the tax-effective allocation and management of charitable funds.