International private clients
Protecting families, couples and successions at the crossroads of several jurisdictions.
The firm advises individuals, families and entrepreneurs whose personal and financial lives cross borders. Our role: to organise, protect and pass on your wealth, and to anticipate questions of succession, matrimonial property and residence. Our fields: international successions, matrimonial property regimes, estate planning, gifts, expatriation and family governance.
Understanding international private clients
Which law applies to an international succession?
In principle, that of the deceased's country of habitual residence. The European Succession Regulation sets out this principle, while allowing you to choose the law of your nationality. Well anticipated, this choice avoids conflicts between jurisdictions and secures the transfer; we formalise it in your arrangements.
Can you choose the law governing your succession?
Yes, to a certain extent. You may designate the law of your nationality to govern your entire succession — a powerful lever for dual-national or expatriate families. It must, however, be expressed correctly, and its tax effects — distinct from the civil law — must be measured.
How can you protect your spouse in an international couple?
Through the right matrimonial property regime and coordinated arrangements. The matrimonial property regime — and the law governing it — determines the fate of assets on death or separation. An international marriage contract, allocation clauses and an aligned will make it possible to protect the spouse across borders.
Gift or will: which to favour for passing on wealth?
Often both, in a coordinated way. A gift transfers during your lifetime, with a controlled tax cost and immediate effect; the will organises the rest. The trade-off depends on your wealth, its location and your family objectives — that is the purpose of our advice.
How can you secure an expatriation or a return to Belgium?
By anticipating the civil and tax consequences of the change of residence. Tax residence, matrimonial property regime, succession, real estate: each dimension reacts differently. We coordinate the whole to avoid unpleasant surprises, both on departure and on arrival.
How do you organise the governance of family wealth?
Through clear structures and rules. Wealth-holding companies, dismemberments of ownership, family charters: these tools frame ownership, decision-making and transfer within the family, and prevent conflicts. We design them to measure.
What we handle
- International estate planning
- Cross-border successions and estate settlements
- International marriage contracts and matrimonial property regimes
- Gifts and lifetime transfers
- Residence and expatriation of individuals
- Protection of the spouse and vulnerable relatives
- Private wealth structuring (companies, dismemberments)
- Family governance and family charters