Numerous leading trust companies rely on Carey Olsen for advice in relation to the structuring and restructuring of Guernsey-based trusts, with the firm’s dispute resolution team lending support in contentious matters. Team lead Russell Clark‘s primary focus is the establishment of complex trusts, with additional expertise in family governance and estate planning. Natasha Kapp is noted for her understanding of foundations and other philanthropic structures, while Konrad Friedlaender continues to advise on matters ranging from trust disputes to the design of pension and share schemes. Patricia Montgomery is an expert in fiduciary duties, advising on the creation of offshore trusts and advising professional trustees of their obligations.

Mourant is equally adept at handling the structuring of trusts and other asset protection vehicles, as it is overseeing multi-jurisdictional trust disputes where issues have arisen between trustees and beneficiaries, or the actions of trustees are called into question. Gilly Kennedy-Smith heads the group, advising both trust companies and HNWIs on succession planning issues, and is particularly adept assisting clients with tax structuring. Christopher Edwards represents fiduciaries in relation to money laundering and regulatory proceedings, while Jeremy Wessels acts for HNWIs seeking to challenge trustees or fellow beneficiaries, in addition to insolvency matters and actions to remove trustees. Alexander Hawkins assists clients looking to set up offshore trusts and advises trustees on their obligations in Guernsey.

Ogier‘s private wealth team stands out for its ability to set up complex, cross-border wealth management structures, dovetailing with the firm’s disputes team when contentious matters arise. Matthew Guthrie heads the Guernsey team, acting for UK, US and Middle Eastern-based HNWIs and their families in relation to the structuring of their trusts and succession planning. Gavin Ferguson acts for trustees and charities on the full spectrum of trust and foundation law. Catherine Moore‘s practice covers non- and semi-contentious trust matters, including inter-beneficiary disputes, while Chris Hards‘ wheelhouse includes trust, foundation and will and estate planning law matters. Sophie Denman is well versed in the structuring and operation of multi-jurisdictional trusts, including those holding digital assets.

Walkers‘ Guernsey-based practitioners work with lawyers across the firm’s network to service multi-jurisdictional trusts, including the initial setup of wealth management structures and subsequent restructuring mandates. ‘Strategic adviser’ Rupert Morris leads the team, acting for a range of trust companies and other fiduciaries in respect of trust structuring, while also frequently appearing before the courts in contentious trust hearings. ‘Walking encyclopedia’ David Cooney is called upon by HNWIs to assist with the setup of complex multi-jurisdictional wealth management structures, with a notable niche in trusts holding digital assets. Aaron Sanders advises clients on court applications regarding breaches of trust and the removal of trustees.

Collas Crill is a popular choice for Middle Eastern HNWIs looking to base trusts in Guernsey. The practice is also able to assist with the amending of existing trusts, and bringing cases against trustees where there are allegations of fraud and breach of trust. Angela Calnan leads the group, specialising in the structuring of Sharia-compliant trusts, and is also well-versed in the use of trusts structures for pension and gratuity schemes. Joanne Seal heads the firm’s wills and estate service line, advising on succession planning, guardianships and power of attorney, while Cerisse Fisher works alongside the firm’s disputes team on semi-contentious trust proceedings.

AFR Advocates handles both contentious and non-contentious trust matters, with a broad range of expertise which includes proceedings to remove trustees, and assisting with the structuring and variation of trusts based in Guernsey. Paul Richardson has extensive experience of trust litigation, heading the team alongside tax specialist Mark Ferbrache, who also handles commercial disputes.

The ‘problem solvers’ at Appleby are able to handle instructions coming out of complex wills and the drafting of trust instruments, working with the firm’s offices around the world to advise HNW families from a range of jurisdictions, including Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The practice is led by Stuart Tyler and Jeremy Berchem, both of whom utilise their transactional expertise to oversee deals pertaining to trust assets. The ‘diligent’ Paula Fry covers both trust disputes, including contentious trust restructuring mandates and efforts to remove trustees, and non-contentious matters including the establishment of trust and drafting of wills.

Bedell Cristin acts for trust companies, family offices and HNWIs in relation to the structuring of wealth across a range of jurisdictions, while utilising the firm’s litigation team to tackle contentious trust matters. The ‘exceptionally talented’ Elena Gogh leads the practice, making use of her experience working at family offices to advise clients on the bespoke structuring of such vehicles and also trusts and foundations. Alasdair Davidson, who heads the firm’s litigation practice, is the key contact for trust disputes.