"Life is a succession of readjustments"

Succession is the transfer or redistribution of the property of the deceased, to the person or persons entitled, either by will or by operation of law. Succession is classified under two fronts:

• Testate succession: This involves succession to the property of a deceased person who died with a valid will expressing his or her desire to the mode of distribution of his or her property.
• Intestate succession: This involves succession to the property of a deceased person who died without a valid will expressing his or her desire to the mode of distribution of his or her property. The property is redistributed to the valid beneficiaries according to the laws of intestacy.

Our firm approaches with diligent attention and biasness to citizens in the diaspora in the subject of succession for the very fact that in many instances have been unfairly and undeservingly left out of this crucial process primarily for the fact that they are remotely distant to participate in the process and societal prejudice that a section of family members have misconstrued that they are ineligible to a share of probate property. Our firm is committed to ensure that the citizens in the diaspora interest to probate property is well safeguard as a right and their share to the said property is fairly distributed to them according to the laws.

Our services pertaining succession and probate include but not limited to the following:

• Advising on the validity of wills.
• Drafting of reliable complex and simple wills that meet legal threshold of validity.
• Performance of executionary duties towards wills.
• Legal facilitation of revocation of invalid wills at the probate court.
• Legal facilitation of application for letters of administration in testate succession.
• Facilitation of procurement of grant of probate in the case of an intestate succession.
• Objection to procurement of grant of probate in the case of an intestate succession.
• Legal representation of parties in probate court.
• Facilitation to inclusion of dependents to probate process as beneficiaries.

Estate Planning

"Plans are nothing, planning is everything"

Estate planning is the process of preparing during a person’s life, for the management and disposal of their assets in the event of their death or incapacitation. The planning includes the bequest of assets to heirs as well as reducing any uncertainties when it comes to the estate. This is usually done with the help of a lawyer who has the necessary experience to guide clients into making the choice that is right for them.

Estate planning involves:

• Trusts: is essentially a legal relationship that exists between a Settlor (creator of the trust), a Trustee (a protector of the trust) and a Beneficiary. These parties can either be individuals or legal entities. Under a Trust arrangement, the Settlor transfers legal ownership of assets to the Trustee, to hold for the benefit of the Beneficiaries.
• Wills: is a legal document that describes how you would like your property and other assets to be distributed after your death. When you make a will, you can also use it to nominate guardians for your children, dependents, or pets.
• Power of attorneys: a legal document that involves the agent or attorney-in-fact, and the principal. It is used in the event of a principal's temporary or permanent illness or disability, or when they can't sign necessary documents.
• Powers of appointment: a power granted under a deed or will authorizing the donee to dispose of an estate in a specified manner for the benefit of the donee or of others.
• Property ownership: is the transfer of property ownership from the registered proprietor to a person of choice.
• Gift: is the voluntary transfer of private or personal property without the expectation or receipt of some form of compensation.
• Beneficiary designation: instrument that allow you to transfer assets directly to individuals, regardless of the terms of your will. Beneficiary designations are often made when a financial account, retirement account, or life insurance policy is established.

Our service pertaining estate planning includes but not limited to:

• Advising on the best mode of planning, their validity and the attached consequences.
• Drafting of various instruments of plans of estate.
• Facilitation of registration towards various instruments of estate planning.