Private Client Services
In an increasingly complex global environment, individuals and families require sophisticated and discreet legal counsel to manage, protect, and grow their personal wealth and navigate sensitive family matters. Private Client Services at SHP Law are dedicated to providing bespoke legal solutions tailored to the unique circumstances and long-term objectives of high-net-worth individuals, families, and family offices. Our approach is built on trust, deep expertise, and a nuanced understanding of both local and international legal landscapes.
Navigating personal wealth, estate planning, and family law requires specialized knowledge, particularly in a jurisdiction like Saudi Arabia where Shari'ah principles, the codified Personal Status Law, and evolving regulations governing wealth management intersect. Expert legal support is crucial for:
Comprehensive Estate and Succession Planning:
Ensuring the orderly transfer of wealth to future generations in accordance with the client's wishes and Shari'ah principles (where applicable) is paramount. This involves careful planning for inheritance, the use of wills (Wasiyya) within permissible limits, and considering the implications of the Saudi Personal Status Law.
Wealth Preservation and Structuring:
: High-net-worth individuals and families often have diverse assets across multiple jurisdictions. Legal experts assist in structuring these assets optimally for protection, growth, and efficient management, including advice on family holding structures and trusts where appropriate
Navigating Family Law Matters:
Sensitive issues such as marriage contracts, divorce, child custody, and other personal and family matters require empathetic and expert legal guidance that respects cultural norms and adheres to the Saudi Personal Status Law.
Tax and Zakat Optimization:
: While Saudi Arabia generally does not impose income tax on individuals, Zakat is a religious obligation for Muslims on certain assets. For clients with international holdings, cross-border tax planning is essential to ensure compliance and efficiency
Managing Luxury Assets:
The acquisition, ownership, and disposition of luxury assets such as real estate, yachts, aircraft, and art involve specific legal considerations and often cross-border complexities
Discreet Dispute Resolution:
When personal or family disputes arise, experienced counsel can guide clients towards discreet and effective resolution methods, including mediation and negotiated settlements, preserving family relationships where possible.
Given the significant growth in private wealth in Saudi Arabia and the increasing sophistication of financial and family planning needs, proactive and knowledgeable legal advice is indispensable for securing your legacy and personal interests.
Our team of highly experienced lawyers at SHP Law specializes in providing customized, confidential, and strategic solutions for individuals and families. We possess extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating the legal intricacies of Saudi Arabia, the broader GCC, the MENA region, and also handle international cases involving cross-border assets and family dynamics.
Our clients can avail themselves of a wide array of services, encompassing
Estate Planning and Inheritance:
Comprehensive estate planning, including the drafting of Shari'ah-compliant wills (Wasiyya) for the permissible portion of the estate.
Guidance on Saudi inheritance laws and the application of the Personal Status Law.
Administration of estates (probate) and assistance with the distribution of assets to heirs
Structuring to minimize potential inheritance disputes
Private Wealth Management and Asset Protection:
Advising on the establishment and governance of family offices and private investment structures.
Legal counsel on structuring the ownership of diverse asset classes, including real estate, business interests, and financial investments, both locally and internationally.
Strategies for asset protection in compliance with applicable laws.
Advice on transactions involving luxury assets (e.g., prime real estate, yachts, aircraft, art collections), including acquisition, financing, and ongoing management.
Family Law and Personal Matters:
Advising on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements within the framework of Saudi law
Representation and counsel in family law matters including divorce, child custody, and alimony, adhering to the Personal Status Law and Shari'ah principles.
Guidance on other personal status issues with discretion and cultural sensitivity
Business and Family Governance (for Private Clients):
Assisting family business owners with the integration of their business interests into their overall estate and succession plans.
Advising on the establishment of family charters and governance structures for family-owned businesses from a private client perspective.
Tax Planning and Zakat Advisory:
Advising on Zakat obligations for Saudi nationals and eligible residents.
International tax planning for clients with cross-border assets and interests, in coordination with international tax specialists where needed
Dispute Resolution:
Representing private clients in resolving family disputes, inheritance contests, and other personal legal conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or, where necessary, litigation, always prioritizing discretion and client objectives.
At SHP Law, we understand the deeply personal nature of private client matters. We are committed to providing trusted advice and effective solutions that protect your interests, preserve your wealth, and provide peace of mind for you and your family across generations, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally
Awqaf, or Islamic endowments, are a time-honored institution in Islamic tradition, dedicated to channeling wealth towards charitable, religious, educational, or social welfare purposes in perpetuity. In Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Awqaf (GAA) spearheads efforts under Vision 2030 to modernize and enhance the Awqaf sector, promoting its role in sustainable development and community support through professional management and governance.
Establishing and managing an Waqf effectively requires careful adherence to Shari'ah principles and specific legal and regulatory requirements. Specialized legal counsel is crucial for:
Ensuring Shari'ah Compliance:
Structuring the Waqf in full accordance with Islamic law, defining its objectives, beneficiaries, and operational guidelines clearly
Navigating Regulatory Requirements:
Complying with the regulations set forth by the General Authority for Awqaf regarding the establishment, registration, governance, and supervision of endowments.
Effective Asset Management and Governance:
Implementing sound governance structures and investment strategies for Awqaf assets to ensure their growth, preservation, and ability to fulfill the founder's philanthropic vision sustainably
Achieving Long-Term Philanthropic Goals:
Ensuring the Waqf's operations and distributions align with the founder's intentions and contribute meaningfully to the designated causes.
In addition to our expertise in family businesses, SHP Law also advises on the establishment, governance, and management of Awqaf. We are committed to helping families and individuals realize their philanthropic aspirations through this important Islamic institution.
We guide clients on:
Establishment and Structuring of Awqaf:
Advising on the creation of various types of Awqaf (e.g., private/family Awqaf, public Awqaf) in full compliance with Shari'ah principles and the regulations of the General Authority for Awqaf. This includes drafting the Waqf deed (Waqfiyyah) and defining its terms and conditions.
Governance and Regulatory Compliance:
Assisting in establishing appropriate governance structures for the Awqaf, defining the roles and responsibilities of the Nazir (custodian/administrator), and ensuring ongoing compliance with GAA reporting and operational requirements.
• Awqaf Asset Management and Investment:
Providing guidance on permissible and prudent management and investment of Awqaf assets to protect capital, generate sustainable returns, and ensure the long-term financial viability and impact of the endowment.
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability and Impact:
Advising on strategies to ensure the Waqf's objectives are met effectively over generations, including mechanisms for review, adaptation (where permissible), and maximizing its charitable output.
Our aim is to provide comprehensive legal support that helps families and individuals establish enduring philanthropic legacies through the effective and compliant management of Awqaf, contributing to the social and economic well-being of the community