Family trusts
A family trust can help hold and manage assets for the benefit of children, relatives and future generations. We help clients in Sandton and across South Africa set up family trusts, keep them in good order and use them as part of wider estate planning.
When a family trust may make sense
A family trust is often used where a family wants assets to be held separately from individuals, with trustees making decisions according to the trust deed and the needs of the beneficiaries. It can suit families who want a clearer structure for property, investments, business interests or funds set aside for children. It can also help when more than one generation is involved and decisions should not rest with one person alone.
Every trust must fit the real family situation. The right structure depends on the assets involved, who should benefit, who should act as trustee and how decisions are likely to be made in practice. We explain the process in plain terms and help clients understand what a family trust can and cannot do, because the detail matters and one family setup may not suit another.
- Holding assets for children or grandchildren.
- Creating a framework for shared family property.
- Supporting succession planning where family members will inherit over time.
- Helping trustees keep decisions and records in proper order.
What is included in our family trust service
Our work covers both setting up a new family trust and helping with an existing one that needs practical administration support. We work with individuals, couples, relatives acting together and business owners who want family assets dealt with separately from trading matters. Meetings can be online or in person in Sandton, depending on what suits the client.
For a new trust, we guide the client through the main decisions, gather the required information and prepare the paperwork needed to establish the trust. For an existing trust, we can help review how it operates, assist trustees with records and resolutions, and coordinate annual trust paperwork with the client accountant.
- Discussing the purpose of the family trust and who it should benefit.
- Helping decide who should act as trustees and how decisions will be taken.
- Preparing and organising trust formation documents.
- Assisting with trustee resolutions, minutes and trust records.
- Supporting annual trust administration with the client accountant.
- Reviewing whether the trust still matches the family's current position.
Our step by step process
We start with an initial discussion to understand the family setup, the assets involved and the reason for using a trust. At this stage we keep the legal and tax discussion general, because the right answer depends on the facts and clients should get advice for their own situation before acting on major decisions.
Once the broad plan is clear, we move through the setup or review in an orderly way. We keep the process practical so clients know what is happening at each stage.
- Step 1: Introductory meeting to discuss goals, family members, assets and concerns.
- Step 2: Information gathering, including identification documents and details of assets to be considered.
- Step 3: Structuring discussion on trustees, beneficiaries and how the trust should operate.
- Step 4: Preparation and collation of trust documents and related paperwork.
- Step 5: Signing, lodgement and follow up on the administrative process.
- Step 6: Handover of records and guidance on the next practical steps for trustees.
If we are assisting an existing family trust rather than creating a new one, the process is similar but begins with a review of the current deed, trustee records and the trust's actual day to day operation. Sometimes a trust looks tidy on paper but records are behind or trustee decisions were never written up properly, and that can usually be corrected with a careful catch-up process.
What you should prepare before we start
Clients can save time by gathering the basic background documents before the first working meeting. We do not expect everything to be perfect on day one, but the clearer the information the easier it is to identify the best next step. Where documents are missing we will tell you what still needs to be found or requested.
- Identity documents for the people who will be involved.
- Basic details of the proposed trustees and beneficiaries.
- A list of the assets that may be placed in or linked to the trust.
- Any existing will that should be considered alongside the trust plan.
- For an existing trust, the current trust deed and prior resolutions if available.
- Recent financial records or accounting information where relevant.
If family members live in different provinces or outside South Africa, online meetings can help move matters forward without everyone travelling to Sandton. It also helps to note any practical concerns early, such as family property used by several relatives, minor children, vulnerable beneficiaries or assets that may be difficult to transfer. Those points often shape the structure from the start.
How pricing is usually worked out
Family trust work is not usually one standard task. The cost depends on the scope of the matter, the quality of existing records and whether we are establishing a new trust, reviewing an old trust or helping trustees catch up on administration. A straightforward setup with clear instructions is different from a matter with several assets, many family stakeholders or missing documents.
In general terms pricing is worked out by looking at factors such as:
- The type of trust work required, setup, review or ongoing administration.
- The number of trustees and beneficiaries involved.
- The volume and condition of existing documents.
- The amount of coordination needed with the client accountant and other advisers.
- Whether the matter includes record reconstruction, minutes or historical resolutions.
We explain the expected scope before substantial work starts so clients know what is included and what may fall outside that scope if new issues arise later.
Aftercare and ongoing trust support
Setting up the trust is only the beginning. A family trust works best when trustees continue to make decisions properly, keep records up to date and review whether the trust still serves the family's needs. After setup we can remain involved to help trustees with resolutions, minutes, annual paperwork and practical governance support.
We also assist where a family wants to align the trust with wider estate planning, including a review of how wills and trust arrangements fit together. As circumstances change through births, deaths, marriages, divorces, asset sales or business changes, the trust may need fresh attention. Keeping it current can prevent avoidable problems later on. We try to keep the administration plain and orderly, not overcomplicated.
Clients from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and smaller towns can work with us remotely or meet in person in Sandton. Each matter depends on its own facts, so we give practical guidance and recommend getting advice suited to the family's actual position before important decisions are implemented.
What our Trust and Estate Administration customers say
Verified Google reviews
Questions we get asked
Can a family trust be used with a will?
Yes. Many clients consider the trust together with their will so that asset planning and estate planning work together. The best arrangement depends on the family, the assets and how they should pass on.
Do all family members need to be trustees?
Not necessarily. Trustees should be chosen carefully because they carry duties and must make decisions properly. The right trustee makeup depends on the trust's purpose and the people involved.
Can you help if our family trust already exists but the records are behind?
Yes. We can review the current documents, identify gaps in records, and help trustees catch up with minutes, resolutions and annual administration in an orderly way.
Also worth a look
Talk to us about your trust or estate
Send a short note through our contact form about the trust, will or estate you need help with, and we will set up a first meeting.
Open the contact form