Higgs & Johnson has
over 40 years of experience in offshore and onshore
trusts and Foundations. We have been the counsel of
choice for many leading trust companies in The Bahamas,
and have been a part of the formation of several of
the initial foundations (which legislation was recently
enacted).
In addition to trusts, the firm offers probate and
estate administration services which include:
• preparation and execution of wills and codicils;
• applications for probate and letters of administration;
• resealing of foreign wills;
• contentious probate applications; and
• estate planning and administration.
Clients of Higgs & Johnson are assured of having
their matters handled by highly qualified counsel, as
several of the firm’s attorneys are members of
the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners ("STEP"),
an international organisation of trust practitioners.
In 2006, the firm was the only Bahamas-based law firm
short-listed for the STEP Private Banking Awards in
the “Best Offshore Legal Team” category.
In 2007 the team was recognised as “Best in Inheritance
& Succession Planning” by Euromoney Magazine’s
Private Banking Survey.
Trusts
We have a wealth of experience in offshore and onshore
trusts. We are counsel to many leading Trust Companies
in The Bahamas, advising in a broad range of trust matters
from the preparation of complex private trusts for high
net worth individuals and businesses to intricate matters
of trust administration.
We are accustomed to liaising and working with offshore
legal advisors to ensure tax efficient trust structures
and have substantial experience in Asset Protection
Trusts.
The Firm provides a full range of services and, to this
end, the Trust and Litigation groups work together on
contentious or potentially contentious matters to provide
a comprehensive service. These services include advice
on and drafting of:
• fiduciary structures, including fixed or discretionary
trusts (testamentary or inter vivos); and
• variation and rectification of trusts.
Foundations
Higgs & Johnson is an industry leader in Purpose
Trusts and Foundations. The firm has assisted in the
formation numerous foundations and played an instrumental
role in the drafting of proposed Amendments to the Foundations
Act.
Private Trust Companies
The main purpose of a PTC is to act as trustee of a
specific trust or, in some cases, a group of trusts.
• PTCs can provide families with a greater level
of control over trust administration.
• PTCs may appeal to persons desiring to add an
extra layer of confidentiality regarding their financial
affairs.
• PTCs can also lower the potential legal exposure
of the professional trustee and even solve any trustee
succession issues as PTCs have the advantage of perpetual
life and can serve as trustee indefinitely.
PTCs are not ideal for every client but can offer significant
advantages for high net worth individuals seeking trust
services. A partner of the firm served as a consultant
and played an active role in the drafting process of
PTC legislation, adopted in December 2006 to enhance
the range of financial services offered in The Bahamas.
Wills & Probate
Higgs & Johnson has helped numerous high net worth
individuals, business owners, professionals, and retirees
and their families carefully prepare estate or trust
documentation to make sure that even the most complex
personal and family needs are met.
The services include:
• preparation and execution of wills and codicils;
• applications for probate and letters of administration;
• resealing of foreign wills;
• contentious probate applications; and
• estate planning and administration.
Immigration
Services include:
• applications for citizenship and residence;
• work permit applications; and
• renewals.
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