Dr. J. Bollag & Cie. AG – Unter Altstadt 10 – CH-6302 Zug
T +41 41 729 08 08 – F +41 41 729 08 09 – office@bollag.ch
Dr. J. Bollag & Cie. AG – Unter Altstadt 10 – CH-6302 Zug
T +41 41 729 08 08 – F +41 41 729 08 09 – office@bollag.ch
Estate planning
Plan your estate early, manage your assets effectively and provide legal and financial security for your family.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning involves consciously and systematically arranging the transfer of one’s assets during one’s lifetime, in the event of death or subsequent incapacity.
It encompasses legal, financial and personal measures, with the aim of:
- distributing the estate in accordance with one’s own wishes
- correctly taking into account statutory inheritance rights
- optimising tax implications
- to avoid disputes among heirs
- to relieve the family of organisational burdens
Without clear arrangements, statutory succession applies. This often does not correspond to individual wishes and can lead to complex communities of heirs and protracted disputes.
Key elements of estate planning during one’s lifetime
A well-thought-out plan comprises several components:
Disposition of property upon death
The foundation is a will or an inheritance contract. This allows you to:
- Appoint heirs
- Take statutory shares into account
- Make bequests
- Arrange for succession
- Specifically favour the spouse
Particularly in the case of spouses, a combination of a marriage contract and an inheritance contract is often chosen to provide the surviving partner with the best possible security.
Further information on inheritance law can be found here.
Advance Care Directive and Living Will
Just as important as estate planning is making arrangements in the event of incapacity. If a person becomes incapable of making decisions (e.g. due to an accident, dementia, etc.), a previously appointed trusted person can take over their financial and personal affairs.
- With a lasting power of attorney, you appoint a person to manage your financial and personal affairs.
- With a living will, you specify medical measures.
Tax planning
Inheritance and gift taxes are regulated at cantonal level in Switzerland. Spouses and children are tax-exempt in many cantons, whilst distant relatives or third parties may face significant tax liabilities.
- Early planning can help reduce tax disadvantages, for example through:
- gifts during your lifetime
- staggered asset transfers
- clear structuring of shareholdings
Property and asset structure
Property, business holdings or larger assets require special planning. Unregulated circumstances often lead to deadlocks within the community of heirs.
A clear succession structure prevents forced sales or family conflicts.
Digital estate planning
Digital assets and the rules governing access to them should also be regulated. These include, for example, passwords, online accounts, bank accounts, digital subscriptions, etc.
The best approach to estate planning
A structured approach is crucial:
1. Taking stock
Identify your assets, liabilities, shareholdings and family circumstances.
2. Defining objectives
Clarify who you wish to benefit and what your priorities are (providing for your spouse, treating children equally, ensuring the business continues, etc.).
3. Checking statutory inheritance rights
Check which legal restrictions apply.
4. Choosing legal instruments
Decide between a will, an inheritance contract or a combination with a marriage contract.
5. Regular review
Adapt your plan to changing life circumstances (marriage, divorce, birth of children, changes in assets).
Estate planning is not a one-off exercise, but an ongoing process.
How we support you
We provide comprehensive support in the strategic and legally sound structuring of your estate planning.
Our services include, in particular:
Analysis and strategy
- Comprehensive analysis of your family and financial situation
- Assessment of statutory inheritance rights and tax implications
- Development of a long-term estate strategy
Legal implementation
- Drafting of legally sound wills
- Drafting and structuring of inheritance agreements
- Drafting in accordance with the matrimonial property regime
- Public notarisation
- Acting as executor
Dispute prevention and conflict resolution
- Advice on communities of heirs
- Support with the division of an estate
- Representation in inheritance disputes
Our aim is to create clear, well-thought-out and low-conflict solutions that are legally sound and provide long-term security for your family
Conclusion
Estate planning provides security for you and your loved ones. Making clear arrangements at an early stage helps to avoid uncertainty, tax disadvantages and family conflicts. Structured and professionally guided planning ensures that your assets are passed on in accordance with your personal wishes and the legal requirements.
How can we help you?
Contact us today to find out how a prenuptial agreement can secure your assets for future generations and simplify your financial and personal complexities.
YOUR CONTACT PARTNERS
RA MLaw Christian Blättler
Abteilungsleiter Legal
Legal Counsel
christian.blaettler@bollag.ch
Dr. iur. Dr. h.c. Josef Bollag
Verwaltungsratspräsident, Firmengründer
Legal Counsel
josef.bollag@bollag.ch
Lic. iur. Urs Klingelfuss
Geschäftsführendes Mitglied des Verwaltungsrats
Legal Counsel
urs.klingelfuss@bollag.ch
RA Dr. iur. Jacob Bollag
Geschäftsführendes Mitglied des Verwaltungsrats
Legal Counsel
jacob.bollag@bollag.ch
MLaw, Dr. phil. Tetyana Miller
Legal Counsel
tetyana.miller@bollag.ch
BLaw Melani Savora
Legal Assistant
melani.savora@bollag.ch
About
Dr. J. Bollag & Cie. AG builds on more than 45 years of experience in advising families and entrepreneurs at home and abroad. Specializing in holistic family office mandates, the Group provides complex solutions across the business areas of family office services, tax & law, corporate services, and finance.
Working closely with its partner company, Tramondo Investment Partners AG, Dr. J. Bollag & Cie. AG provides its clients seamless access to sophisticated asset protection, wealth and asset management solutions.
Contact
Dr. J. Bollag & Cie. AG
Unter Altstadt 10
CH-6302 Zug
T +41 41 729 08 08
F +41 41 729 08 09
office@bollag.ch
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