About
Provided by Tiberghien
Our private clients practice is the largest at the Belgian bar. We advise families and their business over several generations, following them, their families and businesses worldwide.
We advise on:
- prenuptial agreements
- gifts and entails
- governance structures (partnerships, holdings, Dutch/Belgian trust office foundations, etc.)
- family governance
- investments (insurance products, private equity, real estate, art,...)
- wills and agreements as to succession
- transfers of family businesses
- inheritance disputes
- formal ruling with the federal, regional and local tax administrations
- family foundations, trusts and philanthropy
- corporate income tax
- Cayman tax
- HR tax law
- voluntary disclosure
- cross-border migration of individuals
- family law, mediation and litigation
- tax compliance and litigation
- conflict guidance and mediation
- economic analysis and valuations
We can rely on specialized estate planners and on in-house civil law practitioners, mediators, tax and family law litigators, the all-round expertise of a full service corporate tax firm and our economists (Tiberghien economics). The latter assist us by performing valuations and in determining the appropriate interest rates, debt/equity ratio, etc. when structuring assets for private clients.
We have an extensive (inter)national network; our private clients practice is represented in many networks such as IBA, IFA, STEP, AIJA, IAETL, ACTC, IAFL, EPSG.
Chambers Review
Tiberghien provides in-depth tax, civil and corporate law advice to private clients on both a domestic and an international basis. "Tiberghien is absolutely top-notch, it's my go-to in Belgium," says a commentator, who adds: "They know their stuff, they've got really great clients, they are diligent, really look after their clients, know when to reach out - they're terrific."
Fellow Belgian lawyers note firm's commitment to private wealth work. One says: "Tiberghien would likely be the law firm with the biggest focus on private clientele. They have a very good reputation. They have extremely skilled and highly qualified lawyers."
Notable Practitioners
Gerd Goyvaerts handles domestic and cross-border tax structuring and planning for private clients. "His knowledge of Belgian tax law is undisputable," says a source, and another adds: "He is certainly a leading figure in this area. He has been publishing quite a lot on Cayman tax law." Goyvaerts also wins praise for his extensive knowledge of anti-money laundering frameworks, with one source saying: "Gerd is outstanding. He is the authority in Belgium regarding anti-money laundering. There is no question about that."
Alain Van Geel is a "good civil lawyer," according to a market insider, and has experience in family law, estate planning, inheritance and matrimonial property issues. "He is certainly a leading individual in this practice area," says one commentator, while another adds: "He has a lot of practical know-how."
Emilie Van Goidsenhoven is a "very good lawyer with an excellent practical approach and has knowledge of both Belgian and French tax laws," says an impressed source."She is French speaking as well as Dutch speaking. That is a big advantage," says a fellow lawyer, who also adds: "She is one of the big names of the future."
Romina Abiuso is "seen as a rising star with Tiberghien," according to a peer. Her work includes domestic and international wealth structuring for wealthy individuals and families, with particular expertise in Belgian-Italian tax planning matters. One source notes: "She has a very good relationship with clients and can apply a pragmatic approach. She is extremely appreciated by clients."
Ranked Individuals at
Tiberghien
Belgium
Members
Provided by Tiberghien
Dominique De Bie
Griet Vanden Abeele
Larissa De Wulf
Walter Verlinden