Lawzana Lawzana Logo
FIND A LAWYER

Best Trusts Lawyers in Graz

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.


Founded in 2009
2 people in their team
English
Riesemann Rechtsanwalts GmbH is a Graz-based law firm focused on business law and advising clients on a range of civil and commercial matters. Its practice includes civil law, construction contract law, warranty law, damages law, inheritance law and contract law, with particular emphasis on...

Founded in 2023
6 people in their team
English
Lippitsch.Hammerschlag Rechtsanwälte provides focused representation in civil, contract and intellectual property matters, delivering precise legal analysis and strategic dispute resolution for companies and private clients across Austria. The team is led by Univ. Lekt. Mag. Dr. Günter Lippitsch...

Founded in 1988
3 people in their team
English
KR Rechtsanwaltskanzlei - Graz is a long-established Austrian law firm founded by Dr. Christa Kohl-Rupp in 1988. Based in Graz, the firm advises private individuals and businesses on a broad range of civil and criminal law matters, drawing on several decades of legal experience and continuously...
Mag. Andreas Berchtold
Graz, Austria

Founded in 2000
English
Berchtold & Kollerics is a Graz-based law firm operated as a Rechtsanwaltsgemeinschaft by Mag. Andreas Berchtold and Dr. Norbert Kollerics. The two partners offer specialized legal services across Family Law, Estate and Probate, Corporate and Commercial Law, Real Estate Law, and Insurance Law,...
Graz, Austria

4 people in their team
English
Mag. Karin Spiegl-Rafler is a Graz-based attorney and mediator whose legal practice focuses on family law and related civil matters. Her stated professional focus covers marriage law and family law, inheritance law, adult protection law, estate administration, contract law, general civil law, and...

Founded in 2019
2 people in their team
English
Rechtsanwältin Mag. Roberta Sollhart is a Graz-based attorney who specializes in family law and related private client matters. She assists clients with divorce, child custody, maintenance disputes and the negotiation of prenuptial agreements, delivering precise legal guidance and practical...

Founded in 1891
English
Schmid & Horn Rechtsanwälte GmbH is a Graz based law firm with a lineage dating to 1891. The firm emphasizes a long standing commitment to personal client service, as reflected in its manifesto which states that personal attention and dedicated representation are core to its practice. Since 2006...

Founded in 2023
2 people in their team
English
Steuerberatung Dr. Alfred Sorger GmbH is a Graz-based tax advisory firm serving businesses, entrepreneurs and private clients with comprehensive support in Austrian tax and business matters. Its services include tax planning, accounting, payroll administration, annual financial statements, tax...

1 person in their team
English
Mag. Dr. Daniel Prisching Rechtsanwalt is a specialized law practice in Graz led by Mag. Dr. Daniel Prisching, an Austrian attorney with a background in civil procedural law, insolvency law, family law and related academic research. The practice advises private clients and businesses across...
Mag. Volker Flick
Graz, Austria

Founded in 2010
2 people in their team
English
Flick Anwälte is a boutique law firm based in Graz, Austria, led by Mag. Volker Flick and Mag. Eva Flick. The firm concentrates on Familienrecht and Erbrecht, with Volker Flick specializing in Scheidungsrecht and inheritance matters, and Eva Flick focusing on family law. Since its founding in...
AS SEEN ON

About Trusts Law in Graz, Austria

Trusts are legal arrangements where one party, known as the trustee, holds and manages property or assets for the benefit of another, known as the beneficiary. In Graz, Austria, and under Austrian law, trusts are a lesser-used legal instrument compared to common law countries. However, similar arrangements exist in the form of private foundations (Privatstiftung), which are often used for estate planning, asset protection, and charitable purposes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People often require legal help with Trusts, or similar instruments like private foundations, in several scenarios:

  • Estate Planning: Expert legal advice can help in setting up a trust or private foundation to ensure that your estate is managed and distributed as per your wishes.
  • Asset Protection: Legal professionals can assist in creating structures that protect your assets from creditors or legal disputes.
  • Complex Financial Portfolios: A lawyer can navigate the intricacies of transferring properties, stocks, and other assets into a trust or foundation.
  • Charitable Purposes: If you wish to set up a charitable foundation, legal guidance ensures compliance with local laws and maximizes the impact of your contributions.
  • Beneficiary Disputes: Lawyers can mediate and resolve conflicts among beneficiaries regarding the management and distribution of trust assets.

Local Laws Overview

Austria does not have a trust law per se, but it has legal instruments that serve similar purposes. Here are key aspects relevant to trusts and private foundations in Graz and Austria:

  • Private Foundations Act (Privatstiftungsgesetz): This law governs the establishment and operations of private foundations, which can serve similar purposes to trusts.
  • Tax Regulations: There are specific tax implications and benefits associated with setting up private foundations, including potential tax-exempt status for charitable foundations.
  • Legal Formalities: Setting up a private foundation requires a public deed and must be registered with the local court.
  • Trustee Responsibilities: Trustees or foundation administrators are obligated to manage the assets as per the foundation's charter and for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
  • Beneficiary Rights: Beneficiaries have certain rights to information and distributions according to the foundation charter and relevant laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners set up a private foundation in Graz?

Yes, foreigners can establish private foundations in Austria, including Graz, provided they comply with the local legal requirements.

What are the tax benefits of setting up a private foundation?

Private foundations can offer various tax advantages, including potential exemptions on income generated within the foundation and favorable tax treatment for donations to charitable foundations.

How much does it cost to set up a private foundation?

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the foundation and legal fees involved. Typically, it includes notary fees, court registration fees, and legal consultation costs.

What is the minimum capital requirement for a private foundation?

The minimum initial capital requirement for a private foundation in Austria is €70,000.

Can a private foundation be dissolved?

Yes, a private foundation can be dissolved according to its charter or as per the decision of the founder or relevant authorities under specific circumstances.

Are there annual reporting requirements for private foundations?

Yes, private foundations must maintain proper accounting records and may need to submit annual financial statements to the authorities.

Can the terms of a private foundation be changed after its establishment?

Changes to the foundation charter are possible but require adherence to the procedures laid out in the foundation's charter and local laws.

What types of assets can be placed in a private foundation?

Almost any type of asset can be placed in a private foundation, including real estate, cash, stocks, and other valuables.

Who can be a beneficiary of a private foundation?

Beneficiaries can include individuals, organizations, or even other foundations as specified by the foundation's charter.

What is the role of the supervisory board in a private foundation?

The supervisory board ensures that the foundation's board of directors is managing the foundation according to its charter and legal requirements.

Additional Resources

For those seeking more information or legal advice on trusts and private foundations, the following resources can be helpful:

  • Notaries: Notaries in Graz can provide legal documentation and advice on setting up private foundations.
  • Local Bar Association: The bar association can help you find specialized lawyers in the field of trusts and foundations.
  • Chamber of Commerce: They offer resources on legal and business affairs relevant to setting up and running private foundations.
  • Financial Advisors: They can provide insights into the financial implications and benefits of managing a trust or foundation.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in trusts or setting up a private foundation in Graz, follow these steps:

  • Consult a Specialist Lawyer: Engage a legal professional who specializes in trusts and foundations for personalized advice.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare essential documents such as identification, asset details, and a drafted charter for your foundation.
  • Schedule a Meeting: Arrange a consultation with your lawyer to discuss your needs, objectives, and the legal process.
  • Follow Legal Formalities: Ensure all required legal steps are followed, including notary services and court registrations.
  • Stay Informed: Keep updated with any changes in laws or regulations that may affect your foundation or trust arrangement.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Graz through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Trusts, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Graz, Austria — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.