A Simple Guide to Securing Intellectual Property Assets

In today’s world, ideas from creative individuals and innovators are incredibly valuable. Think about innovations in manufacturing, the booming Nigerian entertainment industry estimated at over $9 billion, and the tech industry contributing more than GBP 67.4 billion to Nigeria’s economy. These ideas are what we call intellectual property (IP) and this was established in Nigeria […]

I Am Ready To Create A Will – Where Do I Start?

SO, you finally made the big decision to put on the big boy pants. You finally decided to take charge of your future and take a big leap to the 1% club. You’ve finally decided to Write a Will in Nigeria! Before telling you how smart a decision this is. I would like to say, […]

Estate Planning for Public Office Holders: The Blind Trust

Our people say many things. “Before you kill a dog, you must first ensure it receives a bad name.” The reasoning behind this proverb is that one who has received a bad name loses any moral ground to defend themselves and thereby attract sympathy. Nowhere is this saying truer than in politics. Only recently, Nigerians […]

Estate Planning for the Muslim Faithful: A Simple Guide to Fara’id Rules

Two childhood friends, Yahaya and Musa, were once walking down a road after visiting Yahaya’s wealthy uncle. Yahaya, asking suddenly: Ah Musa, what would you do if my uncle willed N100 Million from his Estate to you? Musa, rubbing his hands excitedly: Well, I would give you N1Million and then I would use the remaining […]

What NOT to Put in a Will

Clothes, houses, money that your neighbor borrowed and is yet to return… When you really think about it, there are different classes of assets. Trying to decide what to factor in when thinking about Estate Planning could give anyone a headache. Fortunately for you, we can use our 55+ years of experience in Estate Planning […]

Getting Started: Secure Your Legacy with A Trust

If you have ever seen someone try to collect their money from a debtor, you know how the story goes. We will deal with this man today! Creditors of Salomon & Co. decided that enough was enough. The shoe making company could not pay its debts and it looked like the Managing Director, Mr. Salomon, […]

How is Islamic estate planning interpreted under Nigerian law?

Think about succulent fried ram. Moist on the inside. Crisp on the outside. Heavenly flavors melting in your mouth. Maybe a little pepper to spice things up. Hold on a second. If you wanted to prepare such a feast for yourself, would you begin by immersing a live ram in hot oil, kicking and screaming? […]

How Your Plans Can Be Sabotaged by Partial Intestacy from Residuary Estate

As with anyone who strives to give their loved ones the very best, we all write Wills to leave clear instructions for the distribution of our possessions and to minimize conflicts after our eventual departure from earth. Nevertheless, did you know that even after a person leaves a Will, it is possible (and even common!) […]

One Will to Rule All Assets, Inter-State and Foreign Ones Inclusive

That investment. That status symbol. For whatever reason, it is not unheard of for people to hold assets (such as landed properties, bank accounts and so on) outside their state or country of residence. As can be imagined, such asset owners must face important legal questions. For instance, does a Will made in one state […]

Long Live The Trusts!!

Think of a long-dead ancestor your parents might have told you about. 50 years, 100 years. The further back, the better. Now, imagine the dead relative controlling your family land from beyond the grave. If this seems too far-fetched, we have news. The situation used to be completely legal! You see, there existed a legal […]