David Draisey comments on Joseph Safra’s estate litigation in eprivateclient

David’s comments were published in eprivateclient, 7 November 2023, and can be found here.

David Draisey, Partner in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, discusses the high-profile inheritance dispute involving billionaire banker Joseph Safra, which offers critical insights for private client advisers.

In 2021, Safra’s son, Alberto, launched legal proceedings claiming that his father was unduly influenced by other family members to alter his will in 2019, during a period of alleged cognitive impairment. The case raises serious concerns around testamentary capacity, undue influence, and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals issues that are increasingly relevant in complex, high-net-worth family structures.

What makes this case particularly significant is the scale of the estate, reportedly valued at $15 billion, making it one of the largest inheritance disputes in recent history. It highlights how even the most affluent families are not immune to internal conflict when succession plans are unclear or contested. For private client advisers, the Safra case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proactive estate planning, thorough documentation, and regular reviews especially in families with international assets or complex dynamics. David emphasises the need for legal professionals to remain vigilant, ensuring that clients’ wishes are clearly recorded and supported by appropriate evidence to protect their legacies from future disputes.

Read the full article on the eprivateclient website [subscription required].