Private Clients, Wealth & Family
Will drafting, trust formation (private trusts, family-protection trusts, charitable trusts), succession planning under the Law of Succession Act, probate and estate administration, family-business governance, prenuptial and matrimonial arrangements, and wealth structuring for high-net-worth families with cross-border assets.
What we advise on. We advise individuals and families on wills and testamentary planning, trust formation (private, family-protection and charitable trusts), succession and estate planning, probate and estate administration, family-business governance and constitutions, matrimonial-property and prenuptial arrangements, and the structuring and protection of wealth — including cross-border and multi-jurisdictional assets. We act with discretion and continuity across generations.
Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Law of Succession Act, the Trustees Act and the Trustees (Perpetual Succession) Act, the Matrimonial Property Act and the Marriage Act, with contentious matters heard in the Family Division of the High Court. For cross-border estates we coordinate with foreign counsel on conflict-of-laws and recognition issues.
Who we act for. We act for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, business-owning families, trustees and executors, and beneficiaries. Many of our private-client relationships span decades, covering everything from a first will to a full family-governance framework and the eventual administration of an estate.
Why OLM for private clients, wealth and family. Private-client work demands discretion, judgement and the ability to handle sensitive family dynamics alongside the law. We give measured, confidential advice, we structure wealth to protect it across generations, and our combined succession, tax and corporate capability means a family business is planned holistically rather than piecemeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will in Kenya? Yes. Without a will, your estate is distributed under the Law of Succession Act’s intestacy rules, which may not reflect your wishes and can create disputes. A well-drafted will, paired with a letter of wishes, ensures your estate reaches the right people efficiently.
How does probate work in Kenya? Probate is the court process by which a will is proved and an executor is confirmed. Where there is no will, the court grants Letters of Administration. We file the petition, manage the court process, and advise executors and administrators on their duties throughout the administration.
What is the difference between a trust and a will in Kenya? A will takes effect on death and goes through probate; a trust can be created during your lifetime, takes effect immediately, and passes outside the probate process. Trusts offer privacy, continuity and, in some structures, asset-protection advantages that wills do not.