martes, 20 de diciembre de 2011

HOW TO INCORPORATE IN PANAMA


PANAMA CORPORATIONS


www.laglex.com

Panamanian corporations may be organized by two or more elderly (who may be Panamanian or foreign) as well as legal entities, for any purpose (lawful) for which the incorporators subscribe at least one share each (they are considered shareholders), the authorized capital stock of the corporation in training. In practice, two individuals or legal entities can act as any subscribers with the ability to waive their subscription rights and assign the rights as such for the real owners or beneficiaries. The authorized capital of a Panamanian corporation, does not have to be subscribed or paid.
The firm, or their attorneys usually act as underwriters of the social pact and are the resident agent of society, this is a legal requirement in Panama.
Traditionally, annual charges or fees Resident Agent service range from $ 150.00 to $ 250.00, and Resident Agent has no obligation to submit any report or report to the government of Panama. The role of Resident Agent today is to serve as a link between the corporation and the Panamanian government, according to the rules signed by Panama "know your customer".
The conditions for the formation and registration of a Panamanian Corporation at the Public Registry of Panama:
-The name of the company.You must include any of the following words or abbreviations: Corporation (Corp.) Incorporation (Inc.) or Company (SA). Names are allowed in any other foreign language. There can be two (2) companies with the same name, hence the need to check the availability of the name of the Corporation at the Public Registry. The name (s) available (s) can (n) be booked (s) for a period ofthirty (30) days renewable, if desired, at a cost of $ 40.00 each.

-The Objectives of the society.Generally used broad and general goals, however, but if you want you can mention in the articles of incorporation of certain specific objects for which society is organized.

-The authorized share capital.
The authorized share capital may be indicated in any currency, it must also indicate the number of shares and their nominal value or no par value (if not used par value shares, then the government values ​​each share at $ 20.00, with purpose of calculating the registration fee, based on the authorized share capital).

-The type of shares.Corporations Law of Panama allows shares and / or bearer shares, common and / or preferred shares and class - Class A or Class B (if appropriate), with or without voting rights, as well as any right and / or restrictions you want to set.

-The Directors.The law requires a minimum of three (3) directors, and can be natural or legal persons or any other national jurisdiction. For natural persons requires the full names (no initials) and addresses. For legal entities required name (s) official (s) complete (s) and address (es), and if they are foreign, are required notarized and apostilled certification (or Panamanian Consul authentication), the competent authority (s) jurisdiction (s) for (s), indicating that the entity is legally enforceable and who is his legal representative. Law firms providing the services of nominee directors on the basis of annual fees.

-The Officers.The full names of the first officers: president, secretary and treasurer, or others. These may be natural persons or legal entities, national or other jurisdiction. There is the option of appointing vice presidents, sub/secretaries and other sub-dignitaries and the same person may hold other positions as officers, not just as director, but we recommend that the President should not act as Secretary at a time, for practical reasons. The Directors may also act as officers. The directors and officers need not be shareholders, and Panamanian citizens or residents of Panama.

-The duration of the company.It may be perpetual.

-Name and address of resident agent.
It can be a lawyer or a local law firm.

-Address of the society.Is the registered address

-The registration fee.They refer to the authorized capital and paid described once when registering the Articles of Incorporation with the Public Registry of Panama, according to the following rates:U.S. $ 50.00 (minimum) on the first $ 10,000.000.75 per U.S. $ 1,000.00 over the next 90,000.000.50 per U.S. $ 1,000.00 over the next 900,000.000.10 per U.S. $ 1,000.00 1,000,000.00 in excess ofplus a surcharge of 20%

-Period of Incorporation of the Corporation.The organization and registration of a corporation takes two (3) to three (3) working days and the cost varies according to its resident agent, usually dependent on its articles of incorporation, this amount ranges from U.S. $ 450.00 onwards.

-Offshore Company.If a Panamanian corporation does not engage business in Panama, is not subject to income tax, but may have in our country offices to manage their international operations, so you can keep their books in the way you want and anywhere in the world. Companies with local operations should be kept here all his books and records, which can be manually, mechanically or electronically.
The Companies Act allows individuals or corporations of any nationality and place of residence to act as directors and officers of Panama corporations. There are no restrictions imposed by law or local regulations that prevent a Panamanian company to do business with or in any other country in the world. A Panamanian company, no matter what its authorized capital in Panama pay no taxes on their profits if their income comes from foreign sources or if they consist of local interest in savings accounts or time deposits.

The use of a corporate seal for companies is not required by law in Panama, its use is optional. If desired, you may obtain a Certificate of Public Registry of Effective society when its constitution is registered. No Certificate of Incorporation is issued in this jurisdiction.

-Annual maintenance fee.There is an annual tax of $ 300.00, $ 250.00 the first year, which taxes the government to maintain an active company, is best known as an annual rate of companies. Late payments are subject to a surcharge of U.S. $ 50.00. Additionally, delayed payment of tax for two consecutive periods, causes a fine of $ 300.00. The fee payment must be made before June 30 to companies incorporated during the first half, and before December 31 to companies incorporated during the second half, it is important to know the period of incorporation.Resident Agent's fees are above $ 150.00 per year.The annual fee for the service of directors and / or officers are U.S. $ 100.00 onwards.Therefore, annual maintenance charges of a Panamanian corporation may fluctuate between U.S. $ 450.00 upwards, depending on the number of directors and / or local dignitaries.

-Meetings.Shareholders' meetings, meetings of directors or liquidators may be made by telephone, facsimile or other electronic means is not necessary to be in Panama, provided that the Articles of Incorporation so permits, it is necessary to issue a report detailing how the communication was made and resolutions adopted.It also allows shareholders' meetings and meetings of directors or liquidators of consent, even when the document showing signatures in different places and dates.

-Redomicilio.
The change of domicile or jurisdiction (redomicilio) to Panama, a foreign corporation is allowed.The Panamanian company redomicilio to other jurisdictions that accept such redomicilio is also allowed, if so stipulated in the articles of incorporation.

-Dissolution.The formal dissolution of the company voluntarily at any time is permitted. It requires shareholder approval at a meeting called for that purpose. In this case, you must obtain a certificate of dissolution and subsequently published in the Official Gazette and a local newspaper. Specific liquidators may be appointed for the purpose of concluding the business of the company during the three year settlement period established by law, which is suitable for companies that have operations abroad. Otherwise, the directors act as trustees of registered society for the purpose of liquidation.

-Model of  Articles of Incorporation are availables upon request.





martes, 13 de diciembre de 2011

Modification of Registration Act 2011 in Anguilla- New Fee

The Government of Anguilla approved an amendment to the Act
Register on October 17, 2011, which introduces an annual fee called
"Anguilla Government Finance Office Fee" the amount of $ 30.00 which will be used
for the international marketing of the jurisdiction.
Currently the annual license from the Government of Anguilla is $ 200.

The Government of Anguilla has had four periods of
Annual license renewal indicating that each company must pay its
annuity before the end of each quarter.

Panama's Banking Center Reports Nearly 12% growth in assets


The International Banking Center of Panama in October 2011 recall of growth in assets 11.96%, Reaching 79 525 million dollars, Compared To The Same month last year, reports the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP). The International Banking Center of Panama in October 2011 registered a growth of the assets of 11.96% to 79.525 million dollars, compared to the same month last year, the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP).
According To report a PBS executive Distributed by email, the Annual Increase 8498 inassets million dollars is more Than in October 2010. According to a report distributed by PBS executive email inassets the annual increase is $ 8,498,000 more than in October 2010.
The cumulative Net Income to October 2011 amount to 1.078 million dollars, 163 million Compared to the previous more year, I adds. The cumulative net income to October 2011 amounted to 1,078 million dollars, 163 million more compared to last year, he adds.
He Explained That this is possible "by Higher Revenues, concentrate in interest onloans (11.9%) Dividends paid on shares of banks in companies (51.1%) and other Income (28.0%)." He explained that this is possible "by the higher income, interest focused on onloans (11.9%), dividends paid in shares of banks in companies (51.1%) and other income (28.0%). "
The Usefulness of This Period have generated a ROAA of 1.78% and ROE of 15.1% margin is With An interest at 2.5%. The usefulness of this period has generated a ROAA of 1.78% and ROE of 15.1% with a range of interest is 2.5%.
"Efficiency Levels Have Remained Stable, Which Strengthened the return onassets you," I says. "Efficiency levels have remained stable, which has strengthened the onassets back," he says.
Also found better results in local loans, amounting to 27,973 million dollars, 16.7% of agrowth over the Same Period in 2010. They also found better results in local loans, amounting to 27.973 million dollars, agrowth 16.7% over the same period in 2010.
"Compared to December (2010) Recorded an Increase of 14.9%," I says. "Compared with December (2010) recorded an increase of 14.9%," he says.
The Banking Center Provides an indicator of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.8%, Slightly Lower Than That Obtained in December 2010, Located at 0.9%, the report said. The Banking Center is an indicator of non-performing loans over total loans of 0.8%, slightly lower than that obtained in December 2010, stood at 0.9%, according to the report.
The loan portfolio accounts for 63.0% of total assets, 60.7% Higher Than That Heldin October 2010. The loan portfolio represents 63.0% of total assets, 60.7% higher than October 2010 Heldin.
"This is possible as a result of Further optimization of resources and meet the demand for credit in the square," I says. "This is possible as a result of further optimization of resources and meet the demand for credit in the square," he says.
The SBP notes Investments That Represent 18.1% and 15.0% cash assets. PAS notes that investment represents 18.1% and 15.0% of assets in cash.

miércoles, 30 de noviembre de 2011

France Approves Double Taxation Agreement With Panama

France approves double taxation agreement with Panama
The French government approved a bill to formalize the double taxation agreement with Panama.
Wednesday November 30, 2011

inShare.0 The French government statement issued after the Council of Ministers says, "The French government today approved the bill to formalize the agreement on double taxation with Panama, whose final adoption should be allowed to leave the Central American country from the list French tax havens. "

"... The bilateral agreement will prevent double taxation and" better combat tax evasion and fraud between the two countries. "

... the lens with the most efficient control is twofold, the first 'increase the potential for cross-investments between France and Panama' through 'a legal framework that seeks to eliminate the sources of legal uncertainty for individuals and corporations operating in the two territories '. The second is a legal framework 'that enables an effective exchange of information, particularly with the lifting of bank secrecy possible.' ", Reported Prensa.com

Source: Prensa.com

 

martes, 29 de noviembre de 2011

France acknowledges Panama's efforts says french ambassador

France acknowledges Panama's efforts says french ambassador

José González Pinilla
De La Prensa
The French Ambassador in Panama, Hugues Goisbault said this Thursday Nov. 24 his country acknowledges what Panama has done regarding tax transparency.
“Panama is the most important country in Central America for us. President Ricardo Martinelli is the only one from Central America president Sarkozy has received”, said Goisbault.
His statements are given after the French minister of Budget and Public Accounts, Valérie Pécresse, mentioned Panama as an example of a non cooperative government regarding tax issues, despite Martinelli’s meeting with Sarkozy last week.
Martinelli traveled to London and Paris in order to show Panama is not a tax haven. He also agreed with the French government the ratification of the double taxation treaty.

Switzerland and Bulgaria

Switzerland and Bulgaria initial revised double taxation agreement

Bern, 28.11.2011 - On 23 November 2011 in Bern, Switzerland and Bulgaria signed a double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and capital. The DTA will contribute to the further positive development of bilateral economic relations. Along with an administrative assistance clause in accordance with the internationally applicable standard, it contains various provisions that are beneficial to the Swiss economy.

The initialled text is still confidential, and the next step is for the cantons and business associations concerned to submit their views. The Federal Council will then decide on whether to authorise the signature, after which the agreement will be published. The agreement can be ratified and enter into force once the approval process has been completed in the partner state and the National Council and Council of States have given their approval

PANANA & FRANCE

The Panamanian government has suspended a contract for the Compagnie Française d'Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur (Cofase) finance the construction of the subway.
By: AFP
The Panamanian government has suspended a contract with a French company to finance the subway in Panama in retaliation to the recent claims of a French officer in the Central American country accusing of being a tax haven, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
"Panama's sovereign decision to reject the services of the French company is a measure Cofase backed by Panamanian law (...) to retaliate in case of discriminatory restrictions on foreign" against Panama, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Panama.
The Panamanian government has suspended a contract for the Compagnie Française d'Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur (Cofase) provide U.S. $ 297.8 million to partially finance the construction of the metro, according to the newspaper La Prensa.
The suspension of the contract would have been caused by a recent speech on tax fraud by the French Minister of Budget and Public Accounts, Valérie Pécresse, where he returned to Panama as a State mention "uncooperative" in fiscal matters.
"We had already warned would take action against repeated verbal attacks on our financial system," said the Panamanian Foreign Ministry.
Loan funds were canceled for the purchase of train, signaling equipment, closed circuit surveillance and tracks, works attributed to France's Alstom for what will be after 2013 the first subway in Central America.
At the last G20 summit French President Nicolas Sarkozy accused Panama of being a tax haven, despite having signed 12 double taxation treaties and demanded the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) out of his " gray list "of tax havens, which occurred in July.
Sarkozy in Paris later received his Panamanian counterpart, Ricardo Martinelli, and pledged that France "will bring to Panama" from the list of tax havens in the coming months, once to ratify the double taxation treaty with Panama signed in June.
So Pécresse statements just days after Sarkozy's meeting with Martinelli "contradict what was agreed between the two presidents," said the Panamanian Foreign Ministry.
"We are confident that when France ratified this treaty, as promised by President Sarkozy as French President Martinelli animosity against Panama on this issue go away," the statement said.
French government criticism occur despite the great interest of French companies to participate in public works administration Martinelli ahead of U.S. $ 15,000 million

viernes, 25 de noviembre de 2011

                                   LOMBARDI AGUILAR GROUP

Law Firm

by:Gabriel Aguilar/lawyer

gabriel.aguilar@laglex.com

The firm provides advisory services for the establishment and operation of all types of companies and provides services to its organization and administration.
Incorporate and administration of legal entities (corporations) for development of commercial, industrial, protection of family assets, agricultural or services in Panama as well as offshore corporations for investment and foreign trade activities and the development of operations from the free zones.
LAG also provides and manages Panamanian Private Interest Foundations, as well as corporations from other jurisdictions through our correspondent firms or affiliated companies structures several years abroad, such as Belize, and other jurisdictions in the Caribbean area.

Our services include;
• Constitution and Administration of Private Foundations and Corporations (highly recommended Lombardi Aguilar Group Assets Protection Structures -LAGAPSSM- ) under the laws of the Republic of Panama, complying with legal requirements, the clients receive the followings documents:
The Original Articles of Incorporation (English), Deed of Articles of Incorporation in Spanish duly registered with the Public Registry,
The Resident Agent for the first year,
 Head office for the first year, Optional Nominee Directors for the first year, the Franchise Tax Annual License for the first year, Three Actions (Foundations have shares) Resignations (2) Subscription Rights Party (by which subscribers renounce their legal rights to one part each).
We require a copy of your passport and two letters of reference from a bank, your lawyer or CPA.
As soon as we receive all documents, incorporate 2-4 business days.
Besides incorporating a BVI, Belize, Costa Rica and other jurisdictions.
We manage to act as Trustees, Directors, Founders, Administrators, and on behalf of shareholders.
• Implementation of periodic activities required by the law (Assemblies of Shareholders Meetings, records, taxes or government fees, etc.)..
• Advice and assistance on changes in the capital, reforms of statutes, changes in boards of directors, mergers, dissolutions, etc..
• Issuance and management of documents necessary for the operation of corporations
• Re-Invoicing Services
• Opening bank account
For participants in the process of opening a personal bank account in Panama, the banks request us two original letters of reference of two banks with the bank statement of the accounts and tax return / Financial Statements.
Members of our law firm of Lombardi Aguilar Group - LAG have more than a decade working with major law firms in Panama in the formation of corporations and other vehicles used by investors in Europe, Asia and North America in procurement, planning status, values, intellectual property and other business objectives. We are in a position to provide your company and your customers:
- Recruitment and training of IBCS in five days in Panama, British Virgin Islands, Belize and other low tax jurisdictions;
 -Addition of Trust, and Training and Administration of Private Interest Foundation in Panama in competitive rates
 - Private Client Services for individuals who use international banking services in Panama
 -Registration of all types of Ships 
 -Registration of Patents, Trademark Registration, and  Intellectual Property in Panama.




A TRUST OR FOUNDATION


TRUST VS FOUNDATION

Por Gabriel Aguilar
gabriel.aguilar@laglex.com

 Historically a trust as a structure has been mainly used in common-law countries and still not always understood and appreciated by representatives of civil-law countries. They prefer to use foundations for different purposes as an alternative to Trust. The main difference between these structures is in the right to control them. A Trust must be fully controlled and managed by a trustee form the best interests of the Trust beneficiaries; once the assets are transferred to a Trust, a settlor no longer has any control over them. Every Foundation, in turn, has a Protector, who is generally a person connected to a Foundation founder (settlor) and therefore may have a certain influence on the development process and management of a Foundation. Moreover, a Foundation is allowed to have a bank account, in contrast to a Trust, where a trustee fully operates the capital. A Foundation is a separated legal entity and generally names a beneficiary for a socially responsible purpose, such as a charitable organization. Its owner its not registered in any public registries for the simple reason that a Foundation does not have an owner. Once such a Foundation owns shares of a particular company, such a corporate entity, becomes fully confidential as well. Foundations are effective structures for inheritance and holistic tax optimization purpose. Therefore, a Foundation when properly structured and incorporated in the appropriate jurisdiction for any special need and objectives can provide you the benefits of a commercial company, not-non-profit organization and trust. It will ensure confidentiality as well as effective assets protection and management opportunities.
Ask for Further information: 
http://panamalowtax.blogspot.com/
twitter - @panamalowtax






U.S. Exporters Open Latin America Regional Office in Panama


Photos: Above: Gabriel Aguilar, Panama Canal Administrator Alberto Aleman Z., Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, USGC Regional Director Kurt Shultz, Jorge Lombardi. Aguilar and Lombardi are members of Lombardi Aguilar Group www.laglex.com, legal counsel for the Panama office. Below: USGC Board members during ribbon-cuttting ceremony at Ocean Business Plaza.

U.S. Grains Council Opens Latin America and Caribbean Regional Offic
U.S. Grains Council Chairman Rick Fruth announced the official opening of the Council's newest international office in Panama City, Panama. The USGC Latin America and Caribbean Region office represents a key presence in the region as the Council continues its work of Developing Markets, Enabling Trade and Improving Lives.

"The failure of the United States to ratify pending free trade agreements in the area has caused a significant loss in grain business and trade. It also has had a consequential effect on the economic development of our friends and allies in the Latin American region," said Fruth. "By establishing an office in Latin America and the Caribbean region, the Council is strategically positioning itself to defend U.S. markets while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life of our trading partners."

Kurt Shultz was named the first director of the Panama City office. Shultz has worked for the Council since 1999 and previously served for seven years as USGC regional director for the Mediterranean and Africa before transitioning to his current post.


See full text in http://www.grains.org/news-events/2266-us-grains-council-opens-latin-america-and-caribbean-regional-office -



La embajada estadounidense presidida por Barbara Stephenson, realizó un coctel de bienvenida a miembros del Consejo de granos de Estados Unidos
En el Hotel Marriott se organizó un elegante coctel con motivo de la visita de miembros de los miembros del Consejo de granos estadounidenses, los cuales establecerán una oficina regional para América Latina y el Caribe en Panamá, con la finalidad de afianzar el comercio entre las Américas. "La posición geográfica clave y punto de comercio internacional hace de Panamá un lugar muy atractivo para abrir esta oficina regional y hacer negocios", dijo el dirigente empresarial Rick Fruth. "Uno de los propósitos de nuestra organización es lograr un acercamiento entre Estados Unidos, Latinoamérica y el Caribe, para mejorar y profundizar el comercio de granos", expresó.

http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2010/03/18/contenido/214801.asp

Consejo de Granos de los Estados Unidos abrió una oficina regional en Panamá
El Consejo de Granos de los Estados Unidos abrió una oficina regional en Panamá para cubrir sus actividades en Latinoamérica y el Caribe y por tal motivo, en conjunto con nuestra Embajadora ofreció una recepción para sus colaboradores y contactos en el área gubernamental y privada.

El Consejo de Granos de los Estados Unidos representa a productores y comercializadores de cebada, maíz, y sorgo de su país que exportan hacia el resto del mundo y en conjunto con el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos contribuye al desarrollo económico mundial y a la rentabilidad de la agricultura.

La Exportación de Granos representa el 17% del total de carga transportada por el Canal de Panamá y de ese porcentaje, un 90% son granos originarios de los Estados Unidos.

http://spanish.panama.usembassy.gov/fas.html

Trust Fund Stolen From Poor Children In Panama, Lawsuit Claims

Trust Fund Stolen From Poor Children In Panama, Lawsuit Claims

Family fights over wills, trusts and estates are far too common, not only in our country, but elsewhere. Sometimes, those fights reach a whole new level. This has certainly been the case with a tragic story from Panama which harmed those most in need … millions of impoverished and starving children.

A Florida attorney, Richard Lehman, takes center stage in the dispute. He recently sued political officials throughout Panama — including three Supreme Court judges — charging corruption, bribery, theft, and much more. The fight involves the estate of Lehman’s former friend and client, Wilson Lucom.


When he died in June of 2006 at the age of 88, Lucom was an expatriate American living in Panama. One year before he died, Lucom signed a will generously leaving the majority of his $50 million fortune to a trust fund to benefit the poor and needy children of Panama. That fortune includes ocean-front real estate which has appreciated in value, so that Lucom’s estate is now valued at more than $150 million.

Lucom’s widow, Hilda Piza Lucom, was well-connected in Panamanian political circles. In fact, she used to be married to the son of a President of Panama. Lucom’s will left her a monthly allowance of $20,000 and the right to live in and use the marital home throughout her life. Her children also received specific bequests (Lucom had no children of his own). But Hilda wanted more … much more.

Hilda sued to challenge the will and claimed that Lucom’s attorney, Richard Lehman, had coerced Lucom into creating it so he could manage the charitable trust, which the will named as the primary beneficiary to Lucom’s vast estate. Through the lawsuit, a court in Panama removed Lehman as the estate’s executor, but ultimately found the will valid. Hilda then appealed to another court, which again found the will valid.

Finally, she appealed again to the Supreme Court of Panama. That Court, acting through three judges, issued a strange decision which upheld the will but at the same time ruled that Lucom really wanted to benefit his “beloved wife.” The judges overturned the distribution of the bulk of Lucom’s fortune to his charitable trust fund and instead named Hilda as the “universal heir.”

Several different people, including the notary who signed the will and even a prosecutor, filed challenges to the Supreme Court’s decision. In the face of those legal challenges, the entire Supreme Court of Panama decided to review the case a second time. For the last year, the case has been in a holding pattern, until the Supreme Court issues another ruling.

In the meantime, the Florida attorney, Lehman, is tired of waiting for the money to be released to help the poverty-stricken children in Panama. It is estimated that 20% of Panamanian children suffer from malnutrition and more than one-half of children under the age of five live in poverty. Lehman says he wants the children to finally benefit from Lucom’s wishes.

So Lehman recently filed a lawsuit in federal court in Florida, accusing Hilda, some of her adult children from her first marriage, and various Panamanian judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and others, of being part of a massive, criminal RICO conspiracy. RICO is a set of United States federal laws used to combat organized crime and corruption.

In his lawsuit under the RICO laws, Lehman accuses the three Supreme Court judges of accepting bribes in the amount of $1.5 million, each. He says Hilda and others acting on her behalf caused numerous false criminal charges to be asserted against him — including one for murder — in an effort to prevent him from acting as estate executor and to inhibit him from fighting against them in court. He even suggests that the conspiracy led to a murder attempt on the life of one of Lehman’s allies.

The RICO lawsuit seeks $732 million in damages on behalf of Lehman and the charitable trust that Lucom created to implement his directive to benefit poor children in Panama. You can read the complaint that recently started this lawsuit here.
Lehman said, in an interview with Thompson Reuters, that “every word” in his RICO complaint is true and he wants the whole world to know about the corruption in Panama and the effect it’s had on the starving children there.
A Florida attorney representing some of those accused of the criminal conspiracy says that this is merely the last in a line of “frivolous lawsuits” and notes that a court in Florida already ruled that Lehman misused estate assets to the tune of $2 million. But, Lehman includes a claim in his new lawsuit that the recent Florida ruling was procured through false evidence as part of the conspiracy.
His opponents think that this is nonsense. One of the attorneys fighting against Lehman, Matias Dorta, emailed us a copy of the Florida’s judge’s ruling, which referred to Lehman as, “a covetous opportunist using the ancillary estate assets … seeking personal advantage and control of assets in the $25-50 million domiciliary estate.” Dorta says that Lehman’s new claims were already raised and dismissed in a previous lawsuit.
Clearly, there are two sides to the story, and both sides accuse the other of foul play. You can read the Florida Judge’s decision against Lehman here.
Regardless of whether Lehman’s more-shocking allegations are true, the fact remains that Lucom signed a will wanting to benefit those in Panama who most needed help. While some question whether Lucom really had these charitable intentions, the case does present a lesson. This lengthy and expensive probate court fight could have been largely avoided.
How? There was no reason for Lucom to rely on a will and force his assets to pass through the court system, which had been accused by many of being corrupt. While Lucom created a trust — in Panama — to implement his wishes (at least, according to Lehman), that trust was never funded with his estate assets before he died.
Lucom could have transferred his assets into his trust during his lifetime. Or, better yet, he could have created a trust somewhere other than Panama (like Florida for example), transferred his assets into it, and avoided the Panama court system entirely.
Creating and a funding a revocable living trust — early, before there is a question of mental competency or undue influence — is the best way to prevent a family fight over your estate. By making this change late in life, and failing to use a trust to avoid probate, Lucom made it much harder for his wishes to be followed.
It’s a sad lesson that everyone can learn from.
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras, co-authors of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, husband-and-wife legacy expert attorneys, and hosts of the national television special, Trial & Heirs: Protect Your Family Fortune! For the latest celebrity and high-profile cases, with tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients, click here to subscribe to The Trial & Heirs Update.


La Estrella de Panamá - The Panama Star
The Lucom legacy
Las Uvas: Fever in the coast

Supreme Court of Justice-Panama
August 6, 2011, decision by Justice Oyden Ortega
September 30, 2011, clarification by Justice Oyden Ortega
Grand Panama International et al vs. Hacienda Santa Monica, S.A., complaint by company Lucom promised to sell his property

La Voz Nueva
Legal case clouding Panama/U.S. commerce

Youtube video
100 acres of beachfront are misappropiated
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