The answer depends on the governing documents, the registration records and the history of meetings and appointments. Banks and regulators will usually look for evidence of who was validly appointed under the constitution, and they may decline to act on instructions from either side until the position is clear. The priority is to protect essential operations, preserve records and avoid unilateral steps such as changing bank signatories. We assess which group has the stronger claim, seek interim arrangements by agreement where possible and, if necessary, apply to court for urgent directions. Every charitable foundation should plan for this scenario.

Start by gathering the notice, voter or membership list, nomination papers, minutes and any correspondence about the meeting. Check them against the constitution or articles, focusing on notice periods, eligibility, quorum and voting procedure. If serious defects are found, the options include a formal objection, a negotiated rerun or proceedings seeking a declaration and an injunction. Timing is critical, because courts are more willing to intervene before new office-bearers take control. We advise on the strength of the challenge and the most proportionate route for the charitable foundation. Delay often weakens a strong case.

Yes, but the route depends on the legal form of the entity. The trust deed, constitution or articles may provide a removal procedure, which should be followed carefully. Where the governing documents are silent or the procedure cannot work, the court may remove a trustee who has acted in breach of duty, become unfit or is in serious conflict with the institution's purposes. For waqf property, the Waqf Administrator's role must also be considered. Removal is usually sought together with protective steps such as accounts and restrictions on dealings with assets. Each charitable foundation is different, so documents come first.

The donor's rights depend on how the gift was made. A written grant agreement, gift deed or endowment deed may set conditions, reporting duties and remedies such as repayment. Where the gift was unconditional, the donor's direct rights may be limited, but misuse can still be raised with the institution's governing body, its regulator or, in some cases, the court. We review the documents and correspondence, advise on the realistic remedies and help donors frame concerns in a way that protects the charitable foundation's beneficiaries while holding office-holders to account. Clear written grant terms help both sides.

Family members do not automatically inherit control of a charitable foundation. Assets that have been validly transferred to a foundation, trust or waqf generally belong to that entity for its purposes, not to the founder's estate. Control passes according to the governing documents, which may or may not give the family a role. Disputes often arise where the founder held assets personally or the documents are unclear. We review what was transferred, what remains in the estate and how succession to office was meant to work, and advise on a route that respects both legal rights and purposes.

Take the allegation seriously and act proportionately. The governing body should restrict the person's access where appropriate, preserve financial records and appoint independent people, often lawyers and accountants, to review the facts. The accused trustee should be given a fair opportunity to respond. Depending on the findings, outcomes may include repayment, removal, regulatory reporting or proceedings. Careless handling can expose the foundation to further disputes, so we advise on a process that is fair, documented and consistent with the governing documents and the law. Prompt, fair handling protects the charitable foundation's reputation and donor confidence.

Yes. Organisations receiving foreign donations must comply with the requirements of the NGO Affairs Bureau, including approvals for projects and fund releases. A governance dispute can affect those approvals, bank arrangements and relationships with foreign donors, who may suspend funding until authority is clear. Foreign donors also have their own compliance obligations at home. We help charitable foundation boards and NGOs manage the regulatory consequences of a dispute, communicate accurately with donors and regulators, and restore stable governance quickly. Early engagement with the Bureau usually helps, and donors should receive consistent, accurate updates throughout.

Often it is. Trustees, founders and members usually share a commitment to the institution's purpose, and a public court battle can damage donor confidence and the institution's reputation. Mediation allows the parties to agree interim management, a fair election process, revised governing documents or an orderly exit for one group. Agreements can be recorded in resolutions, amended documents or a court order. Where one side refuses to engage or assets are at immediate risk, court action may need to run alongside mediation, and we advise on how to combine the two.