# How to Write a Family Charter: Clauses, Steps, Template

> A family charter is the founding document of family governance. Core clauses, a five-step drafting process, and three notes specific to Chinese families.

URL: https://www.china-family-office.com/en/articles/education-research/family-charter-how-to-write/

Published: 2026-08-25 · by China Family Office Research Team

A family charter (or family constitution) is the founding document of family governance: values, governance structure, decision mechanisms and wealth-distribution rules. It is not legally binding, yet it is the institutional cornerstone of succession — research consistently attributes “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations” to governance failure more than investment loss.

## Core clause checklist

- Mission and values: why the family exists and what the wealth is for.
- Membership and rights: who belongs and how rights are defined.
- Governance: family assembly, family council and management roles.
- Decision-making: voting rules for major matters and deadlock resolution.
- Wealth distribution: dividend principles, education and healthcare support, venture funding.
- Exit and disputes: member exit mechanisms and mediation.

## Five-step drafting process

Step 1, family interviews capturing G1, G2 and G3 expectations. Step 2, drafting by the family council or an external adviser. Step 3, at least one all-member revision round. Step 4, a signing ceremony — the signing itself is succession education. Step 5, annual review, revising every 1–3 years as the family evolves.

## Three notes for Chinese families

First, cross-border tax: trust arrangements must comply with the 2026 offshore trust rules (uniform 20% rate). Second, separate corporate equity from family entitlements in the design. Third, legal wording in Chinese — bilingual versions are recommended.

## Industry data

China’s wealth management market reached RMB 179.33 trillion in 2025, second globally (Sina Finance, 2026).

The global family office market was US$20.6bn in 2025, projected US$38.1bn by 2035 (Research Nester, 2025).

The market is projected to grow at a 7.1% CAGR from 2026 to 2035 (Research Nester).

Hong Kong hosted 3,380+ single family offices by end-2025 (InvestHK / Deloitte).

Cross-border wealth in Hong Kong is projected to grow 9% a year 2025–2030, first globally (BCG, 2026).

## References

- [InvestHK FamilyOfficeHK](https://www.familyofficehk.gov.hk)
- [Boston Consulting Group](https://www.bcg.com)

## Related Guides

Explore [the Complete Guide](/articles/education-research/china-family-office-complete-guide-2026/) and [the Tai Chi philanthropy case](/articles/philanthropy/case-study-tai-chi-world-record-philanthropy/) on China Family Office\u2019s site, or see the [FAQ](/faq/).

---
Education & Research · China Family Office (https://www.china-family-office.com/en/)