Checklist

Recognising and framing a foundation dispute

A foundation dispute usually starts quietly: disturbed communication, unclear roles, missing distributions. Ordering the signals allows early steering.

Conflicts in private foundations rarely arise overnight. They show up in typical patterns: delayed information, repeated postponements, resolutions taken in isolation.

This checklist helps to order the signals, review the internal structure and consciously choose the next step. It does not replace legal or mediation support.

Legal basis at a glance

For foundation disputes especially relevant are § 27 PSG (court removal of board members), § 30 PSG (information right of beneficiaries) and § 31 PSG (special audit).

In addition, § 29 PSG (liability of members of foundation bodies towards the foundation) and general rules of civil procedure can play a role.

This checklist gives a general overview of the Austrian legal position under the Private Foundation Act (as of July 2026). It makes no claim to completeness or legal certainty and does not replace advice in the individual case.

In depth

Related topics and posts

Foundation disputes and enforcement

Removal, special audit, information and judicial routes.

Family wealth and succession

How the foundation frames family wealth across generations.

Tool: foundation dispute risk profile

Short self-assessment of typical conflict fields.

Your foundation law team

BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte

Foundation law team, Salzburg and throughout Austria

Your matter is handled by a team combining corporate law, asset succession, real estate law and dispute resolution. We review the foundation declaration, board resolutions, information rights and liability issues and set out clear next steps. Mag. Bernhard Brandauer is responsible for the legal advice, supported by further specialised lawyers of the firm where the matter requires it.