Estate Planning

Effective estate planning is much more detailed than simply making a will. It involves organising your estate, perhaps by establishing trusts, to ensure your wealth passes into the right hands, in the most financially-efficient and tax-effective way.

What is the purpose of estate planning?

Specifically, estate planning allows an individual to decide exactly who will benefit from their estate, and to what extent. Estate planning also ensures that the estate will not be destroyed by taxes imposed on the transfer of assets at death.

A robust estate plan must include a tax effective Will for the protection of the estate and your choice in relation to the interests of your beneficiaries in the event of your demise.

Jointly held assets, trust assets and superannuation however, are not necessarily dealt with by the terms of the Will. These are usually considered ’non-estate’ assets for estate planning purposes.

It is important to have considered a comprehensive estate plan to ensure all assets are transferred according to your wishes in the most effective and efficient manner.

Some factors to consider when developing your estate plan:

• Your superannuation
• A well structured Will
• Death benefit nominations
• Testamentary trusts
• Power of Attorney
• Enduring Power of Attorney
• Medical treatment and lifestyle decisions

Having a well structured will is absolutely crucial

Dying without a Will or with an invalid Will is known as dying intestate. In such an event, laws are in place in each State and Territory to determine how your estate will be administered. This may result in your estate assets being distributed against your wishes as well as incurring unnecessary tax liabilities for your beneficiaries.

We can help you plan and install an estate plan to fulfill your wishes so your assets are dealt with in the most tax effective way and to the beneficiaries you nominate.