Estate planning is a subject that we don't like to think about but in its simplest form it is just about ensuring peace of mind. It is about making sure that the investments you make now are passed on to your family or beneficiaries in the most effective way.
In addition it is about having someone appointed to make the best decisions possible for you if you are unable to make them for yourself.
Developing an effective estate plan will ensure that:
- You are provided for when you can no longer make decisions
- The ownership of assets passes to the beneficiaries of your choice
- The assets are protected if any beneficiary has any legal issues
- Any tax payable is minimised
With family units becoming more complex, estate planning has become even more important in today's society and often can involve more than a simple will. It can be quite a complex area and it is recommended that you seek professional advice to assist you with implementation once you have considered your options.
Contact our office to ensure you know how each of the following interacts.
Wills
Superannuation Benefits
Trusts & Companies you may have an interest in
Guardianship
Powers of attorney
Testamentary trusts
Taxation implications
Estate planning is an important part of your overall financial plan and it is something that shouldn't be left to the last minute. After all, we don't know when that last minute will be!