Estate planning

Estate Planning

Estate planning requires more knowledge than just legal. There are complexities with non-estate asset equalisation, blended families and the typical dramas of many families. We discuss things and map out what can and cannot be willed and listen to your wants as well as your needs in regards to the distribution of your assets. Then, when we all have clarity, we instruct either your or one of our solicitors to draw up the documents.

Where you have additional complexities such as disabled children, we would involve specialist solicitors in the early stages to ensure things are done correctly as there are many pitfalls with how Special Disability Trusts are established including handling by Centrelink.

Superannuation death benefit nominations can also cause concern to the estate. Asset distribution imbalances as well as loss of control of superannuation assets completely are two problems. Katz v Grossman showed a terrible situation arising from poor planning and naive trust in family members to do the right thing.

Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.

Anyone with assets needs advice on the final distribution of those assets.

Especially anyone with a blended family, divorced, with disabled child(ren), self employed, business owner.

If you have children with a gambling problem, drug addiction, alcohol problem then the need to do more than a typical will is apparent.

Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.

WHY?

  • To gain a proper understanding of what you have and whether it is will-able or not.
  • To transfer your assets to whom you wish in the most effective manner.
  • To protect loved ones against financial loss due to poor planning.
  • To have the right tax structures in place for your situation.
  • To have the right advice on Centrelink.
  • To have a trusted advisor who understands your situation and also understands you.
  •  

    Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.

    A review of your estate plans may be prudent when things are about to change

    Have changed

    In circumstances such as:-

    • Inherited money
    • Moving house
    • Changing jobs
    • Starting a family
    • Getting a loan/mortgage
    • Getting married
    • Getting divorced
    • Becoming disabled

    Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.

    Just what advice is required is dependent upon your situation now and expectations of the future.

    We will provide guidance on this at the first interview (free) and outline the areas of advice which appear to be most pressing. Things can progress from there at your own pace.

    Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.

    Everything starts with our first meeting.

    Once we have a full picture of your situation and discussed the areas of advice required, we will prepare a written Statement of Advice for you. This will be the document from which others follow such as our Records of Advice. The journey continues until such time as you no longer need our advice.

    We will liaise with your solicitor or introduce a trusted solicitor to draw up the legal documents and to answer your questions.

    In some circumstances, you may wish to involve family members. We can facilitate meetings.

    There are cases where information will be required from third parties. We can facilitate this with your written permission.

    We do not pass any information to others without your written consent.

    Should you have any further questions please click here to email us.