Estate Planning

Estate planning is a complex area with a broader focus than preparing a will. For high net-worth private groups, tax considerations are often prevalent.  Getting the right advice well in advance of major life events is critical. Complexity often arises when people realise their will only deals with passing on assets they own in their own names. Having a clear and effective estate plan can provide great comfort for your family and avoid unnecessary disputes or confusion. Careful planning can mean many years of tax-effective financial support for your beneficiaries.  

We have extensive experience in advising private clients on their estate planning and execution, from ensuring assets are passed to intended beneficiaries in the most tax efficient manner, through to advising complex estates involving intricate tax issues and/or family disputes. In conjunction with your legal advisers, we also assist with the implementation of estate plans involving considerations such as testamentary trusts, superannuation, disabled beneficiaries, asset preservation concerns, complex entity structures and charitable objectives.

Complex estate planning support

Wealth accumulated via family trusts, self-managed super funds and private companies is where additional attention is needed as it is sometimes incorrectly perceived these structures cease to exist upon death and the assets transfer to the estate of the deceased. Modern blended families add further considerations around adequate provisions and attempting to ‘keep the peace’.

Carefully considered decisions need to be made ahead of time to achieve an effective estate plan. Such decisions need to be cognisant of often overlapping (and sometimes conflicting) tax, superannuation, company and trust law.

Our goal is to support these family conversations and work with your legal advisers to make the process as harmonious as possible.

We can help you with

• Reviewing or developing an estate plan
• Education on wealth and assets transition
• Identifying and managing tax implications, including superannuation
• Testamentary trusts
• Liaising with other advisors including legal advisers