Wills & Estate Planning
While death is never a pleasant topic, it is important to think about and plan for what you want to happen to your assets when you do pass. This will help your family and ensure everything you have goes to the right people.
What is estate planning and who should get it?
A will is generally the most important document any person signs. After death, the terms of a will can only be altered by a court and, unless a court intervenes, the will regulates how the deceased’s assets are to be finally dealt with. An appropriate estate plan ensures wealth is dealt with as intended, while minimising the impact of challenges against the arrangements and costs, such as stamp duty, tax and administration expenses.
If you die without a will, the law says your assets will be distributed to your family, as determined by a set Government formula, which is different in every Australian state. Having a well prepared will is best.
What are the benefits of estate planning?
Estate planning will give you peace of mind knowing your family and loved ones are financially secure in the event of your death.
By taking the time to conduct estate planning you can:
- Save your friends and family undue stress and uncertainty
- Ensure your estate is distributed to those you love
- Ensure personal possessions and savings are left to certain people/parties
- Appoint trusted legal guardians for children who are still minors
- Organise life insurance payments to your family in the event of injury, illness, or death
- Reduce the cost of legal fees for your family
- Bequest sums of money to charities and not-for-profit organisations
Your estate is an accumulation of everything you own, no matter how large or small, so it’s essential you create a plan to control your estate after you pass away. If you are concerned about the distribution of your estate and execution in the event of severe illness, injury or death, contact our team and we will discuss your needs and point you in the right direction. Our financial advisers can work with you to bring all the disparate elements of your financial life together before referring you to a legal professional.
Contact us for a consultation
“Having a will and full estate plan in place, set up by a professional legal team will protect those assets you worked a lifetime to accumulate.”
