Estate planning and protection

No matter your net worth is, it is important to have a basic estate plan in place.
Estate planning is not just making a will, it has several elements:

  • a Will
  • a power of attorney (General and Enduring)
  • a medical power of attorney/health directives
  • a guardianship document for your children (depending on your circumstances)
  • a memorandum of wishes
  • A binding or non-binding nomination within superannuation

Estate planning can be complex and may need you to consider the best person as your executor or an independent trustee to manage your assets and make health care and personal care decisions for you if you ever become unable to do so for yourself.

WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO EVALUATE YOUR NEEDS AND YOUR OBJECTIVES IN PASSING ON YOUR ASSETS EFFECTIVELY.

Assets may include investments, savings, superannuation, insurance policies, and property or business interests. Your assets may be in Australia or overseas.

We will ask you:

  • who do you want to inherit your assets?
  • who do you want handling your financial affairs if you have become incapacitated?
  • who do you want to be making medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself?
  • to talk to your heirs to prevent disputes or confusion after you’re gone.

Well considered estate planning can help ensure the wealth you have built is transferred smoothly, tax effectively and, most importantly, according to your wishes after you are gone.
It also allows you to retain control of your assets and determine who will make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to.

CASE STUDY

Peter, his wife Jane and their two children were driving along a major highway when their tyre exploded, he lost control of the car and hit a tree.

Jane and one of the children were killed instantly and Peter was in a coma for over three months and required 24-hour care. Their other child survived with only a few cuts and bruises.

Aged in their mid 30s, neither Peter nor Jane had thought to write a will or appoint anyone to manage their medical or financial affairs should they not be able to manage them.

This put enormous pressure on their parents and family who found it hard to agree who should have custody of the surviving child and how Peter’s injuries should be managed.

Peter and Jane could have saved their families this concern if they had a proper Will, an enduring power of attorney, children guardianship and medical directive in place.