Who needs an estate plan? Everybody!

Speaking to clients about who will manage their financial, medical and lifestyle affairs when they die or are no longer able to do so is difficult, but it can bring them peace of mind.

Having a proper estate plan means your clients can be sure their assets will be managed and distributed according to their wishes.

An estate plan is particularly important for families with complex requirements such as providing for a second spouse or loved ones with special needs. It’s also important where there has been a history of, or the potential for, family disputes.

Depending on a client’s circumstances, an estate plan may incorporate provisions for:

• nominating someone to act on their behalf if they become unable to manage their own affairs – a financial or medical power of attorney or an advance care directive
• creating trusts or other structures for tax purposes or to protect significant assets
• specifying arrangements for the smooth transfer of business interests
• ensuring structures they control, such as a family trust, family companies or superannuation funds, pass to the control of people they choose and trust
• protecting and providing for their loved ones with a disability or special needs, including young children
• protecting their children’s inheritance from claims by creditors or claims resulting from any future relationship breakdowns
• a charitable giving program, whether it is a one-off donation, charitable trust or foundation such as a private ancillary fund.

How we work with you

Our estate planning lawyers will work in partnership with you to tailor estate plans to your clients’ individual circumstances – to make sure their wealth is managed and distributed in line with their wishes and in the most tax‑effective way.

Our unbundled or partnership approach means you continue to manage the relationship with your clients – we simply provide you with specialist estate planning advice.

For more information on estate plans, please speak to your adviser or call us on 1800 882 218.