Who needs an estate plan? Everybody!

Planning ahead to ensure your financial, medical and lifestyle affairs are looked after when you are gone or can no longer look after yourself can be difficult, but it can also bring peace of mind.

Having an estate plan means you can be sure your assets will be managed and distributed according to your wishes.

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

Depending on your circumstances, an estate plan may incorporate provisions for:

• nominating someone to act on your behalf if you are unable to manage your 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 you control, such as a family trust, family companies or superannuation funds, pass to the control of people you choose and trust
• protecting and providing for loved ones with a disability or special needs, including young children
• protecting your children’s inheritance from claims by their 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 can help you

Our estate planning lawyers can work with you and your adviser to tailor an estate plan to your individual circumstances – making sure your wealth is managed and distributed according to your wishes.

Don’t leave it to chance – have a plan in place and make sure your assets are managed and distributed the way you want.

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