OUR SERVICES / Estate Planning
Thoughtful estate planning advice will protect your legacy, simplify transitions and give your loved ones clarity.
Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets after you’re gone. It’s about making sure your wishes are honoured, your family is protected and complexity is minimised for those you leave behind.
With estate planning financial advice, we help bring structure, clarity and peace of mind to the process.
How we can help
Estate planning, done with care and insight.
We work alongside you (and your legal and tax specialists) to ensure your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound and aligned with your values.
Clarify your wishes & goals
What do you hope to achieve with your legacy? We help you define your intentions and build your plan accordingly.
Assess your financial & legal situation
We review your assets, liabilities, superannuation, business interests, trusts and existing legal structures (wills, powers of attorney, etc.) to identify gaps, conflicts or risks.
Coordinate wills, powers & documents
We assist with or coordinate through solicitors (if needed) the drafting or updating of your will, enduring power of attorney, guardianship orders, binding beneficiary nominations (e.g. for superannuation) and any testamentary trusts.
Structure for tax efficiency & asset protection
We explore strategies to reduce estate taxes, capital gains exposure, or unintended claims, while still maintaining fairness and flexibility among beneficiaries.
Manage succession & continuity
If you own a business or have complex holdings, we help map out transitions or succession ensuring your enterprise or investments move forward smoothly.
Review and adjust over time
We regularly revisit your estate plan and make updates so it always reflects your current life and wishes.
STRATEGIES
Here are some of the estate planning strategies we employ:
Use binding death benefit nominations for superannuation to ensure your funds go to intended recipients
Establish testamentary or discretionary trusts to protect inheritances (e.g. from claims, tax, or creditor risk)
Review and optimise will structure (e.g. joint vs separate wills)
Coordinate powers of attorney, enduring guardians and advanced care directives
Minimise tax burden via gifting, timing of asset transfers or capital gains planning
Plan for business succession and asset transfers within family or partners
Consider life insurance within your estate to cover tax liabilities or equalise inheritances
Monitor and update your estate plan whenever major life events occur
BENEFITS
What you receive when you engage professional estate planning financial advice:
Clarity & certainty for your loved ones
Your wishes are documented and clear — no guesswork, no ambiguity.
Reduced legal and administrative friction
A well-structured estate plan can simplify probate, reduce disputes and streamline execution.
Protection of assets & legacy
Smart structuring can help safeguard assets from excessive tax, creditor claims or unintended disinheritance.
Fairness & flexibility
Whether your family dynamics are simple or complex, you can articulate what’s fair and structure protections accordingly.
Business and succession peace
For business owners, your transition plans are mapped and your wealth can continue to serve its purpose.
Confidence & peace of mind
Knowing your affairs are in order gives you and your family security, even during difficult times.
CONTACT US
Book a discovery call for estate planning advice that reflects your values, safeguards your legacy and simplifies the path forward.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We have the answers.
What is a Will?
Every good estate plan starts with a Last Will and Testament.
A Will is a legal document that sets out who will receive your property and possessions when you die. In NSW, it is usually in your best interest for a solicitor, or the NSW Trustee and Guardian, or a trustee company to do your will for you.
To be valid a Will:
- must be in writing;
- must be signed; and
- Your signature must be witnessed by two other people who also need to sign the Will.
With a Will, you may specify who will get your assets, including cash, investments, real estate, vehicles, jewellery, art, and other valuables. You may also utilise your Will to inform your loved ones about your funeral, burial, or cremation preferences. Without a Will, legal challenges from unhappy or estranged family members and other interested parties are common.
Why do I need an Executor?
You must choose an executor to guarantee that your instructions are carried out, and your estate is distributed accordingly. An executor’s responsibilities include collecting assets and paying bills so that your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Select an executor you can trust and who is willing to handle this job.
Should I Have a Legal Guardian Assigned for My Dependents?
What would happen to your dependents if you died today? Are you prepared to provide for their care, including guardianship and money for their education and upbringing? If you have minor children, it is imperative that your estate plan addresses all these issues. It is a good idea to discuss this responsibility with your chosen guardian, should the situation occur, before they are officially appointed.
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives a nominated person the legal authority to act for you to manage your assets and handle financial and legal affairs on your behalf should you become incapable of doing so yourself.
What is an Enduring Power of Guardianship?
An Enduring Power of Guardianship is a legally binding authority for a person to make welfare and medical decisions for you if you become mentally incapacitated, similar to an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). You need to be able to rely on this person to know and respect your essential lifestyle and medical needs. See Advance Health Directive below.
Have I Laid Out an Advance Health Directive?
Your wishes may be expressed in an Advance Health Care Directive should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make medical choices for yourself. Your medical treatment options and how your body is treated might be specified in the event of an accident. An Advance Care Directive will make it easier for your loved ones and health staff if they need to make decisions for you.
Do I Need a Trust?
A testamentary trust is a trust that is written in your Will. It takes effect when you die, and it’s administered by an appointed trustee. If you have significant assets and several people who will benefit upon your death, then you may wish to start a Trust. This will give you control over the distribution of your assets, help you avoid probate, and potentially avoid estate taxes. It is this flexibility of a trust that allows you to protect your money and control how your children (or other beneficiaries) spend their inheritance.
Having a trust fund for your children makes sure they are going to be protected and financially secure no matter what happens to you. A trust allows you to keep money out of the hands of your children until they’re older and more able to handle it as you can set funds aside for essential future expenses, such as education expenses or paying off your home. Your children will gain control of the trust when they turn 18, however, you can also choose to defer trust access.