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Estate Planning

Life is unexpected. If the worst happens, you want to be prepared and have plans in place for how you want your estate to be dealt with. Don’t put your family’s future at risk by not having the right procedures in place.

Talk to us.

Our experienced estate planning team are committed to helping you properly prepare your Will, as well as implementing comprehensive strategies to help manage your affairs. Our team addresses all matters relevant for you to ensure your wishes are properly carried out, even after you’re gone.

What is estate planning?

Estate planning isn’t just a Will. It’s a comprehensive, carefully-formulated way to deal with your assets the way you want, and to protect those you care about.

Without proper planning in place, your estate may pass under the rules of intestacy, leaving your loved ones vulnerable. Your business may be unable to operate until an estate administrator is appointed. Guardianship of your infant children may fall to persons you would not have ideally chosen. The emotional toll of dealing with these issues may fall on your grieving family, as well as your estate incurring considerable cost and additional time to administer.

Our dedicated team are here to assist you to ensure all aspects of administration of your estate are considered. Just as importantly, our processes minimise the possibility of litigation, so your family isn’t put through further trauma.

What We Offer

Everyone’s estate is different, which is why we tailor our services to your specific needs. The following are common estate planning components, which can be integrated into your estate plan.

  • Your Will: Whether it’s a simple Will, or something more complex, like a Testamentary Trust Will, we’re here to make sure that what happens after you pass is your decision.
  • Power of Attorney: Loss of capacity is traumatic for your loved ones. Make their lives easier by having a pre-appointed attorney to manage your financial and personal/health matters.
  • Advanced Health Directive: You can choose to direct your health care decisions if you lose capacity.
  • Statement of Wishes: A Statement of Wishes can guide your executors and trustees through the administration of your estate, including financial arrangements for your children.
  • Guidelines for Guardians: You know what’s best for your children, and you can leave instructions for their guardians so your specific wishes for your children are known.
  • Superannuation Binding Death Benefit Nomination: Your superannuation is not automatically dealt with under your Will. Our experienced team can assist to ensure your superannuation is dealt with as you wish.
  • Self-Managed Superannuation Fund: Death benefit nominations for self-managed superannuation funds must be made in accordance with the terms of the trust deed and should be integrated into any comprehensive estate planning strategy.
  • Asset Protection: We know keeping your family financially secure once you’re gone is your first priority. That’s why we’ve developed an extensive suite of asset protection strategies to ensure your assets are as secure as possible.
  • Discretionary Trusts: Use of a discretionary trust can provide asset protection and provide tax-effective distribution of your income and wealth.
  • Business Succession Planning: Whether your business is a sole trader, partnership or corporation ensure your business succession plans are in place.
  • Digital Assets: Consideration of your digital assets should be incorporated into your estate planning.
  • Aged Care: Plan for your future by laying the groundwork for aged or residential care that matches your needs.
  • Beneficiaries with Special Needs: If someone in your life has special needs, we’ll help you prepare a strategy that accommodates their needs as part of your estate plan.
  • Business Succession Planning: Whether your business is a sole trader, partnership, or corporation, ensure your business succession plans are in place.

 

What if I already have a plan?

Your estate plan is a living document, and one that needs to be regularly updated to accommodate changes in your personal life. These can include a change in your relationships, new children, additional assets, or changes to your business. It’s also important to realise that the law is constantly evolving and it’s a good idea to have your lawyer advise you, from time to time, about legislative changes that may impact your estate.

Why Bell Legal Group?

Our team is here for you. We take the time to understand your needs, and we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. When we design your estate management plan, we carefully consider every aspect of your personal and financial situations, before implementing a proposal that ensures the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Don’t leave your future to chance.

Talk to us. Talk to Bell Legal Group.

We’re here for you.