1 July 2021
In its most simple form, estate planning is all about peace of mind. It's about making sure that your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.
With family structures becoming more fluid, planning your estate has become more important in recent times – and often involves much more than just a simple Will.
Family trusts, payouts of superannuation balances and the tax implications for beneficiaries can all be managed with a careful estate plan. Seeking advice from your financial adviser is a crucial step in developing a proper estate plan.
Developing a proper estate plan will ensure that:
A sound estate plan can assist in avoiding possible difficulties and disagreements for your beneficiaries.
Have you thought about who will inherit which assets and in what proportions?
Have you considered whether you have accumulated sufficient assets to provide for your family and pay off debts if you die? If you think there is not an adequate amount, your financial adviser will be able to recommend several ways to make up the shortfall.
Is there someone who has been chosen to manage your affairs for you if you're injured or sick and unable to control your investments?
Your estate planning needs should be reviewed on a regular basis, and particularly when a significant event occurs such as:
Estate planning is a vital part of your overall financial plan and it should not be left until it's too late. The events (listed above) can be life altering for you and your loved ones and should prompt you to think about your estate planning needs and objectives.
A checklist has been provided below to assist you with your estate planning objectives/requirements.
Case studyBob has $600,000 in his super fund and the entire amount is a taxable component. He has been advised it is not an estate asset so it is not specifically included in his Will. Bob dies and:
Therefore, 50 per cent of his super is paid to his daughter and taxed at 15 per cent* ($51,000) instead of the entire amount being paid to his wife tax-free. Potential solution: Bob could have specified in his Will a contingency for super. For example, all super to be paid to his spouse and include an offsetting amount to his daughter from other assets – this would have been much more tax efficient. *Including Medicare levy |
| An estate planning checklist | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have a valid Will? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Have you reviewed/updated your Will since the last significant event in your life? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Does your Will protect your assets to ensure they are not inappropriately diminished? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Do you know how much money your family would need if you died today? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Are you and your family financially protected if you were to suffer a serious illness/injury? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Are you and your family financially protected if you were to become totally and permanently disabled? | [ ] | [ ] |
| Have you appointed someone to look after your affairs if you die or become incapacitated? | [ ] | [ ] |
| If you are a business owner, have you considered exit strategies from your business? | [ ] | [ ] |
| If you are a business owner, have you planned for the future of your business after you die? | [ ] | [ ] |
If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, it is possible you have a gap in your estate planning needs.
