We recognise that our business clients have private lives. We offer a range of services to meet the the private legal needs of business people and wealthy individuals and their families. We work closely with financial planners and accountants to manage personal structuring, wills and estate planning, trusts and superannuation.
We provide tailored advice and unique documents to reflect the specific needs of the individual and their families.
Wills and Estate Planning
We advise on estate planning requirements and prepare Wills, Testamentary Trust Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Instruments Appointing an Enduring Guardian, Medical Powers of Attorney, Anticipatory Directions, Advance Care Directives, and Superannuation Death Benefit Nominations. We provide advice and prepare documents across the full range of needs, whether for a complex family situation, a family trust, company or business, or for simpler situations. We can also provide services to assist family groups to understand how assets will be divided and why.
Estate Administration
We offer services in relation to issues that arise on the death of a family member or friend. This includes advising on the estate administration process, dealing with banks, share registries and the Lands Titles Office, obtaining probate and dealing with any claims made against the estate.
Inheritance Disputes
We also have experience in advising beneficiaries and family members in relation to disputes arising from Wills. We act regularly in large inheritance disputes, including disputes under the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972.
Personal Tax Advice
We provide personal tax advice in relation to structuring to achieve the most tax effective outcome, including advice on income tax, capital gains tax, land tax and the use of trusts. We also offer tax advice in relation to Wills, to ensure that assets will be distributed in the most tax effective way for the beneficiaries. We also assist in resolving issues with the Australian Taxation Office in the event of an audit.
Superannuation
Superannuation is a key feature of many wealth planning and succession planning strategies. We understand superannuation and explain the advantages and relevant rules and regulations in clear, simple terms. We assist with planning and establishing self-managed superannuation funds and advise on the applicable investment restrictions. We also assist with arrangements to borrow through self-managed superannuation funds. As part of effective estate and succession planning, we also assist with ensuring superannuation benefits are paid to the desired person or people on the death of a superannuation fund member.
Our experience with superannuation is not limited to self-managed superannuation funds. We also advise on retail and industry funds and can assist both trustees and members of funds in relation to superannuation issues regarding contributions, benefits and pensions.
Asset Protection and Bankruptcy
Effective asset protection for those who may potentially be exposed to claims (such as directors, business owners and professionals) is not only prudent, but imperative. We have a detailed understanding of how bankruptcy laws operate in this area and this allows us to ensure that the most appropriate steps are taken to ensure that family and personal assets are legitimately protected.