Many people assume that creating a Will and planning their estate aren’t important aspects of their future.

Young people often view estate planning and Wills as unnecessary as they feel they are bulletproof. Nothing untoward will happen to them and that these matters are only relevant to the older generation.

Conversely, many of the older generation also see no necessity in making a Will or seeking estate planning advice. This is decided on the basis that they aren’t wealthy and don’t have an investment property or shares.

Estate planning is important for everyone as it ensures that your assets are distributed to the beneficiaries chosen by you in the manner you intended.

Another reason for estate planning is to ensure that the distribution of your estate upon death attracts minimal tax.

Depending on the circumstances, estate planning encompasses the preparation of a Last Will and Testament, structuring the manner your real estate and other investments are held and the setting up of appropriate business and investment structures including discretionary family trusts.

An important aspect of estate planning is having a Will and testament in place. Wills are for everyone, young and old. Please click on Wills to find out more about creating a Will.

Once a Will is made, many people believe that the Will is sufficient planning to take care of the distribution of their assets when they pass away. However, many assets fall outside the scope of a Will including, for example, real estate held by two parties as joint tenants, bank accounts held jointly with another person, superannuation benefits and assets held under a discretionary trust.

Therefore, estate planning on how your assets are to be disposed upon your death is important to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Please click on Estate Planning to find out more about its importance.

Contact us

For all enquiries please contact Robertson Hayles Lawyers on (08) 9325 1700 by email at enquiries@robertsonhayles.com or via our contact form and we will be happy to assist you.