Estate Planning

Most people prefer not to think about what happens when they die and put off planning for this situation. It is a very important issue to think about early and is an essential part of the financial planning process. Estate planning is determining how your assets will be divided on your death to ensure they are distributed efficiently and according to your wishes. Proper estate planning can reduce worry for your spouse and/or beneficiaries. All sorts of problems can occur if you have not planned your affairs properly.

It does not matter how small your personal wealth is, you should still ensure you have a current Will and plan your affairs. Appropriate estate planning can allow you to pass on your assets to your beneficiaries in a tax effective way and can minimise the effect of capital gains tax. As part of the process you should also check your superannuation funds and life insurance policies to see who you have nominated as your beneficiary and seek to make changes if necessary and possible.

Property and investments which are held as 'joint tenants' cannot be distributed through your Will. Ownership passes automatically to the surviving owner. If owned as 'tenants in common' your share in the property is distributed through your Will. You can buy a do-it-yourself kit and prepare your own Will. This may be cheaper but care is essential to ensure your Will is legally enforcable. The executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die according to the instructions. You should choose someone you trust, who is responsible and willing to accept the responsibility. This person must be named as executor in your Will. You may appoint more than one person.