Secure your legacy with expert estate planning and trusts
Helping ensure orderly wealth transfer and tax efficiency
Dying without a will can cause major headaches for beneficiaries. It may even see estate assets distributed in a way that the deceased would not have approved of.
Australia no longer has formal death duties, but capital gains tax and taxes on some superannuation benefits can act as de facto ‘death duties’.
An effective estate plan is therefore an important part of any comprehensive financial plan, helping to ensure the orderly transfer of wealth from the deceased to their chosen beneficiaries while minimising tax.
Documents and structures that can be called upon to craft an effective estate plan include:
Wills
Ensure your wishes are honoured. A will dictates how your assets are distributed after your death, protecting your loved ones.
Enduring powers of attorney
Designate trusted decision-makers. Appoint someone to make financial and personal decisions if you become unable to do so.
Superannuation and SMSFs
Optimise your retirement funds. Manage superannuation funds, including SMSFs, and ensure binding death benefit nominations.
Trusts
Strategic wealth management. Use discretionary family trusts and testamentary trusts for flexible and tax-beneficial wealth distribution.
Non-superannuation investments
Diversify your portfolio. Explore additional opportunities for wealth growth and financial security beyond retirement funds.
Life insurance
Protect your family’s future. Life insurance policies cover expenses and provide ongoing support in the event of your death.
Business succession plans
Secure your business legacy. Ensure a smooth transition of ownership and management, protecting the future of your business.
Contact Us
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Key tools
While many estate plans can be quite simple, there are several tools that can be used to craft more complex wealth transfer strategies.
These may be relevant in cases of larger estates with numerous beneficiaries, where there’s a family business, or where there are beneficiaries who have special needs or who are exposed to financial risks. Comprehensive estate planning advice is also a practical option for blended families.
Do you have a will? If so, is it up to date? Are you sure it will deliver the best outcome for your beneficiaries?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, it’s time we had a chat. Call us on (03) 9875 2900 or fill in the contact form and take the next step towards designing an effective estate plan.
Expert advice
- An estate planning lawyer, who can prepare wills (with testamentary trusts if appropriate) and powers of attorney, and advise on the legal aspects of specific strategies.
- A financial planner, who can identify strategies worth exploring, flag issues that need to be considered by the estate planning lawyer, and advise on the orderly disposal of assets as part of the administration of the estate.
- An accountant, who can assist in establishing family trusts and, during the administration of the estate, prepare estate tax returns.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear what they’re saying about our services
Kevin Saunders2 July 2023My wife and I have been retired for over 25 years. LDB have managed our modest Super fund for all of those years. Bruce and his staff have been wonderful with their advice and professional expertise in tax and Centrelink matters. We highly recommend this company.
Luke Fuller21 May 2023LDB Property Pty Ltd lacks any accountability or competent management. After being told by one of their employees that we wouldn’t be charged a late fee (despite paying 6 months of owner’s corporation fees upfront) , they charged us a late fee and then denied they ever said it. I tried to contact their management but they wouldn’t return calls including the managing director Owen Day. This is a weak organisation with zero accountability and they are unable to even communicate with people. If you want a property services firm that does what they say with competent management- look elsewhere.
Evin Donohoe11 April 2023LDB have been helping us out with the finances and compliance for our games company for a few years now. We feel great every time we speak to them, and are ever thankful for their professionalism, insights, suggestions, and knowledge. I recommend them very highly.
Christine G7 March 2023Very professional and organised property managers. Communication is great. I highly recommend them.
lee Opster2 March 2023LDB Property provide a professional and high standard service. We have been a client for over 15 years and cannot fault any part of their Owner Corp and landlord services. Owen Day’s knowledge is extensive and reliable.
Paddrick Màttur4 January 2023Best property manager in 30 years of renting. Great communication, efficient, helpful and clear. Easy 5 ⭐️
Morrie Caddie1 January 2023Great people
Patrick Paglia5 October 2022I've been using LDB for over five years now-They take care of my personal tax needs and those of my electrical contracting company. Their suggestions and guidance have helped me to grow the business from strength to strength. Couldn't be happier with my choice of accountancy firm. I've also found LDB staff to be a pleasure to deal with
Nick M2 September 2022Our boutique apartment complex have utilised the services of LDB since settlement some 7 years ago. As a group we are very happy with the service provided. As an owner occupier I have found the staff and I. particular Kaye to be prompt, friendly and efficient when responding. I’m pleased that we have a property management team that we feel we can trust and rely upon to do a good job. Thanks.
Simone Vagg2 February 2022LDB Accountants are extremely professional and proactive with expertise in business taxation matters. Highly recommend the Team at LDB.