Where there’s a Will, there’s a way

If you think estate planning is complex, think again. It revolves around two simple questions.

Mention the term ‘estate planning’ and thoughts of lengthy documents and complex legal terms often come to mind. In fact, your estate plan should be formed with two key questions in mind: Who do you want to inherit your assets? And, who would you like to handle your financial affairs after you die?

Q1 Who would you like to inherit your assets?

Currently around half of all Australians die without a Will – termed dying ‘intestate’. It’s a problem that can leave families struggling with complicated legal processes at a time of grief. The affairs of a person who dies intestate can be properly managed by someone who is granted ‘letters of administration’ over the estate by the probate court. However, it should be noted that intestacy can sometimes see a valuable legacy significantly eroded through court challenges and poor management by an executor.

At worst, the way your assets are distributed could be determined by a formula set out by legislation.

The perils of leaving your legacy to fate and the state
To begin with, if you die intestate, your assets will be divided in accordance with the law of the state or territory you live in. While this varies slightly across the country there is a good chance the distribution formula won’t reflect your preferences.  If you have separated, divorced, re-partnered or are part of a blended family, it’s almost certain that dying intestate will see your assets distributed in a way you had never intended.

This explains why a Will forms the core of your estate plan. It gives you control over the legacy you leave behind by clearly spelling out who you would like to bequeath your estate to. This doesn’t mean a Will can’t be contested, and this can certainly happen if someone feels they should have been provided for and weren’t. However using a solicitor to draft your Will can go a long way to ensuring it will stand up to any legal challenges.

Choosing your beneficiaries and possible tax implications
To begin preparing your Will you need to think about your assets and who you would like to inherit them. Superannuation, including an allocated pension, is treated separately from your will so it’s likely you will need to make a death benefit nomination to indicate who you wish to receive your pension or superannuation funds when you die.

It is important to note that assets that are owned jointly, such as family homes are also treated separately from a Will. Under joint ownership (as opposed to tenants in common), the death of one owner simply results in the survivor taking on full ownership.

Deciding on your executor
Once you have decided how your assets are to be distributed, the next step is choosing an executor. This is the person responsible for putting your wishes into action by collecting and managing all your estate assets, paying taxes, debts and other expenses and distributing your estate in line with your Will.

Keeping your Will up to date
Having drafted a Will, be sure to keep it up to date. A Will should be altered each time a major life event occurs such as marriage or divorce, the arrival of children or grandchildren or if you acquire or dispose of substantial assets especially those noted in your Will.

Q2 Who would you like to handle your financial affairs?

None of us like to think about becoming mentally incapacitated or being unable to make our own decisions. And hopefully, you may never need to rely on your attorney. The important thing is to be prepared. Making these decisions today will give you peace of mind for tomorrow. Here too you should appoint someone you trust, and it’s worth discussing your choice of attorney with your loved ones.

Another step worth considering is whether you wish to appoint an enduring guardian. Your guardian’s role is to make medical and lifestyle decisions on your behalf.

Don’t leave the planning for later
It’s easy to put estate planning on the backburner. After all, life is about enjoying the here and now. The problem is that none of us know what lies around the corner. That makes estate planning something to address today through open and frank discussions with those who matter in your life.

^{Source: Colonial First State Investments Limited}