Australians are living longer than ever before and accumulating more wealth in the process. Chances are you not only hope to enjoy your nest egg while you are alive but also to make sure that what remains when you die is distributed according to your wishes. To do that you need an estate plan with an up-to-date will.

An estate plan involves making appropriate financial and legal arrangements to pass on everything you own when you die. This might include the family home, superannuation, life insurance, investments, a business and personal items.

Dying intestate
Dying without a valid will means dying intestate and this can create unintended financial and emotional stress for your family. A will may be invalid if it is poorly drafted or the legal rules have not been followed.

When this happens, debts are paid from the assets in your estate and the remainder is distributed according to a pre-determined formula. As a result, some people may receive more or less than you intended and your estate could be eaten away by unnecessary taxes and legal costs.

It is estimated that as many as 60 per cent of people die intestate and, of the 40 per cent who do have a will, many aren’t sure where it is located, or whether it is validi.

Just like a financial plan, a will needs to be reviewed and updated when your circumstances change, such as with the birth of a child or a divorce. It needs to be signed and witnessed in the correct way and kept in a safe place.

It is a good idea to leave a copy of your will with your solicitor or the executor of your estate so the family are not forced to search the house for it when you die.

A helping hand
The best way to make sure all your affairs are in order is to establish an estate plan with the help of a solicitor. A will is a good starting point, but it should not end there.

Now that we are living longer it is increasingly necessary to have measures in place in case we become mentally or physically unable to cope.

Giving a trusted relative or friend an enduring power of attorney gives them legal authority to look after your financial affairs.

A medical enduring power of attorney authorises a person to make healthcare decisions for you if you no longer have the capacity to do so. An enduring power of guardianship authorises someone to make personal and lifestyle decisions for you if you become mentally incompetent.

Superannuation and Insurance
You also need to take estate planning into account when you invest because issues such as tax and ownership structure can have far-reaching effects beyond the grave. For example, many people are not aware that superannuation and life insurance (whether held inside super or outside) are not covered by a will.

Your financial adviser can work collaboratively with your solicitor to ensure that all your assets are distributed to the people you nominate in the most tax efficient manner.

In the case of superannuation, it may be possible to make a binding death benefit nomination. This allows you to leave your superannuation to the people you have nominated, including your estate. Where it is paid to your estate it will then be distributed according to your will.

The best way of ensuring your all your assets are preserved and end up in the hands of the people you love most is to seek help from a trusted professional. Not only is this the legally and financially wise thing to do, it is a final act of kindness to your family at what can be a very stressful time.

IBAMCY Group Pty Ltd trading as Cedar Wealth Money Managers is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Sentry Financial Services Pty. Ltd. ABN 30 113 531 034 AFSL 286786.
General advice warning: It is important for you to note that all information on this website is general in nature and is not to be construed in any way as advice. Cedar Wealth Money Managers has not taken into account any particular persons objectives, financial situation or needs. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend investors obtain financial advice specific to their situation before making any financial investment or insurance decision.