Estate planning is significant, as it allows individuals to ensure their assets and estate are managed and distributed according to their wishes after their passing.
Before we get into the specifics of estate planning, you might be asking, but what actually is it? If it’s writing my will, I’ve done that.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate Planning ensures your assets are distributed to the right people, at the right time. Leaving a legacy and providing for those that are nearest and dearest to you. You’ve spent years building wealth and creating security, so what do you want to see happen to that once you’re gone? A will may not be enough to cover your family situation and make sure your wishes are fulfilled, and there’s the tax implications too.
Estate Planning can also minimise the chances of your wishes for your estate to be challenged. And, it’s a chance to formalise how you want to be looked after if you become unable to manage your own affairs, whilst you’re healthy
The benefits of estate planning include:
Control of Asset Distribution: Allows individuals to specify how they want their assets, such as property, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings, to be distributed among their beneficiaries or charities. This helps avoid any potential disputes or conflicts among family members after the person’s death.
Avoiding Intestacy Laws: If someone dies without a valid will or estate plan (intestate), the distribution of their assets will be governed by intestacy laws. These laws may not align with the person’s wishes and may lead to outcomes that they did not intend.
Health and End of Life Decisions: Can include mechanisms to plan for possible disabilities or incapacity. Powers of attorney and guardianship can grant trusted individuals the authority to make financial and medical decisions on one’s behalf if they are unable to do so.
Effective Tax Management: Proper estate planning can help minimize the tax burden on the beneficiaries. Through various strategies, individuals can optimize their estate structure to reduce potential tax liabilities, ensuring that more of their assets pass to their loved ones rather than to taxes.
Business Succession Planning: If you own a business, estate planning can help ensure a smooth transition of ownership and management to your chosen successors, preserving the continuity of your business.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Provides a level of privacy and confidentiality for individuals and their beneficiaries. The documents are private and are processed discreetly.
Your Legacy: Helps protect the legacy you wish to leave behind. You may have charitable causes or organisations you want to support, and an estate plan can help ensure your philanthropic wishes are fulfilled.
Minor Children: Parents with young children can appoint guardians for their children in case both parents pass away prematurely. This ensures that the children are cared for by trusted individuals chosen by the parents.
The biggest benefit of estate planning is peace of mind, ensuring your hard earned assets are managed and distributed in the way you want.
article contributed to by Nas Hanafi, Lion Legal.
Disclaimer: any information we share is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your needs and, where appropriate, seek professional advice.
