Transparent communication is the foundation of a strong estate plan. Discussing your intentions with loved ones can prevent conflict and align expectations -especially important when over half of wills end up in dispute.

Engage your family while your plans are still flexible. It allows room to adjust and avoids the shock or disappointment that often leads to litigation. Structured conversations, like those in collaborative estate planning, foster understanding and reduce the chance of misunderstandings.

If your legacy includes a business, early and structured planning is critical. Succession in business isn’t just a handover - it’s a transformation. Start at least five years ahead, engage everyone involved, and consider all angles: who wants to take over, what’s fair for those who don’t, and how the business will be valued.

Whether you plan to keep it in the family or sell externally, a well-considered exit strategy - paired with legal and tax guidance - ensures continuity, fairness, and financial security for all involved.

A well-structured trust isn’t just a financial tool - it’s peace of mind. Testamentary trusts can offer significant tax advantages and help protect assets from family disputes, divorce settlements, or unexpected claims.

Trusts give you control over how and when your wealth is distributed, allowing you to support children or grandchildren while maintaining safeguards that reflect your values and family situation.

Helping your children now - when they’re building careers, buying homes, or raising families - can be far more impactful than waiting. But gifts should be strategic and documented. Whether a monetary gift or an asset transfer, clarity helps avoid confusion or disputes later.

A documented agreement protects everyone involved and ensures your broader estate plan stays balanced and fair.

Gifting while alive can be tax-free, but context matters. For instance, a gift given in exchange for business rights might trigger scrutiny from the ATO. And if you’re planning to pass on capital assets, timing matters - gifting before death could reduce the tax burden with smart use of capital losses.

Engage an experienced adviser to ensure your strategy supports your legacy and avoids unexpected tax implications.

Helping children with a home deposit today can transform their financial future. A well-timed contribution can save hundreds of thousands in interest and reduce their mortgage term dramatically. Whether given as a lump sum or placed in an offset account, the impact is tangible and immediate.

Fran Scott, a proud grandmother of four, accessed $120,000 in home equity to help her son purchase a property. “It’s impossible for children to buy a house these days,” she says. “I can help him buy his own home, and it does not really affect me at all… it makes sense.”

Her actions were guided by professional advice, and her will updated to ensure fairness for all of her children - a perfect example of empowerment through planning.