Estate planning is about more than just preparing a valid Will. It’s about making sure your family is provided for and that your assets go where you want them to after you die.

A good estate plan can:

• ensure the ownership and control of your assets passes to your intended beneficiaries in the right proportions
• minimise the tax impact on your estate and beneficiaries
• ensure your estate is administered in a cost efficient and timely manner
• protect assets if a beneficiary is involved in any legal difficulties (for example, bankruptcy or divorce) or under a legal disability.

Essentially, a good estate plan can provide you with peace of mind and help avoid potential complications for your beneficiaries.

Working out what you need

Firstly, have you considered whether you’ve accumulated enough assets to provide for your family and pay off debts if you die? If you think there’s a shortfall, your financial adviser will be able to suggest some ways for you to make up the shortfall. Have you also thought about who will inherit which assets and in what proportions? If you’re sick or injured and unable to control your investments, have you chosen someone to manage your affairs for you?

You should review your estate planning needs on a regular basis and particularly when an important event occurs such as:

• enter a care facility
• getting married
• getting divorced
• the birth of a child
• the death of a relative you have provided for
• starting work
• changing jobs
• retiring.