Wills and Estate Planning

Estate planning is about making clear arrangements for the people who matter to you. A well-considered plan looks at your assets, family circumstances and wishes, as well as who can make decisions if you become unable to do so.

LegalSense NQ assists individuals, couples, business owners and rural families with personal and business succession planning. We help you understand the available documents and how they fit together.

More than a Will

A Will is central to many estate plans, but it is not the only document to consider. We can assist with:

• Preparing and reviewing Wills and discussing your choice of executors and beneficiaries.
• Enduring Powers of Attorney for financial and personal decisions.
• Advance Health Directives, alongside the required medical input.
• Considering superannuation beneficiary nominations as part of your wider plan.
• Succession arrangements for companies, trusts, partnerships and family businesses.
• Coordinating the legal plan with advice from your accountant and financial adviser.

A plan that reflects your circumstances

We begin with your priorities and the way your assets are owned. Blended families, young beneficiaries, business interests and rural property can raise different questions. Identifying these issues early helps us discuss an appropriate approach rather than relying on a standard set of assumptions.

Patrick Sutton's qualifications in law, commerce and financial planning assist him in working with your other professional advisers. Tax and financial matters should be considered alongside the legal documents, with specialist advice obtained where needed.

Planning for decisions during your lifetime

An Enduring Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Directive serve different purposes from a Will. They can help document decision-making arrangements and health care wishes for circumstances in which you cannot make relevant decisions yourself. The Queensland Government's advance care planning information explains the forms and their different roles.

Getting started

Bring existing Wills and powers of attorney, an outline of your assets and debts, details of companies or trusts, and information about superannuation and insurance. Think about the people you would trust to act and any particular needs you want the plan to address.

To get started, send an estate planning enquiry. Our team can explain the information needed before discussing your instructions.

Common questions

Does my Will automatically cover my superannuation?

No. Superannuation needs separate consideration, including the fund's rules and beneficiary nominations. See ASIC Moneysmart's estate planning guidance, and ask us how this affects your overall plan.

When should I review my documents?

Arrange a review when your family, relationships, assets or business circumstances change, or when a person named in your documents can no longer act. A review is also sensible if you are unsure whether the documents still reflect your wishes.

This page provides general information only. The advice and steps appropriate for you depend on your circumstances and the documents involved.