Death, Divorce and Taxes: Protecting the Family Jewels

Published on 19 Feb 2013 | Took place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, NSW

There is a Chinese saying to the effect “wealth does not pass through three generations. After the first generation makes the money, the second enjoys it and the third loses it.” Given that we live in a litigious society and statistics indicate that every third marriage in Australia ends in divorce, we may need to revise this saying. Many advisers, be it lawyers or accountants, have clients who have accumulated substantial wealth over their working life.

As a result the most common questions asked are:

• How can I protect my hard earned wealth, whether it is a business, investments or the family home from litigation?
• My child is getting married. How do I assist them in getting a start without exposing assets to their spouse?
• What is the real tax cost of divorcing and is there a smarter way to deal with property settlements?
• What is the overall tax impact of all my complex structures in the event of my death?
• How can I ensure my wealth endures and is dealt with in a manner I consider prudent when I die? Are testamentary trusts the solution?

This seminar aimed to assist advisers to navigate such difficult questions and help them help their clients.