Estate Planning

Your estate refers to everything you own and owe, from property and cars to investments and debts. Proper estate planning will ensure that your estate is set up in a tax-efficient way that benefits you during your lifetime and your beneficiaries after you die.

A properly structured estate ensures that:

• There is enough cash to pay outstanding debts
• There is an income (and capital if required) for your dependants
• The estate is distributed according to your wishes
• Your business interests are protected
• Taxes are minimised (e.g. estate duty and income tax)
• Your estate is flexible enough to accommodate changes in the economic and legal environment, as well as your personal financial circumstances

Estate planning is a complex process and there are a number of different estate planning vehicles available. The key is to establish your priorities - do you want to settle debts, provide an income for your spouse or protect your business interests for your heirs?

Old Mutual Advice Centre will be able to advise you as to the best way to achieve your aims. However the two most common vehicles employed within estate planning, are Wills & Trusts.