The 3 stages of planning your Estate

1. Today
As important as it is to have a will, it is just one aspect of your Estate Plan and by no means should it be relied upon to ensure your wealth is transferred in a manner that truly reflects your wishes. In short, your Will only covers your personal assets. Without an Estate Plan, wealth that falls outside those parameters could end up in the hands of government authorities, or it may become subject to litigation. Further, your beneficiaries could bear the brunt of unforeseen tax complications, resulting from inadequately planned:
• Superannuation
• Company assets
• Trust assets
• Business assets

2. Tomorrow
There is life after death. Consider your partner’s life and your children’s lives and the life of your favourite charity. The list is endless.
The first step is identifying your beneficiaries as well as those you wish to exclude from Estate entitlements and benefits. At your request, your Fortnum adviser welcomes the opportunity to meet with family members, partners and others, to help them better understand your financial position and how receiving a benefit or entitlement from your Estate could impact upon their own personal financial circumstances.

By collaborating with your accountant and solicitor, and others where necessary, we aim to tailor a bespoke Estate plan designed to address tax efficiencies and asset protection measures, to help guard your current wealth in the interests of your future beneficiaries.

3. Long-term
Naturally, as time rolls on your personal circumstances may change. Births, deaths and marriages, promotions or developments at work can dramatically impact upon your Estate Plan. An enduring relationship with your Fortnum adviser can facilitate these adjustments to your Estate Plan as and when they occur. As your relationship status changes or your investment portfolio expands, your Estate Plan can evolve with you, your changing interests and your family.