Plan today. Protect tomorrow.

At Audient Financial Planning, we believe estate planning is not just about passing on wealth — it’s about creating peace of mind. Whether you’re planning for your family’s future, navigating a loved one’s estate, or ensuring your wishes are legally protected, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What is Estate Planning?

Have you ever thought about who would receive your superannuation and other assets when you pass away?

Many people believe that having a will is the same as having an estate plan — but they are not the same thing.

Estate planning is the process of arranging your affairs to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, with minimal stress and cost to your loved ones. It goes beyond writing a will and includes decisions about:

• Who inherits your assets?
• Who will care for your children if something happens to you?
• Who will make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so?

Why is Estate Planning important?

Without a clear estate plan, your family may face:

• Legal delays and added costs
• Family disputes and emotional stress
• Assets going to unintended beneficiaries
• Children or dependants being left unprotected

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions to protect your loved ones and leave a legacy you’re proud of.

What a well-structured estate plan achieves?

A well-structured estate plan ensures:

• Your assets are passed on according to your wishes
• Your loved ones are protected and supported
• Legal or tax-related complications are minimised
• You maintain control over important decisions, such as medical care and guardianship, if you’re unable to make them yourself

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that sets out what you want to happen to your money, property, and belongings after you pass away. It allows you to:

• Choose who will receive your assets
• Appoint a guardian for your children (if they’re under 18)
• Name the person who will carry out your wishes (called an Executor)

Why is a Will important?

Without a valid Will, the law decides who gets your assets, which may not match your wishes. It can also cause delays, legal complications, and stress for your loved ones. Having a Will gives you control and peace of mind that things will be handled as you want.

Why should you have a Will?

A Will allows you to decide how your assets are shared after your passing. Without a valid Will (known as dying intestate), your assets are divided according to state or territory laws, typically favouring a spouse and/or closest blood relatives.

These rules do not recognise charities, friends, or other non-relatives. Intestacy can also lead to complications in identifying a de facto partner or next of kin — especially if they reside overseas — resulting in delays and added stress for those involved. In cases where no close relatives can be identified, your estate may even be transferred to the state government.

What happens if you die without a will?

Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. This may not align with your wishes and could lead to delays or disputes.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself.

There are two main types:

• General Power of Attorney: Covers financial and legal decisions but only while you have mental capacity.
• Enduring Power of Attorney: Continues even if you lose capacity due to illness or injury.

Why is POA important?

If something happens and you’re unable to manage your finances or make legal decisions, having a POA ensures someone you trust can step in. Without it, your family may face legal challenges or delays in managing your affairs.

What is the difference between General and Enduring Power of Attorney (POA)?

• A General Power of Attorney gives someone authority to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf but is only valid while you still have the ability to make decisions yourself. If you lose mental capacity, it becomes invalid.
• An Enduring Power of Attorney remains in effect even if you lose capacity — making it an essential part of long-term planning.

How to ensure your personal care decisions are in trusted hands?

An enduring guardian is someone you legally appoint to make personal and lifestyle decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those choices yourself — either permanently (for example, due to dementia or a serious brain injury) or temporarily (such as being unconscious due to illness or an accident).

These decisions may include:

• Where you live (e.g., moving into aged care)
• The type of healthcare or medical treatment you receive
• Choosing medical professionals involved in your care

What happens if the estate planning is not done properly?

Failing to put a proper estate plan in place — or having one that’s outdated or incomplete — can leave your loved ones facing unnecessary stress, conflict, and financial uncertainty.

The risks include:

• Your assets may be distributed according to government formulas, not your personal wishes
• Loved ones may be left out — and those you didn’t intend to benefit may receive part of your estate
• Family disputes and legal challenges can occur, creating tension and costly delays
• Unnecessary taxes and legal fees may reduce the value of your estate
• No one may be legally authorised to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated

Estate planning isn’t just about wealth — it’s about clarity, control, and care for the people you love.

Who should consider Estate Planning?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family and have a say in what happens to their assets.

You should consider estate planning if you:

• Have young children who depend on you
• Are part of a blended or complex family structure
• Own a business or hold investment assets
• Have superannuation or life insurance
• Simply want to reduce stress and uncertainty for your loved ones

If you have people who rely on you — or anything worth protecting — an estate plan is essential.

Why is it important to make a beneficiary nomination for my superannuation?

Superannuation is not automatically covered by your will — it’s held in a separate trust and paid out at the discretion of your super fund’s trustee. By making a binding beneficiary nomination, you ensure your super is paid to the person or people you choose.

Without one, the trustee decides who receives your benefit, which may not align with your wishes and could cause delays and disputes.

How We Support You with Estate Planning

Estate planning is about more than distributing your assets — it’s about ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after when you’re no longer here.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Respected

With a clear estate plan, your intentions are carried out as you want them. This helps prevent confusion, disputes, or delays, giving peace of mind to you and your family.

Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer

We work with you to create tax-efficient strategies such as gifting, charitable giving, and trusts. Our goal is to help preserve more of your wealth for the people and causes that matter to you.

Planning Beyond Finances

Estate planning isn’t just about assets and finances. We help you consider important matters like care for dependents or pets, and documenting your end-of-life preferences — ensuring every detail is taken care of. It’s about having every detail in place so nothing is left to chance.

Why Choose Us?

• Trusted advice from qualified and experienced financial professionals
• Strong partnerships with legal experts for a seamless estate planning process
• Customised solutions that reflect your unique goals, values, and family circumstances