We held our Estate Planning and Centrelink Update Seminar on Monday 5th September at Leonda By The Yarra with 160 clients and guests in attendance. The two topics covered were Estate Planning and the Upcoming Changes to the Centrelink Age Pension.

The feedback from the attendees was excellent. They found the presentation very interesting and informative and appreciated having a lawyer present.

Our special guest presenter was Andrew Lord, Director of Lord Commercial Lawyers who gave a general overview of Estate Planning and specifically covered the Tips and Traps of SMSF Estate Planning.

Paul Nicol provided an overview of the Centrelink Age Pension System and the changes from 1st January 2017 which will impact almost all Centrelink Age Pension Recipients.

This was a very detailed presentation. Andrew and Paul discussed the following:

• Benefits of a good estate plan
• Preparing a Will
• Common mistakes with Wills & Estate Planning
• Enduring Power of Attorney
• Testamentary Trusts
• Role & Responsibilities of Executor
• Asset protection for beneficiaries
• What Happens to your superannuation on death
• The best superannuation/SMSF Beneficiary options
• An overview of the Centrelink system and the Age Pension
• The upcoming decrease in the Assets Test thresholds
• The upcoming increase in the Assets Test taper rate
• Maximising your Age Pension entitlements

Estate Planning is a complex area and it’s very important to have an understanding of all the aspects involved in having a good estate plan.

If you would like a copy of the presentation, please call our office on 9809 1221.