What is the best way to hold an investment property?
This is a big question. The answer is going to depend on a range of factors, but there are some general rules you can apply.
The legal issues you must consider before getting married…
Deciding to get married is a big emotional decision. But it’s also a massive legal and financial decision. Asset ownership, asset protection, super, life insurance, decision making, estate planning and family financial support, all need to be carefully considered to provide a solid legal foundation for a successful life together.
Lending to family members: How to avoid the pitfalls
So you want to help a family member under financial strain? What starts out with the best intentions can soon result is family disharmony. Confusion about whether the advance is a loan or gift can quickly result in argument. The tragedy is that this is so easy to avoid if you take some simple precautions from the outset.
Why is a partnership a bad structure for your business?
If you are carrying on a business through a partnership, then we strongly suggest you consider moving to a company. Find out why will hold this opinion.
Getting your estate planning up-to-date. Part 3: What happens if you’re incapacitated for a period of time?
If you are incapacitated for a period of time, things won’t stand still and wait for you to recover. Someone still needs to manage your legal and financial affairs, and others will need to make personal and healthcare decisions for you. Do you have the necessary documents in place to make this happen, and avoid the need for your loved ones to apply to the Government for help? If not, read this.
How to control a family trust when you die – our free downloadable Guide
Download our comprehensive guide to controlling your family trust.
Getting your estate planning up-to-date. Part 2: Who gets what?
In this article we cover the important questions you need to answer to put in place an effective Will, namely: why should you make a Will, who gets what, how do you fairly divide your assets if you are in a ‘blended family, and who you will need to involve in your estate plan? Time to act!
Getting your estate planning up-to-date. Part 1: Ownership of Assets
One of the reasons you accumulate assets and savings is to ensure your loved ones are adequately looked after when you die. Your accountant is likely to have put in place strategies to save you tax and protect your assets. But without proper planning, this can mean that your assets don’t end up in the hands of the people you intend. FInd out more.
Hey founder, are you being left behind?
Founding a company is a lot easier than retaining control of it. Part of your journey will necessarily involve other people. First, it may be a co-founder. Then family and friend investors, and ultimately professional investors. During this evolution, the chances of you being left behind, and things getting out of control, increase exponentially. We’ll help you get back in control, with a binding entitlement to what you’re worth.
When should directors be personally liable for tax debts?
As a general rule, a company provides its shareholders with ‘limited liability’. This means that the extent of resources a shareholder risks when they invest in an enterprise is limited to the amount of capital they put into the company (or agree to put in). If the company runs out of resources, or gets hit with a nasty surprise, the capital may all be lost, but the shareholders are not obliged to put anything additional in. They have just ‘done their doe’.
The limitation of liability for shareholders has not really changed much over the centuries that limited liability companies have been around. What has changed, is the role and responsibility of directors.