What is a testamentary trust?
A testamentary trust is a trust created by a will as compared to one created inter-vivos (that is before death)
What are the benefits of a testamentary trust?
• Asset Protection
As trusts are not owned by the beneficiaries a trust can therefore can offer a level of protection from creditors of the beneficiaries and/or spouse, in the event of a marital/relationship breakdown.
• Tax minimisation
Testamentary trusts allow the taxable income of the estate to be taxed more effectively through flexibility of distribution by allowing income to be distributed to those beneficiaries that pay the lowest rate of tax.
Beware that adult tax rates apply to children under 18 years of age and that children are not taxed at the penalty tax rates that normally apply to unearned income of children.
• Stamp Duty and Capital Gains Tax
As no stamp duty or capital gains tax is imposed on the transfer of assets on death to a testamentary trust, unlike the transfer of assets to a trust during ones lifetime, a testamentary trust is an opportune tax effective time to allow for tax planning by the se of such trusts.
What sort of decisions is an enduring guardian unable to make?
An enduring guardian cannot make a will for you, vote on your behalf, consent to marriage, manage your finances or override your objections, if any, to medical treatment.
Who can appoint an enduring guardian?
If you are over 18 years, you can appoint one or more people to be your guardian. When you appoint an enduring guardian you must have the capacity to understand what you are doing.