Estate planning that protects what matters

Working with Australians for more than 20 years, and planning their retirement, one thing is clear to the team at Wattle: estate planning isn’t about documents, it’s about people.  

It’s not just about managing money; it’s about making sure your legacy is passed on in the right way. It’s one of the last, and most important, gifts you can give your family.  

People tend to associate estate planning with a will, and while that is a great place to start, a good estate plan goes further. It ensures your finances stay in the right hands, while you're still alive, and safeguards your wishes when you’re no longer here to express them. 

Estate planning is about creating clarity for the future. This can mean updating your will, appointing someone you trust through a Power of Attorney, or making sure your superannuation is directed to the right person as it doesn’t automatically follow your will. 

These steps don’t need to be complicated. At Wattle, the aim is to help you understand what’s needed, what’s optional, and how to make it work for your specific situation. This can involve testamentary trusts for blended families or making sure your documents reflect your current relationships and financial position. 

“We’re not here to create fear. In fact, most of the time, the conversations we have around estate planning are empowering. Clients feel relieved knowing they’ve thought it through and put plans in place. It helps remove stress from their day-to-day and gives their families a clear direction for the future. 

“A key part of a strong estate plan is making sure your intentions are understood. That’s why we encourage open conversations with loved ones. If you’re comfortable doing so, involving your children or other beneficiaries early on can help reduce confusion or conflict down the track.

“We help clients draft simple overviews of their estate structure, no legal jargon, just clear summaries, supported with visuals or diagrams, where helpful. The result is fewer complications and ensures everyone is on the same page. 

“When families don’t understand why decisions have been made, or who will be responsible for what, that’s when misunderstandings can arise. But when things are explained and documented well, time and time again, we see families feel more at ease, because they know exactly what to expect. 

“Estate planning is part of a bigger picture: living well in retirement, knowing your finances are in order, and feeling confident about the legacy you’re leaving.  

“We guide our clients through this process, starting by understanding your goals, your assets, and your family. From there, we work closely with expert estate planning solicitors to draft the documents you need.  

“We aren’t here to overcomplicate things, we help you get it done properly, so you can get back to enjoying life in retirement.” 

Want to retire with confidence? Visit wattlepartners.com.au to see how we can help you plan, protect, and pass on your legacy, your way.