Why Choose Our Melbourne Trust Lawyers?
When it comes to Estate Planning, having a well-structured trust ensures your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. The dedicated team at Velos & Velos Lawyers offers legal services on Wills, Estates or Trusts designed to simplify complex trust arrangements. We assist with various types of trusts, including Family Trusts, unit trusts, hybrid trusts and other structures to ensure your financial interests remain secure.
Our firm prioritises client-focused solutions, ensuring that we tailor each trust to the specific financial, legal and tax considerations of our clients. We work closely with individuals, business owners and high-net-worth families to create custom strategies that align with their long-term financial goals.
Understanding the Different Types of Trusts
Trusts are an essential tool for asset protection and estate management. The right trust depends on your financial goals, beneficiaries and tax considerations. Our trust lawyers in Melbourne provide guidance on a range of trust structures, including:
Discretionary Trust
A discretionary trust allows the trustee to distribute income and capital at their discretion, offering tax benefits and flexibility. It is commonly used for Family Trusts and business succession planning. This type of trust provides an effective way to distribute wealth while minimising tax liabilities and protecting assets from potential legal disputes or creditors.
Testamentary Trusts
A testamentary trust is established through a Will and becomes active upon the testator’s death. It provides enhanced asset protection and tax benefits for beneficiaries, especially minors or those with special needs. Testamentary trusts are an excellent solution for those who want to provide structured financial support for their heirs while protecting inherited assets from outside claims, such as divorces or bankruptcy.
Unit Trust
A unit trust divides trust assets into fixed units, offering a structured investment vehicle for businesses and property ownership. It ensures transparency and defined benefits for unit holders. Unit trusts are commonly used in joint ventures and real estate investment structures, ensuring that each investor’s interest is clearly defined and legally protected.
Charitable Trust
A charitable trust is set up to support philanthropic causes. It provides long-term funding for charitable organisations while offering tax exemptions. These trusts are ideal for those who wish to leave a legacy by funding educational, medical or community programs through structured and tax-efficient means.
Hybrid Trust
A hybrid trust combines elements of discretionary and unit trusts, providing both flexibility and certainty for beneficiaries. It is often used for tax planning and investment strategies. This type of trust can be highly beneficial for family businesses and investment groups looking for a blend of income distribution flexibility and defined unit ownership.
Expert Legal Services for Trust Establishment and Management
Our law firm assists with every step of trust creation and administration. Whether you are setting up a Family Trust for generational wealth protection or a charitable trust to leave a lasting legacy, we ensure compliance with Australian trust laws. Our legal services include:
- Advising on the best trust structure for your needs
- Drafting trust deeds and related documents
- Assisting with trustee duties and beneficiary rights
- Providing guidance on taxation implications and compliance
- Advising on asset protection strategies
- Reviewing and amending existing trust structures
- Representing clients in disputes related to trusts
- Helping businesses establish trusts for succession planning and investment growth.
Managing a trust involves ongoing responsibilities, from ensuring compliance with tax regulations to making informed financial decisions regarding the distribution of trust assets. Our experienced lawyers offer continuous support, ensuring your trust remains structured and compliant while achieving its intended financial and legal goals.
Trust Assets and Estate Planning
Trusts play a significant role in Estate Planning, ensuring your trust assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Our extensive experience in estate law enables us to tailor solutions that minimise tax liabilities, protect vulnerable beneficiaries and provide for future generations.
We help clients navigate legal complexities, ensuring their trusts align with their broader estate plans. Whether you’re creating a testamentary trust in your will or restructuring an existing unit trust, our lawyers provide the expertise needed to achieve the best outcomes.
We also advise on multi-generational wealth transfer strategies, ensuring that trusts continue to serve their intended purpose long into the future. Our firm works closely with accountants, financial planners and investment advisors to develop a comprehensive estate plan that safeguards your family’s financial future.
Comprehensive Legal Advice on Trusts in Melbourne
Understanding the types of trusts and their implications is crucial when making financial decisions. Our trust lawyers in Melbourne provide comprehensive legal advice to help you choose the right trust structure for your personal or business needs. With our extensive experience, we ensure that your trust aligns with your financial objectives while complying with Australian laws.
We assist clients with:
- Establishing trusts for business ownership and succession planning
- Managing trusts to ensure legal compliance and tax efficiency
- Resolving disputes related to trust administration
- Advising trustees on their legal obligations and fiduciary duties
- Ensuring that trust structures align with overall estate and wealth management plans
- Ensuring that the terms and provisions in Testamentary Trust are carried out as intended by the Will maker and according to law
With a deep understanding of legal services related to trust law, we ensure our clients receive clear, practical advice that enhances their financial security.
