Estate planning · Caloundra & the Sunshine Coast
Estate planning advice in Caloundra and on the Sunshine Coast
Estate planning advice looks at the financial side of passing on what you have: super nominations, how assets are held, tax on super left to adult children and how it all fits your will. Simon works alongside your solicitor, who prepares the legal documents. We work with people in Caloundra, Mooloolaba and across the Sunshine Coast.
Book a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon
Why get estate planning advice as well as a will?
Many people assume a will covers everything. In Australia, some assets, such as super and some insurance, are often paid outside your will. Estate planning advice looks at how each asset will pass to the people you choose, what tax may apply, and who can make decisions for you if you can’t.
Simon lives in Caloundra and works with families on estate planning across the Sunshine Coast. We work with people in Caloundra, Mooloolaba and across the Sunshine Coast.
“…we felt that he had taken on board our “plans” for the early years of our retirement, whilst still catering for the longer term. He also considered our immediate family and their future needs.”
Garth, Jul 2026Selected reviews. Individual experiences vary.
Does your will cover your super?
Not automatically. Super is usually paid by your fund’s trustee. If the fund allows it, a binding death benefit nomination tells the trustee who should receive your super, such as a dependant or your legal personal representative (the executor of your estate). With a non-binding nomination, or none, the trustee may decide. [1]
Simon checks your nominations against your will and your wishes.
What tax applies to super left to adult children?
Australia has no inheritance tax, but super paid to someone who isn’t a dependant for tax purposes, such as many adult children, can be taxed. The taxable component (taxed element) of a death benefit lump sum paid to a non-dependant is taxed at up to 15%, plus the Medicare levy. [2][3] Lump sum payments to dependants, such as a spouse, are generally tax-free. Different rules apply to income streams. [2]
Simon can explain the options and their trade-offs for your situation. Read the super death tax and your family and see our tax in retirement page.
Who makes decisions if you can’t?
An estate plan also covers who can make financial and health decisions for you if you lose capacity. In Queensland, you can appoint someone you trust to make these decisions with an enduring power of attorney. [4] Your solicitor can help you prepare it. Simon checks that your financial plan reflects who you’ve chosen.
Should you help family now or later?
Some people like to help children or grandchildren during their lifetime, such as with a home deposit. Gifts can affect your own retirement income and, if you receive the Age Pension, your entitlements. Simon helps you see how much you could give while keeping your own plan on track, and talk it through as a family if you’d like.
If you’re thinking about later-life care too, see our aged care financial advice page.
How does Simon work with your solicitor and accountant?
Estate planning is a team effort. Your solicitor prepares wills, powers of attorney and any testamentary trusts. Simon looks at the financial side and, with your permission, works with your solicitor and accountant so your will, super nominations and investments fit together. We review the plan with you as life changes.
It starts with a 30-minute Fit Check. It’s general information, not personal advice. See Pricing, Our engagement process and our Path to Prosperity approach.
Common questions about estate planning
Does my will cover my super?
Not automatically. Super is usually paid by your fund’s trustee, not under your will. If the fund allows it, a binding death benefit nomination tells the trustee who should receive your super. Without a valid binding nomination, the trustee may decide who receives it.
What tax applies to super left to adult children?
Super paid to someone who isn’t a dependant for tax purposes, such as many adult children, can be taxed. The taxable component (taxed element) of a death benefit lump sum paid to a non-dependant is taxed at up to 15%, plus the Medicare levy. Lump sum payments to dependants, such as a spouse, are generally tax-free. Different rules apply to income streams.
What does estate planning advice cover?
Estate planning advice looks at the financial side: super nominations, how assets are held, tax on super paid to family, and how your plan fits your will and powers of attorney. Your solicitor prepares the legal documents, and Simon works alongside them.
Do you write wills?
No. Wills, powers of attorney and testamentary trusts are legal documents prepared by a solicitor. Simon gives the financial advice and, with your permission, works with your solicitor and accountant so the pieces fit together.
Want to talk through your estate plan?
Start with a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon, Founder and Lead Retirement Planner, by phone or video call.
Book a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon
Or call Simon on (07) 5327 3495
Sunlit Path Retirement Partners is a trading name of The Trustee for Mino Family Trust, ABN 16 788 964 101
Sources
- [1] ATO – Super death benefits (binding and non-binding nominations, dependants; page last updated 10 July 2026) – https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/superannuation-death-benefits – checked 17 October 2026.
- [2] ATO – Payments from super (preservation age table; super lump sum tax table, including death benefits paid to non-dependants, taxable component – taxed element, maximum 15% excluding Medicare levy; page last updated 16 September 2026) – https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds/payments-from-super – checked 17 October 2026.
- [3] ATO – Taxation of super benefits (Medicare levy of 2% applies where the rate of tax is greater than 0%; page last updated 17 December 2025) – https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-and-super-professionals/for-superannuation-professionals/apra-regulated-funds/managing-member-benefits/taxation-of-member-super-benefits/taxation-of-super-benefits – checked 17 October 2026.
- [4] Office of the Public Guardian (Queensland) – Enduring power of attorney (last updated 17 June 2026) – https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/making-decisions/future-planning/enduring-power-of-attorney – checked 17 October 2026.