Expertise

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds

SMSF ESTATE PLANNING LAWYERS IN SYDNEY

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SMSF Estate Planning Specialists


We take the stress out of SMSF estate planning, making the process seamless and straightforward. Backed by years of expertise, our team offers expert legal advice at every stage of the process.

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Comprehensive Services


From limited recourse borrowing arrangements to concessional stamp duty applications, Kells is your cornerstone. Let our expert estate planning lawyers assist you.

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Conveniently Located


With offices in Sydney and the Illawarra, we are conveniently located to provide easy access to our services for clients across NSW.

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Personalised Legal Solutions


We believe every client deserves a bespoke approach. That’s why we craft solutions based on your unique needs, helping you achieve your long-term goals.

Here To Help

Managing your own superannuation fund can provide valuable benefits. However, it must be structured and managed correctly to deliver the best outcomes for you and your family. Kells can ensure your SMSF works in harmony with your estate plan to protect and preserve your financial legacy. Our team is here to help you across Sydney and throughout NSW.

Wills, Estate Planning & Trusts


Area of Expertise

How Can Our SMSF Estate Planning Lawyers in Sydney Help?

The structure and management of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) play a key role in effective estate planning.


Many Australians enjoy the control and flexibility of managing their own superannuation. However, SMSF members must comply with a wide range of rules and regulations to retain the benefits these funds provide. Keeping up with these requirements can often feel overwhelming.


Our lawyers understand the challenges SMSF members face. We work closely with your financial advisors to provide legal advice on SMSF-related matters. This ensures you meet your legal responsibilities and get the most out of your superannuation fund.


Here are some of the SMSF-related matters we handle:

  • Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

    Since 2007, SMSFs have been able to use borrowed money to acquire a range of investment assets and properties. At Kells, we have the expertise, knowledge and manpower to assist you through the entire process. Our goal is to ensure your fund complies with all superannuation laws.


    Our lawyers can assist with:

    • Purchases of property by SMSFs
    • Advising on loan documents
    • Transfers of property from members to trustees
    • Preparation of holding trust deeds and supporting trustee resolutions
    • Applications for concessional stamp duty on holding trust deeds
    • Related party loans
    • Commercial and residential leases
    • Transfers of property back to the trustee
    • Lost trust deeds.

  • Powers of Attorney

    Member control is essential for any SMSF. It is important to plan for situations where a member cannot act. This could include extended travel overseas or a loss of capacity due to illness or injury.


    We can prepare the power of attorney documents to suit individual circumstances. These documents help ensure the fund remains compliant with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 if unexpected events occur.

  • Death Benefit Nominations

    Superannuation balances often make up a large portion of a person’s total assets. Many people assume that superannuation automatically becomes part of their estate and is distributed under their Will. This is not the case.


    Under superannuation law, death benefits can only be paid to specific individuals or to the deceased member’s estate. To control how these benefits are distributed, members must complete a valid death benefit nomination form. If no valid nomination exists, the SMSF’s rules and the trustee will determine how the benefits are paid.


    Failing to prepare a proper death benefit nomination can lead to unintended outcomes. Benefits may be paid to the wrong individuals or in amounts different from what you intended.


    SMSF members must keep their death benefit nomination forms up to date and review them regularly. Binding death benefit nominations should also be carefully considered as part of your estate planning process. At Kells, we conduct a thorough review to create a clear and effective estate plan that aligns with your wishes and circumstances.

  • Changes of trustee

    In NSW, SMSF members can transfer business real property held in their individual names into their SMSF for a nominal stamp duty fee. To qualify, certain strict criteria must be met.


    We assist SMSFs to obtain this concession, saving thousands in potential stamp duty by:


    • Liaising with your accountant and/or financial advisor
    • Reviewing relevant documentation of your SMSF
    • Preparing and lodging the concessional stamp duty application on behalf of the SMSF
    • Once the concessional duty is approved, preparing all necessary transfer documentation and attending to registration of the transfer of the property into the SMSF.

    If you need advice or more information about an SMSF, contact our experienced estate planning team today.


  • Concessional stamp duty applications (NSW only)

    In NSW, members of a SMSF can transfer business real property held in their individual names into their SMSF for a nominal stamp duty fee, provided that certain strict criteria are met. We assist SMSFs obtain this concession, saving thousands in potential stamp duty by:

    • Liaising with your accountant and/or financial advisor
    • Reviewing relevant documentation of your SMSF
    • Preparing and lodging the concessional stamp duty application on behalf of the SMSF
    • Once the concessional duty is approved, preparing all necessary transfer documentation and attending to registration of the transfer of the property into the SMSF.

If you need advice or more information about an SMSF, contact our experienced estate planning team today.

Get Expert SMSF Estate Planning Advice in Sydney

Do you have any questions about SMSF or are you looking for the right professional advice? Call us today and let our expert estate planning lawyers assist you.

Wills, Estate Planning & Trusts


Area of Expertise

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