Wills & Estate Planning Advice in Sutherland Shire

James Hayes with his dog

Estate planning is more than signing a bunch of legal documents. It’s making sure your super, property, and investments end up where you want them. I help families across the Sutherland Shire and Greater Sydney reduce tax, prevent disputes, and structure wealth so it supports the next generation effectively.

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Not Sure Where to Start with Estate Planning?

Most people only tackle estate planning after a crisis, when options are limited. Whether you’re planning for dependants, SMSF succession, or property transfer, one structured session can give you clarity: who inherits, how tax is minimised, and how to protect your family from uncertainty.

What Wills & Estate Planning Advice Do I Offer?

Besides touching your will, estate planning links property, super, tax, and family structures. These are the areas I most often guide clients through to ensure clarity and protection.

  • Set out executors, guardians, and asset distributions to avoid disputes, especially in blended or complex families.

  • Use trusts, nominations, and ownership structures to protect your wealth and control how it’s passed on.

  • Plan for CGT, income tax, and gifting limits so transfers are efficient and not eroded by avoidable liabilities.

  • Appoint trusted decision-makers for financial, legal, and health matters if you lose any of your capacities.

  • Coordinate binding superannuation nominations and death benefit strategies with your broader estate plan.

  • Plan ownership transfers so that your businesses and property move smoothly, fairly, and tax-effectively.

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Call 02 9524 6711

Why Do Clients Choose Me for Ethical Investing?

When families seek estate advice, they want documents, yes, but equally the confidence that their wishes will be carried out fairly and tax-effectively. Here’s what my clients value most in working with me.

  • I’ve designed portfolios that integrate ESG screens without sacrificing diversification or risk management.

  • I connect wills, super, trusts, and investments into one estate strategy.

  • I translate legal and tax jargon into plain English, so decisions are informed.

  • I work with blended families, dependants, and multi-generational wealth cases.

  • Based in Caringbah, I’m available in person, CBD, or online for ongoing support.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Call 02 9524 6711

Client Experience

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.

  • I was attracted to James's business by the online referees and comments and have since been very happy with the choice. James has been very patient and professional in rebuilding my superannuation portfolio and the results are pleasing. I very much appreciate his depth of knowledge and his personal skills.

    Geoffrey Todd

  • We have found dealing with James a worthwhile experience as he listens to what you require and that investments are reviewed and information to us is clear. We found James helped our transition into retirement an easy experience and very grateful for his expertise. 5 stars all the way !!

    Craig Pullen

  • James was incredibly helpful and prompt in his responses. Very accurate in the analysis of the real estate market and my personal, financial circumstances. In just a few hours we understood the best-case scenario, in my situation, and he guided me towards positive and reassuring final decisions to be made. He really placed my personal and financial needs first and we went from there. I really appreciated the honesty in his judgment and of course his valuable knowledge.

    Marta Lentisco

  • I have referred James to other colleagues as I find him to be very open and honest. He understands my husband's and my needs and is always on top of everything. He has great knowledge of superannuation and financial matters. James is always a pleasure to deal with, and we highly recommend his services.

    Jenelle Edwards

  • Having been referred to James by a colleague, I found his industry knowledge exceptional. His approach to my financial plan was holistic as he took consideration of what was happening in my life with a short to medium set up. James is also a great people person and very personable whilst maintaining strong professionalism. I can thoroughly recommend James Hayes without hesitation.

    Robert Stewart

  • I contacted James for advice with my superannuation policies, he put my mind at rest from the first phone conversation, I appreciated his support and advice in making a decision. No attempt was made to pin me down, allowing me time to consider my options. When a date was made to call me back, he did. He continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. I’m happy with the advice and the results I’m benefiting from.

    Allan Cavanagh

  • James has been my family’s financial advisor for the past 6 years. He has looked after our super and life insurance and provided invaluable financial advice. We have used other advisors previously; however, none have offered James’s understanding of our situation and what options might be available to us that we are not aware of. He is a pleasure to deal with, and I would highly recommend him.

    Matt Woodroffe

  • James has looked after my family and me for many years. I trust James and he has really helped us understand what we need to do to reach our financial goals. I can’t recommend anyone more than James!

    Andrew Rockliff

  • I have been working with James for almost 20 years. I've always been happy to make fun of the financial planning game, but my God we were grateful to have it in place when things went wrong. Thank you, James, for your hard work and diligence in helping with the claim and with establishing a great network of financial support and advice, which I've been leveraging for years.

    Rhys Baker

  • James exhibits the essential attributes and qualities required to be an asset on any person's path to financial freedom and security. Working with James, I have seen clients benefit from his interactions and instruction and I’m sure many more will.

    Mark Cameron

  • Very knowledgeable, tailors an approach and advice to suit each individual's needs and goals. Great communication, never "too busy", whether it's a chat over coffee or a meeting in the office, James' expertise coupled with a friendly approach is refreshing for those of us who sometimes get lost in the complexities of the industry!

    Nigel

  • I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the work and expertise you have done and provided over the past years. I not only consider you my advisor, but we have become friends over the years and again I appreciate the help you have given me. You have gone on to extend the same help to my now adult children. May you prosper along with your clients.

    Jeremy Bressick

  • James Hayes managed my super and investment portfolio for 5+ years, and I couldn't be happier with not only the results, but the communication and overall professionalism provided. I highly recommend.

    Joe Boy

  • I've been lucky enough to have James looking after my financial affairs for many years and couldn't be happier. Genuine guy with exceptional industry knowledge.

    Pietro Di Ciaccio

  • I’ve been using James as my financial planner for just over 5 years now. He’s done an amazing job with my super and would recommend him.

    Laura Stevenson

  • Really great advice and explained to a non-financial person so well! Happy to recommend.

    Lyn Bradshaw

Need Help with Anything Else?

Money means different things at different stages of life. These are the areas where I can step in and help take the pressure off:

Superannuation

Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.

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Transition to Retirement

Structuring your income streams as you ease out of work, while keeping your lifestyle and tax planning on track.

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Inheritance Advice

Helping you manage family inheritances in a tax-smart way, so wealth is preserved and distributed as smoothly as possible.

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Shares & ETFs

Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.

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Property Investments

Guiding you on when and how property can play a role in your broader financial plan, including super and tax considerations.

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Pensions

Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.

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Aged Care Planning

Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.

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First Home Buying

Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.

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Ethical Investing

Designing investment strategies that align with your personal values while still focusing on growth and financial outcomes.

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Every plan is personal. I’m not tied to banks or big corporates, and I don’t use rinse-and-repeat templates. The strategies we build together reflect your goals, your values, and the life you want to live.

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Say, “I Will Make My Will” Sooner Rather Than Later.

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Delaying estate planning leaves families exposed to conflict, tax, and uncertainty. Your wishes should be documented, your assets structured, and your dependants supported. Don’t wait for “someday”. Take action now and create an estate plan that lasts.

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Wills & Estate Planning FAQs

  • Solicitors draft documents, but financial planners model how wills, super, and trusts interact with tax and beneficiaries. They ensure strategies don’t just look legal on paper but actually work in practice by protecting wealth, minimising tax, and preventing future disputes.

  • Super doesn’t automatically flow through your will. Binding nominations, pension reversion rules, and tax on death benefits require coordination. A planner integrates superannuation with your broader estate plan to ensure that beneficiaries receive entitlements in the most tax-effective and dispute-resistant way possible.

  • Capital gains tax, income tax on trusts, and super death benefit taxes can erode inheritances. Financial planners model scenarios such as timing asset disposals or using testamentary trusts so that wealth transfers minimise tax exposure and maximise net benefit for your family.

  • Property ownership structures (sole, joint tenants, tenants-in-common) affect how assets pass. A financial planner explains whether property bypasses the estate, attracts CGT, or benefits from exemptions. Strategies may involve trusts, sales, or retention to align outcomes with both family wishes and tax efficiency.

  • Yes. Super nominations and property titles don’t replace a will. They work alongside it. Without a valid will, assets not covered by nominations follow intestacy laws. A planner ensures all structures are consistent and nothing is left exposed.

  • Plans should be reviewed every 3–5 years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, children, or significant asset changes. Financial planners ensure wills, super nominations, and trusts stay aligned as laws shift and your financial situation evolves.

  • Yes. Testamentary trusts can protect assets from creditors, family disputes, or irresponsible spending, while also delivering tax benefits by splitting income among beneficiaries. A financial planner helps decide whether trusts suit your estate and how to integrate them with super and wills.

  • Blended families face competing claims from spouses, children, or stepchildren. Financial planners model different distribution strategies, recommend protective structures like binding nominations or trusts, and ensure assets pass as intended while minimising disputes. This balance reduces conflict and strengthens fairness across all parties.

  • Relying solely on a will, failing to update documents, ignoring super, or overlooking tax consequences are frequent errors. Others include informal asset transfers or unclear instructions. Financial planners prevent these by coordinating legal, financial, and tax elements into one coherent, enduring strategy.