Who should receive what?
Have I put my wishes into legally effective form?
Legacy planning: pass it on as you intend
A legacy plan decides who receives what, when and how. It also spares your family confusion, delay and avoidable cost.
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Legacy planning is often postponed because it feels distant or uncomfortable. Yet without it, the law or a court may decide for you, which can delay access to money, create disputes and increase tax or fees.
We help you gather the pieces: a current will, clear beneficiary choices, the right structures, adequate liquidity and, for owners, a succession plan. We coordinate with your lawyer, who prepares the legal documents.
How it fits together
Each part of a plan connects to the others. Select a topic to read more.
Your legacy
- Will and documentsYour wishes set out legally.
- BeneficiariesWho receives each account and policy.
- Tax and costsReducing what is lost along the way.
- LiquidityCash to settle costs without forced sales.
- Business and familyPassing on a company or home.
Legacy planning through life
It starts earlier than most people think and needs regular updates.
Starting a family
Name guardians, make a basic will and check beneficiary choices.
Building assets
Update documents as property and investments grow; consider powers of attorney.
Established wealth
Look at tax, trusts and how to treat each child fairly.
Business or property owners
Plan for continuity, valuation and who takes over.
Later life
Review everything, record wishes and share the plan with those involved.
Illustration only. Your own needs will differ.
Who should consider legacy planning?
- Anyone with dependants or a partner
- Property and business owners
- Blended families
- People who want to support a charity or cause
- Parents of children with special needs
- Anyone who has not reviewed a will in years
Why it matters
Without clear instructions, assets may pass in ways you did not intend, with delay and cost. A plan protects the people you care about and reflects your values.
Questions worth asking yourself
- Do I have a current will, and does it reflect my family today?
- Are the beneficiaries on my accounts and policies up to date?
- Who would manage my affairs if I became unable to?
- Would my estate have enough cash to settle debts and costs?
- How do I want to treat each family member fairly?
- Does my family know where to find my documents?
Go deeper
Wills and powers of attorney
A will covers what happens at death; powers of attorney cover decisions if you lose capacity. Both should be reviewed regularly.
Beneficiary designations
Some accounts and policies pass directly to named beneficiaries, outside the will, so they must stay in step with your wishes.
Trusts
Trusts can add control, protect vulnerable beneficiaries and sometimes reduce tax, but need legal advice and ongoing care.
Using insurance in an estate
Policies can provide cash for costs and taxes or equalise inheritances when assets are illiquid.
Passing on a family business
Succession needs time, valuation and agreement between family members. Early conversations help.
Will and beneficiary designation compared
| Feature | Will | Beneficiary designation |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Assets owned in your name at death | Specific accounts and policies you name |
| How it takes effect | Through the estate process | Usually paid directly to the named person |
| Speed | Can take time | Often faster |
| Privacy | May become public | Often more private |
| Needs updating when | Family or wishes change | Family changes, births, divorce or deaths |
Important to know: succession and probate rules vary widely by country and region. Consult a lawyer about your own situation.
Three questions behind every legacy plan
How will it be protected?
Are costs, tax and risks to the estate managed?
Will my family know?
Is everything organised so they can act with confidence?
Related solutions
Life Insurance
Cover that can help your family keep its footing if your income stops.
Read more →Tax Strategies
Keeping more of what you earn and grow, within the rules.
Read more →Business Owners
Protecting the business, the owners and the plan for what comes next.
Read more →Retirement Planning
Turning a lifetime of saving into an income you can rely on.
Read more →Wealth Building
Saving and investing with clear goals, sensible risk and a long-term view.
Read more →Living Benefits
Protection that responds to serious illness or disability while you are alive.
Read more →Common questions about legacy planning
Is a will the same as estate planning?
A will is one part. Estate planning also covers beneficiaries, powers of attorney, structures, tax and liquidity.
How often should I review my plan?
Every few years and after any major family or financial change.
Do you draft wills?
No. We help you plan and coordinate; your lawyer prepares legal documents.
Can life insurance help an estate?
It can provide cash for costs and taxes, or balance inheritances. Suitability depends on your situation.
What if I own a business?
Succession needs extra planning around valuation, who takes over and how value is passed on. We work with your advisers.
Important to know
The information on this page is general and educational. It is not financial, insurance, investment, tax or legal advice, and it does not take your personal circumstances into account. Product availability and eligibility depend on licensing, location and provider rules. Speak with a qualified professional before you act.
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