How to Find a Lawyer and Set Up a Family Trust in Australia
在澳洲如何找律師設立家庭信託
A practical guide for Australia-based families comparing trust types, lawyer selection, setup costs and key compliance risks before speaking with a solicitor and accountant.
A practical guide for Australia-based families comparing trust types, lawyer selection, setup costs and key compliance risks before speaking with a solicitor and accountant.
What a Trust Is and Why It Is Common in Australia
A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. In Australia, family trusts are widely used for asset protection, succession planning and flexible income distribution.
A trust is not a tax avoidance tool. It is a legal structure that must be set up and administered properly with professional advice from a solicitor and accountant.
What Type of Lawyer You Need
Trust setup usually sits within commercial law, trusts, estate planning and business structuring. When checking a law firm's website, look for services such as Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Business Structures or Trusts and Succession.
A solicitor normally prepares the trust deed. An accountant usually assists with tax registration, ABN/TFN matters and ongoing annual compliance.
What to Prepare Before the First Consultation
Before meeting a solicitor, prepare the asset types the trust may hold, the intended beneficiaries, the main purpose of the trust, residency status and any overseas assets that may affect the structure.
If the information is complete, a straightforward trust setup may often move from consultation to signed deed, tax registration and bank-account opening within a few weeks.
Trustees should pay careful attention to annual income distribution resolutions before the end of the financial year, state-based property surcharges and the choice between individual and corporate trustees.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, migration or financial advice.