EPI-centre can assist in structuring your business and personal assets for preservation from creditors, ‘predators’, divorce, dementia, and litigation. We can also ensure your desired and controlled delivery of your accumulated wealth to your chosen beneficiaries when your time passes.
EPI-centre

EPI-centre has emerged from within an ethical and long-established firm, possessing a deep, fundamental understanding of family business and taxation.

Asset protection, succession and estate planning glossary

AllABCDEFILSTW
A
Asset Protection
The process of structuring your business and personal assets to reduce exposure to risks such as lawsuits, business failure, divorce or financial claims.
B
Beneficiary
A person or entity entitled to receive assets, income or benefits from a will, trust or superannuation fund.
Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN)
A formal direction to your superannuation fund specifying who should receive your super when you pass away. If not set up correctly, it may not be valid or effective.
Business Structure
The legal structure used to operate a business, such as a company, sole trader or trust. The right structure can impact tax, risk and asset protection.
C
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
A tax applied to the profit made when selling an asset, such as property, shares or investments.
Company (Pty Ltd)
A separate legal entity used to operate a business. While it can provide some protection, it does not automatically protect personal assets in all situations.
D
Discretionary Trust (Family Trust)
A trust where a trustee has discretion over how income and assets are distributed among beneficiaries. Commonly used for tax planning and asset protection.
E
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)
A legal document that allows someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Estate
All assets, liabilities and financial interests a person owns at the time of their death.
Estate Planning
The process of organising how your assets, superannuation and business interests will be managed and distributed during your lifetime and after death.
Executor
The person responsible for carrying out the instructions in a will and managing the estate after someone passes away.
F
Family Provision Claim
A legal claim made against an estate by someone who believes they were not adequately provided for in a will.
Family Trust
A type of discretionary trust used to manage and distribute family wealth. It can provide flexibility, tax planning opportunities and asset protection benefits.
I
Inheritance
Assets or wealth passed from one person to another, usually after death.
L
Litigation
The process of taking legal action. In a business or personal context, this can create financial risk if assets are not properly protected.
S
Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)
A private superannuation fund managed by its members. It offers more control but comes with greater responsibility and compliance requirements.
Succession Planning
The process of planning how control of a business or assets will transfer to the next generation or new owners.
Superannuation
Money saved for retirement in a regulated fund. It is not automatically covered by your will and requires separate planning.
T
Testamentary Trust
A trust created through a will that comes into effect after death. It can help protect assets for beneficiaries and improve tax outcomes.
Trustee
The person or entity responsible for managing a trust and making decisions in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
W
Will
A legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It is only one part of a complete estate plan.