Tag: planning

It is a common misconception that superannuation interests automatically form part of your estate upon your death. This is not necessarily the case. Ultimately, the superannuation fund’s trustee determines where a superannuation death benefit is paid. Depending on the superannuation fund, it may be possible to fetter the trustee’s discretion with a binding death benefit nomination.

Superannuation death benefits (inclusive of any life insurance held by a superannuation fund on behalf of a member) generally do not form part of the deceased’s estate.  It is paramount that members of superannuation funds put mechanisms in place to ensure their superannuation interests are distributed efficiently and according to their wishes in the event of their death.