Testamentary trust accountants

Establish, revise and manage tailored testamentary trusts

Liston Newton Advisory
Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews

We help you take control of every aspect of your estate

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Holistic advice

We guide you through the legal and financial process of creating a testamentary trust, including whether it’s necessary for your situation.

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A wealth of experience

With over 40 years of experience in estate planning, we ensure your assets are managed with care, offering peace of mind for you and your family members.

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Access trusted networks

Leverage our network of professionals to make informed decisions about your deceased estate and secure your loved ones' future.

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Systems and processes

Setting up and managing a testamentary trust provides greater control over your estate, but it can be a complex process. We help you get it right.

Ensure your wishes are honoured and your wealth preserved

We specialise in testamentary trust wills that reflect your unique goals and priorities. We’re here to make sure your wealth is managed and distributed exactly as you intend, leaving your family with the financial support they need for their peace of mind.

With our deep expertise, we tailor each trust to meet your specific needs, giving you confidence that your legacy will be preserved according to your wishes.

Partner with us to ensure that every detail is handled with precision so you can focus on what truly matters — your family’s future.

Entrust your legacy to our dedicated team

Our team offers dedicated support for the ongoing management of your testamentary trust. We focus on every detail of administration, ensuring that your trust assets are managed effectively and aligned with your long-term goals.

We handle the complexities of trust management, including navigating family law proceedings and managing assets for the benefit of your loved ones, so you can rest assured that your family’s needs are met both now and in the future.

Key services we offer include:

  • Trust management
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • Asset protection strategies
  • Legal document preparation
  • Coordination with legal advisors
  • Regular trust reviews and adjustments
  • Managing distributions to beneficiaries
  • Ongoing financial reporting
  • Advising on complex estate matters

We’ll make sure your wishes come through loud and clear

Talk to us today

An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award

Work with our accredited, established and trusted advisors

We’ve earned recognition from leading financial bodies across the nation.

“I’m truly grateful”

Kieran Liston and the Liston Newton team have been assisting me with my accounting matters since 1976. For the past 47 years, Kieran and the Liston Newton team have provided reliable accounting assistance, which has allowed me to focus on my business in primary production.

Their exceptional service has consistently exceeded my expectations and made me feel that they truly care about my financial well-being.

Brian Downes

Liston Newton has given me really helpful guidance over the years for both my business and my personal finances. When you have an accounting team that you trust to give the right advice, it gives you the confidence to focus on growing your business and doing the things you love.

Kate Nixon
Founder, Kat The Label

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their Accountant managed the set up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open 2 more stores without a significant increase in administration effort.

Peter Luskan
Pandora

Trust isn’t earned through charts and spreadsheets

Unlock valuable insights with our free guides, crafted to help you make confident decisions about your financial future. These resources are packed with practical advice and strategies tailored to your needs.

Explore key topics such as:

  • Effective wealth management
  • Strategies for asset protection
  • Planning for a secure retirement

Download your guides today and take the first step toward securing your financial future. Our team is here to support you—reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.

Trust isn’t earned through charts and spreadsheets

Financial decisions are deeply personal, tied to your goals and the security of those you care about. We bring over 40 years of experience, offering not just expert advice but a partnership built on trust and understanding. Our approach is rooted in genuinely getting to know your unique circumstances so we can guide you with clarity and confidence.

The benefits of working with us

  • 40 years of industry expertise
  • Award-winning financial services
  • Guaranteed ATO compliance
  • Xero Platinum partner
  • Bespoke financial advisory services

Meet your team

Your financial future, simplified

The first steps are the most important. That’s why we’ve designed a process that’s as smooth as possible, giving you confidence that your financial future is in good hands.

Initial consultation

We start by understanding your goals and needs, discussing how we can align our services with your long-term financial objectives.

Crafting your plan

Next, we develop a customised strategy that fits your unique circumstances, ensuring it addresses both immediate and future concerns.

Implementation

Finally, we take care of all the legal and administrative details, setting your plan in motion and providing ongoing support to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Case studies

Wherever you are, we’re here to help

While we have multiple brick-and-mortar offices across Australia, today’s technology leaves us well-positioned to serve clients in any city or town in the nation. Whether you prefer in-person meetings or virtual consultations, we provide flexible options to ensure you receive personalised financial guidance wherever you are.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a testamentary trust?

A testamentary trust gives you control over how your assets are distributed, offering benefits like enhanced asset protection and tax efficiency. It’s ideal for managing wealth responsibly, especially if you want to protect the deceased’s assets from potential marital issues or ensure beneficiaries with varying financial skills handle them.

How do you set up a testamentary trust?

A testamentary trust is established through your Will and activates upon your passing. To set it up, you’ll need to:

  • Nominate a trustee and beneficiaries
  • Specify the assets held in the trust
  • Outline how and when these assets should be distributed

Once your Will is processed through probate, the trust is created, and your deceased estate is managed according to your wishes.

How much does it cost to set up a testamentary trust?

Setting up a testamentary trust is more complex than a standard Will, so it typically costs more. While basic Wills can range from $300 to $1,000, we can guide you in finding the right legal team to draft your trust, ensuring you get good value while securing your future wealth.

Do you pay tax when a testamentary trust is set up?

No tax is typically due when setting up a testamentary trust. Paying tax only becomes relevant when beneficiaries start receiving income generated from the trust, whether in cash or assets.

How long can a testamentary trust last?

A testamentary trust can last up to 80 years, making it a valuable tool for protecting your wealth across two or three generations. It also offers tax benefits that can be passed down to your beneficiaries.

How does capital gains tax affect a testamentary trust?

Capital gains tax may apply when assets within a testamentary trust are sold. However, strategic planning can help minimise the impact on your beneficiaries.

Let’s begin

Leave us a message with your contact details, and let us know how we can help. We’ll be in touch shortly to set up a consultation.

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