Family Trusts & Investment Structures

Protecting, Maximising and Sharing Family Wealth

At DFK Everalls, we work with business owners, professionals, and families who want to do more than just “hold assets” — they want to protect, maximise and share their wealth, reduce tax, and plan for the future with confidence.

One of the most effective tools for achieving this is a family trust. But it’s not the only option. Choosing the right structure — whether a trust, superannuation, joint ownership, or a tailored combination — can make all the difference to your financial future.

Why Investment Structures Matter

The way your wealth is structured affects more than your tax return. It determines:

Who controls your assets now and in the future.
How easily your wealth passes to the next generation.
Whether your assets are protected from risks like litigation, creditors, or family breakdowns.

For example, investing in your own name gives you full control but means income is taxed at your personal rate — and leaves assets exposed. Superannuation is tax effective (just 15% on earnings, tax-free in retirement) but locks away funds until retirement. Family trusts provide a middle ground — giving flexibility, protection, and control that can continue across generations.

Family Trusts Explained

A family (or discretionary) trust is a structure where a trustee holds assets for the benefit of family members. Each year, the trustee decides how income and capital are distributed.

This creates powerful opportunities:

Tax efficiency— income can be distributed to family members in a way that legally reduces overall tax.
Asset protection — wealth inside the trust is separated from individual risks.
Succession planning — assets remain in the trust when you pass away, meaning control (not ownership) is transferred to the next generation without triggering unnecessary capital gains tax.

Family trusts are particularly valuable for families with businesses, investment properties, or complex portfolios. They provide the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances while keeping wealth protected.

Beyond Family Trusts: Other Options

Depending on your circumstances, other trusts or structures may be more effective. For example:

Bloodline trusts keep wealth strictly in the family line.
Unit or fixed trusts are ideal when multiple parties — such as business partners or investors — need defined entitlements.
Testamentary trusts (created through your will) provide tax advantages and protection for children, grandchildren or vulnerable beneficiaries.
Specialised trusts, such as child maintenance trusts, superannuation proceeds trusts, or special disability trusts, can support specific family or business needs.
Self-managed super funds are a highly tax-effective option.
Investment Companies can be more tax-effective for high-income earners.

Each has unique advantages. Our role is to guide you through the options, enabling you to make the right decision with clarity and confidence.

How DFK Everalls Helps

Every family is different. That’s why at DFK Everalls, we go beyond simply setting up a trust. We:

Take a holistic view of your business, super, estate and investments.
Provide strategic advice that is effective now and adaptable as laws and circumstances evolve.
Explain your options in plain English so you feel confident in your decisions.
Offer ongoing support to review and adjust your structures over time.

We don’t just create trusts — we help you use them strategically so your wealth works harder, lasts longer, and passes smoothly to the people who matter most.