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10 Reasons Your Discretionary Trust Deed Could Be Putting Your Wealth at Risk

Business

In today's rapidly changing legal and financial landscape, an outdated discretionary trust deed can pose significant risks to your wealth, tax efficiency, and family legacy. Many pre-2000 trusts are now vulnerable, potentially leading to costly legal disputes, unexpected tax liabilities, and even the loss of generational wealth.

By LightYear Docs 5 minute read

Are you confident your current trust is up to the challenge?  
 
Here are 10 Reasons Your Discretionary Trust Deed Could Be Putting Your Wealth at Risk: 
 
1. The Ticking Time Bomb

Your old discretionary trust deed could be putting your assets, legacy and tax efficiency at risk. The legal landscape has changed – have you upgraded?  Time is money. Protect what’s yours.

2. The ‘Nokia vs. iPhone’ Moment

Would you still use a Nokia from 2000 in 2024? Then why rely on an outdated discretionary trust deed when modern trust structures like Leading Member and Family Protection Trusts exist? Avoid tax traps, legal disputes and financial disasters.
 
3. The Accountant’s Nightmare 

Accountants & Financial Advisers: Your clients’ old trust deeds could be riddled with risks – succession failures, tax liabilities and lost wealth.  If you’re not recommending modern trust upgrades, you’re putting your clients and your reputation at risk. 
 
4. The Costly Case Study

A family lost $1.2 million due to an outdated discretionary trust deed with:

  • No succession planning
  • No CGT protection
  • No named beneficiaries  

5. The Hidden Risk

The real danger in your discretionary trust deed? It could trigger massive tax liabilities, legal battles and loss of generational wealth. 

  • If your trust is pre-2000, it’s outdated.
  • If you upgrade now, you avoid a resettlement.  

BOOK A DISCOVERY SESSION

6. The ‘Why Risk It?’ Question

Why gamble with your family’s wealth? 

  • Old trust deeds = outdated tax rules, missing succession planning and unnecessary risks.
  • Fix it now – without costly resettlements. 

7. The ‘What Would You Do?’ Test

If your discretionary trust deed could either protect your family’s future or destroy it – would you fix it?  The solution is easier than you think. 
 
8. The ‘Before & After’ Wake-Up Call 

Before: 
• Unprotected trust 
• Unnamed beneficiaries 
• Risk of huge tax penalties 

After Upgrading: 
• Bloodline protection 
• Perpetual wealth security 
• Non-CGT estate planning 

Transform your trust – without resettlement. 
 
9. The ‘Ask the Expert’ Check-In

Q: Do I really need to upgrade my discretionary trust? 
A: Yes. Trust laws and tax rules have evolved. If your deed is outdated, you risk unnecessary tax liabilities and succession failures. 

10. The ‘Last Chance’ Reminder

If your discretionary trust deed is pre-2000, you’re taking a serious risk. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Secure Your Family’s Wealth – Book Your Free Discovery Session Today

Your discretionary trust deed could be putting your assets, tax efficiency and legacy at risk. Upgrading is easier and more affordable than you think – but you need to act now. 

Book a free 15-minute Discovery Session with our experts to review your trust deed and explore the best upgrade options for your situation. 

Book Your Free Discovery Session

Act now to protect what’s yours! 

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