1. State the job
- What specific problem is being solved?
- What happens if nothing is built?
- Is the objective control, succession, protection, tax treatment, investment access or administration?
2. Compare the simplest alternative
- Could a will, nomination, agreement or direct holding do the same job?
- What additional protection justifies the additional cost?
- Which assumptions would make the structure unnecessary?
3. Follow the money
- Who earns an upfront fee, annual fee, transaction fee, commission or referral payment?
- Which costs sit inside the product rather than on the invoice?
- What must happen before the structure pays for itself?
4. Test control and exit
- Who owns the assets and who can direct them?
- What requires another party’s consent?
- How can the arrangement be changed, transferred or closed?
- What happens if the provider, adviser or key family decision-maker leaves?
5. Test the bad years
- What happens during market loss, family disagreement, incapacity, divorce, creditor action or relocation?
- Which jurisdiction’s court and law govern a dispute?
- Who is responsible for keeping the structure compliant and current?
General information only. Obtain legal, tax and regulated financial advice appropriate to the proposed structure.