Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by lukesguide
Australia’s superannuation laws are incredibly complex and mistakes can be very costly.
The superannuation system is in the midst of huge reform so it pays to hire an experienced superannuation lawyer to help guide you through the complexity.
In this guide we are going to reveal some of the best superannuation lawyers in the business so that you can choose the best superannuation lawyer for your needs.
Let’s go!
Who Are The Best Superannuation Lawyers?
The best superannuation lawyers are experts who have spent years specializing in Australia’s superannuation legal system.
Here is a list of Australian legal service providers that specialize in advising clients on key aspects of Australia’s superannuation regime.
Sladen Legal
About
Sladen Legal is a law firm based in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1976, it has since grown to become one of the leading law firms in Melbourne, with over 80 lawyers and staff.
Sladen Legal has been recognized by Best Lawyers as a top provider of superannuation legal services since 2020.
Services
The team at Sladen Legal provides a wide range of legal services to businesses and individuals across various practice areas, including:
- business law
- commercial dispute resolution
- property law
- taxation
- employment law
- family law
Expertise
Sladen Legal is known for its expertise in superannuation law, and has a dedicated team of lawyers who specialize in advising clients on all aspects of superannuation, including:
- Establishment of new super funds
- Updating existing super trust deeds
- Incorporation of special purpose trust deeds
- Regulatory and tax issues that impact super funds
- Compliance requirements for SMSFs
- Investments in private trusts and companies by SMSFs
- Alternative investment structures for SMSFs
- Tax-effective strategies for superannuation
- Disputes related to SMSF regulatory and tax issues
- Succession planning for SMSFs
- Limited recourse borrowing arrangements for SMSFs
- Transactions involving SMSFs (including transfers of real property)
- Fund rollover and restructuring
- Payment and pension structures for superannuation
Fees
Sladen Legal are upfront about their fees for superannuation services and you can find a full list of their superannuation services fees here.
To give you an idea, Sladen Legal charges a standard fee of $550 to prepare a new SMSF Deed. If you need a corporate trustee, Slade Legal can help incorporate an SMSF company for $938.
All prices are inclusive of GST.
Wrap Up
Sladen Legal would be the perfect choice for anyone looking for superannuation lawyers in Melbourne.
Sladen Legal has a reputation for providing high-quality, client-focused legal services, and is recognized as one of the leading law firms in Melbourne and Australia.
Contact Sladen Legal.
DBA Lawyers
About
DBA Lawyers is a boutique law firm based in Australia that specializes in self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) law. They provide legal services to SMSF trustees, accountants, financial planners, and other professionals who work with SMSFs.
DBA Lawyers has since grown to become one of the leading SMSF law firms in Australia, with a team of experienced lawyers and support staff.
DBA Lawyers even have their own podcast The SMSF Adviser Show.
Services
DBA Lawyers offers a wide range of legal services related to SMSFs, including:
- SMSF establishment
- SMSF compliance
- SMSF winding-up
- SMSF borrowing
- SMSF investments
- SMSF succession planning
- SMSF disputes and litigation
They also provide training and education programs for SMSF trustees, accountants, and financial planners.
DBA Lawyer’s have an online portal where you can order all of your SMSF documents and services.
Expertise
DBA Lawyers is known for its technical expertise in SMSF law and its commitment to providing practical, commercially-focused advice to its clients.
The firm has received numerous awards and accolades for its services and their top lawyers hold esteemed positions within various professional associations.
Fees
DBA Lawyer’s fees are very competitive.
A full list of DBA Lawyer’s fees can be found here.
When ordering online, a new SMSF can be setup for as little as $400 and a corporate trustee can be estabvblished for $900 (including ASIC fee).
Prices include GST.
Wrap Up
DBA Lawyers are expert superannuation lawyers and are very competitively priced.
Their online ordering system makes it convenient and cost effective to setup an SMSF and to obtain other superannuation law services.
Contact the team at DBA Lawyers now.
What Is A Superannuation Lawyer?
A superannuation lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in matters related to superannuation, which is a retirement savings plan that is mandatory for most employees in Australia.
Superannuation lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients on various issues related to superannuation
This may include setting up an SMSF, disputes with their superannuation fund, accessing their superannuation benefits, complying with superannuation laws and regulations, and managing their superannuation investments.
They may also assist clients in making claims for insurance benefits under their superannuation fund.
Superannuation lawyers may work for law firms, government agencies, or other organizations that provide legal services to clients in this area.
Why You Might Need a Superannuation Lawyer?
Superannuation lawyers are experts in a very niche area of Australian law and you may need one when issues with your superannuation arise.
For example, superannuation lawyers can assist with:
Disputes with your superannuation fund
If you have a dispute with your superannuation fund, a superannuation lawyer can help you resolve it. This could include disputes about the management of your fund, investment decisions, or the payment of benefits.
Accessing your superannuation benefits
If you are having difficulty accessing your superannuation benefits, a superannuation lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations. This could include situations where you are unable to access your superannuation due to a medical condition or disability.
Compliance with superannuation laws and regulations
Superannuation laws and regulations can be complex and are constantly changing.
Mistake are easy to make and can cost you alot of money. A superannuation lawyer can help you navigate these regulations and ensure that you are complying with all legal requirements.
Making claims for insurance benefits
Many superannuation funds provide insurance benefits to their members. If you need to make a claim for these benefits, a superannuation lawyer can help you understand the process and represent you in negotiations with the fund when making a claim.
Estate planning
For many Australians, superannuation is the largest asset they will ever own (after their home).
This means superannuation benefits can form a significant part of your estate.
A superannuation lawyer can help you understand the implications of this and assist you in creating an estate plan that takes your superannuation into account.
How to Choose the Right Superannuation Lawyer for You
Choosing a superannuation lawyer is incredibly important as you are entrusting this person with one of your greatest assets.
It is not a process to rush and it is worth taking the time to consider these factors before making your decision:
Experience
Look for a superannuation lawyer who has experience in handling superannuation matters (i.e. a specialist). Ask about their experience in dealing with superannuation and the types of matters they typically work on.
Reputation
Look for a superannuation lawyer with a good reputation. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients, and ask for referrals from friends, family or other professionals.
It is also worth checking out online guides and reviews for guidance.
Qualifications And Memberships
Check that the lawyer is qualified and registered to practice in your jurisdiction. It is also worth seeing if they are members of any professional associations relating to superannuation.
Communication skills
Choose a superannuation lawyer who communicates clearly and promptly with you. They should be able to explain legal concepts and procedures in a way that is easy to understand.
You don’t want a lawyer that makes decisions for you but one that provides you with all of the information necessary to make an informed decision.
Availability
Choose a lawyer who is available when you need them. They should be able to respond to your queries and keep you updated on the progress of your case.
For less urgent queries, it may be worth looking at engaging an online law firm or lawyer.
Cost
Ask about the lawyer’s fees and charges. Choose a lawyer whose fees are transparent, reasonable and within your budget.
For many superannuation matters, a good SMSF lawyer should be able to provide you with a fixed fee option so that you know exactly where you stand.
Compatibility
Choose a lawyer whom you feel comfortable working with. Your lawyer should be able to understand your needs, listen to your concerns and be empathetic to your situation.
Wrap Up
As you can see, choosing a top drawer superannuation lawyer is an important task.
Superannuation mistakes are costly and very difficult to reverse, so it pays to get things right the first time around.
Are you in the process of searching for a superannuation lawyer? Or have you worked with one before that we have left off this list?
Let us know in the comments!
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