Manage your superannuation

A self-managed superannuation fund gives you control over how your retirement wealth is invested and structured. The legal obligations that come with that control are significant. We will help you set it up correctly, keep it compliant, and use it to its full potential.

Expert legal advice for every stage of your SMSF journey

An SMSF is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Australian investors, but it also carries real legal and compliance obligations. Our superannuation lawyers will help you establish, manage, and optimise your fund at every stage, so you can focus on your retirement strategy with confidence.

Set up correctly from the start

Establish your SMSF with a compliant trust deed, the right structure, and a clear understanding of your obligations as a trustee.

Use your SMSF strategically

Borrow to invest, transfer business property into your fund, and structure your retirement assets to maximise their long-term value.

Plan for what comes next

Put binding nominations in place and structure your death benefits so your superannuation reaches the right people on your terms.

When you work with us, your SMSF will be correctly established, legally compliant, and structured to work as hard as possible for your retirement.

You will have an SMSF established with a compliant, up-to-date trust deed and a clear understanding of your trustee obligations. You will have the documentation in place to borrow, invest, and manage your fund’s assets correctly. You will have binding death benefit nominations and pension documentation that ensure your superannuation reaches the right people without dispute.

How we can help

We advise SMSF trustees, business owners, and individuals across every aspect of self-managed superannuation law.

Set up and manage an SMSF

Establish your self-managed superannuation fund with the right trust deed, trustee structure, and compliance framework to operate with confidence from day one.

SMSF borrowing arrangement (LRBA)

Structure a limited recourse borrowing arrangement that allows your SMSF to borrow and invest in property or other assets, with all legal documentation correctly in place.

Transfer business real property to your SMSF

Transfer qualifying business real property into your self-managed super fund in a way that meets all ATO requirements and is correctly documented for compliance.

Update your SMSF deed

Update your SMSF trust deed to reflect current superannuation legislation and ensure your fund can take full advantage of the strategies available to it.

Superannuation death benefits and BDBNs

Put a binding death benefit nomination in place and structure your pension and lump sum arrangements so your super is distributed exactly as you intend.

SMSF investment advice

Get legal advice on a proposed investment by your existing super fund to confirm it meets the sole purpose test and all other regulatory requirements.

Why SMSF legal advice matters as much as financial advice

A self-managed superannuation fund is not just a financial vehicle — it is a legal structure governed by some of the most complex legislation in Australia. The sole purpose test, the in-house asset rules, the related-party transaction rules, and the borrowing restrictions all create potential compliance traps that can result in significant tax penalties if breached.

An outdated trust deed can prevent your fund from implementing strategies that are otherwise available. A binding death benefit nomination that is not properly executed will not be binding. A property transfer that does not meet the ATO’s requirements can expose your fund to tax consequences that far outweigh any benefit.

At ADLV Law, our superannuation lawyers understand both the legal framework and the practical realities of managing an SMSF. With over 25 years of experience across superannuation law, we give you advice you can rely on and help you avoid the compliance mistakes that are costly and entirely avoidable.

Ready to make the most of your superannuation?

Whether you are setting up your first SMSF, borrowing to invest, or planning how your super will be distributed, speak to one of our superannuation lawyers today.