I hassle my boss sometimes. Not enough to get fired, but enough to let her know that she is part of the problem. You see, her Trust follows the standard formula: the X and Y [Surname] Family Trust. Now, that sounds pretty standard to you, but that’s the problem. In the Trusts Team I have been tasked with ensuring that our clients’ Trusts are compliant with the Trusts Act 2019, and as you can imagine, its good work but its quite repetitive work. What makes my day is when I come across a Trust name like the “Rainicorn Riot Trust,” or the “Awesome Foursome Trust”. These names spice up my work and make me smile because they show me that others are not just treating their Trusts as bland legal mechanisms but are taking the time and opportunity to be creative, to imbue meaning, and to have a little fun, which is something we all need.
While I don’t get to work on the “You Can’t Trust This” trust every day, I choose to work in a way that finds and creates meaning. While I could view a client’s Trust deed as just another generic legal document to identify and rectify issues in, I choose to think about the purpose of my work, to find out about our clients and what they want to accomplish with their Trust. I like to take moments to consider how what I am doing for them enables them to live their lives without worries about future security. When I reflect like this, I realise that for me Trusts are about hope. Hope that what one has accomplished in life will be safe and not wasted. In today’s world there are so many reasons to be worried and anxious. I have the privilege of playing a small part in bringing reassurance, stability, and importantly, hope, to clients.
Taking the time to find or create meaning in everyday tasks and activities, and even in naming a Trust, is a practice – it takes time and effort. But like the practice of gratitude, it is so beneficial and enables us to find hope and joy in life. At Gaze Burt our tag line is that we “see law differently.” I hope that the way in which I practice law can inspire you to see what you do differently too. Let’s make a choice to not get ground down with the routine of life, but instead to be thankful, be creative, make the most of opportunities before us and live life to the fullest.
We are very happy to assist you with any Trust matters. Please contact Rebecca Heale or any other member of our asset planning team for assistance.
