07 3648 9900

Private Wealth & Tax Law

David McKewin

Director - Tax, Private Wealth and Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Matthew Rouse

Managing Director – Corporate & Commercial and Mergers & Acquisitions

Business-minded, Tax-aware Lawyers

We understand there is more at stake for our private clients than just money alone. Rouse Lawyers is here to help you build and maintain your legacy.

Our tax lawyers will advise you on the most legally tax effective business structure to maximise return on your investment. When necessary, we deal with the ATO to protect our clients’ interests if they are being reviewed or audited.

When you are with Rouse Lawyers, you are behind a legal wall.

Rouse Lawyers’ Private Clients

Many of our private clients like to maintain a low profile, so we are not going to make a list here. However, types of private clients we advise include:

  • Owners of large privately owned and family run companies
  • Family groups in which a number of members are independently wealthy
  • The founders of successful start-up organisations, including technology start-ups
  • Accountants and other professional services providers
  • Senior executives of major corporations

What We Do For Private Clients

Wealth Protection

Rouse Lawyers is experienced in the structuring and implementing strategies with an emphasis on effective risk and liability management to mitigate the risk of family wealth loss.

In particular, we can assist you with:

  • loans and guarantees;
  • family law and domestic partner claims;
  • a growing list of ‘at risk’ pursuits involving directors’ duties;
  • professional practice risks and business risks that can undermine the capital base of a business and erode family wealth.

Business Succession Planning and Family Agreements

Effective business succession planning involves not only the transfer of control or ownership of a business, but also satisfying tax objectives and stakeholder requirements.

Our experience in advising in relation to multi-generational wealth transfers is extensive.

We devise strategies for private clients whose businesses are entering a transitional phase, so that the appropriate control mechanisms and agreements are established in situations where appropriate individuals are appointed to run the business.

We assist clients wishing to transfer business ownership to specific individuals in a manner that is fair and equitable to all family members.

Estate Planning and Disputes

We are experienced in formulating and implementing appropriate strategies to ensure clients’ testamentary wishes are fulfilled while addressing critical tax considerations and managing the risk of disputes and family acrimony.

We have extensive experience in representing key stakeholders in disputes and litigation involving estates and trusts, including family provision claims and other litigation dealing with beneficiary claims.

Tax Planning and Legal Advice

With the ATO continuing to target high-net-worth individuals and family groups for investigation and audit, an effective wealth management strategy is vital in protecting assets from the potentially erosive effects of taxation.

Dispute Resolution

Litigious disputes are often a source of threat to not just your commercial interests, but also the accumulation of your wealth. We are experienced at managing the risk associated with litigation and avoiding it where possible.

Recent Work

Non-arm’s Length Income

Advice on whether dividends received by a self-managed superannuation fund from a private company constituted non-arm’s-length income (which would be taxed at the top marginal rate).

Small Business CGT Concessions

Preparation of submissions and objections to assessments relating to the small business CGT concessions in circumstances where the ATO included assets of children who had worked in the business (successful outcome).

Business Restructure

Restructure of a pre-CGT business from a single trust into several trusts in a manner that was not liable for stamp duty to accommodate succession of the business.

Latest Articles – Private Wealth & Taxation Law
David McKewin

Director - Tax, Private Wealth and Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Matthew Rouse

Managing Director – Corporate & Commercial and Mergers & Acquisitions

Client Reviews

“We highly recommend Rouse Lawyers.

Rouse Lawyers acted for us in the sale of our software business, Precision Mining, to Micromine, a global mining software company. It was a substantial transaction and one in which we (the founding owners) relied on the Rouse M&A team to guide us through the process. We were very impressed with their efforts and tenacity in what was a complex and extensive negotiation process. We highly recommend Rouse Lawyers not only for their M&A expertise but also generally for growing SME’s in the technology space.”

“It’s hard to find good lawyer that understands a “tech” business – Rouse Lawyers are that firm…

“A Big Thank You” to Matthew & the Team at Rouse Lawyers – have assisted me & my business in so many different legal items – from wills to buying property/structuring our business/trademarks/negotiating large deals/spam/privacy issues/lease on our 4 different offices… It’s hard to find good lawyer that understands a “tech” business – Rouse Lawyers are that firm… so skilled in many areas.”

“We have relied on good advice from Rouse Lawyers.

We believe software is driving the world forward. Disruption is happening in every industry and it is our clients who are proactively integrating software into their businesses, to set a whole new standard around the way business is done. We are a business that is growing rapidly and know the importance of good legal advice, which is why we have relied on Rouse Lawyers. Focusing on creating digital platforms on which our clients can innovate to ensure they are the ones modernising, is what gets us out of bed in the mornings.”

“I would recommend Rouse Lawyers for any business.

Young Guns has engaged Rouse Lawyers for all legal requirement/advice for the past 10 years. They have been on our business journey from 10 employees to 450 employees. Matt and Peter have always showed a personal interest in our business success and therefore made many recommendations for short term and long term strategies. I would be happy to recommend Rouse Lawyers for any business looking for a legal partner who they can trust and can provide ongoing, up to date advice.”

“Their knowledge of franchising is comprehensive

I have tried several of the larger law firms at the big end of town but found their services to be quite bland and predictable. Rouse Lawyers’s style of operation suits me much better, their knowledge of franchising is comprehensive, and just as importantly, their thinking is distinctly street wise and entrepreneurial.”

Ready To Take The Next Step?

To see how we can guide you through your requirements, please contact us for more information.