Inspiring Client Success Story: A Journey Through Wills and Estate Planning

When it comes to wills and estate planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even push the task aside, thinking it can wait. But as I’ve seen firsthand, taking the time to plan now can make all the difference later. Let me share the story of Sarah and her family—a heartwarming example of how thoughtful planning turned a potentially stressful situation into a smooth transition for everyone involved. 

Sarah reached out to me after her father, Peter, had a close call with his health. He’d been putting off his estate planning for years, despite owning a home, running a small business, and being the glue that held the family together. When Peter finally decided to act, his main concern was ensuring that his family wouldn’t face disputes or confusion when the time came. 

We started by walking through Peter’s assets and understanding his wishes. He wanted to provide for his children but also make sure his business stayed operational for the team who depended on it. Together, we worked on a will that clearly outlined his intentions, named a trusted executor, and even included provisions for unexpected scenarios. 

He also set up a Digital Vault with us so that he could send his family all the information that they would need when the time came. He mentioned that he wanted to leave letters in the vault to be sent to each of his family members once he passed, to let them know how much they meant to him, which I thought was a lovely touch. We also discussed him leaving his financial information in the Vault as well, particularly relating to his business so that it would not grind to a halt once he passed away leaving not only his family but his employees and customers in a compromised position. He did take care of everything and honoured his responsibilities.

What struck me most was how Peter involved his family in the process. Sitting around the dining table, he openly discussed his plans with Sarah and her siblings. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but it brought everyone closer and cleared up any assumptions. 

When Peter passed away years later, the family was prepared. There were no legal battles, no guessing games, and no hard feelings. Everything he had worked for went exactly where he intended, and his family was free to focus on healing and celebrating his life. 

Stories like Sarah and Peter’s remind me why I’m so passionate about wills and estate planning. It’s not just about legal documents—it’s about protecting your loved ones, easing their burden, and ensuring your legacy is carried out as you see fit. 

If you’ve been putting off your planning, take a moment to think about the peace of mind it could bring to you and your family. It’s never too early to start, and the results are worth every effort. After all, your story deserves to be told your way.

DISCLAIMER

This is a commentary published by WebWills for general information purposes only. This is not meant to be taken as particular advice. You should seek your own legal and other advice for any question, or any specific situation or proposal, or get in touch with the writer at http://webwills.com.au before making any final decision. The content also is subject to change. A   person listed may not be admitted as a lawyer in all States and Territories.

© WebWills, Australia 2025.