Let’s face it: the comments section on social media can be brutal, especially when it comes to estate planning. We’ve all seen the comments in the community facebook groups — "Wills are too expensive, just use an online will kit!" or "Lawyers aren't worth the money!" It’s frustrating, especially when we pour our heart and soul into our work.

Here’s the silver lining: criticism can be a goldmine of insight.

In this episode, we’ll chat about:

• Shifting your mindset from frustration to opportunity when reading the negative opinions of the small noisy minority
• Using criticism as a roadmap to refine your messaging and marketing approach
• Simple strategies to address public misconceptions without losing your cool

We believe estate planning is about so much more than paperwork. It’s about securing futures, creating legacies, and providing peace of mind. And while it can feel overwhelming to tackle negative perceptions about something we care so deeply about, we’re here to help you stay focused on what's important and keep making the estate planning industry a more accessible and impactful place.

Whether you're ready to step away from a work environment that you've outgrown, or just love the idea of creating something that’s entirely yours, we’re here to help you kick off your journey with confidence!

In this episode, we’re dishing out all the unsolicited advice about what to do (and not do!) to get your estate planning firm off the ground.

Launching your own firm might feel daunting, but trust us — it’s also totally doable (and heaps of fun!).

Our Estate Planning Pricing Toolkit pack is available here.

The Youtube video about the A3 will binding method mentioned in this episode is available to watch here.

The Entity Power of Attorney Precedent template is available to purchase here.

How Much Do Clients Really Need to Understand About Their Testamentary Trust Wills?

We know testamentary trust wills are a powerful tool for legacy building, but let’s face it — explaining them to clients can feel like speaking a different language. So, how much of the trust deed does your client actually need to comprehend before signing on the bottom line?

In this episode, we debate the delicate balance between ensuring your client understands their will’s key features, whilst not frustrating them to tears with tedious detail. We’ll share practical tips for breaking down the complexity, while still covering your professional and ethical obligations.

The youtube video mentioned in this episode is available to watch here.

It’s one of the trickiest questions an estate planning lawyer can face: “Will you be my executor?”

On the surface, it might seem like a compliment, a vote of confidence in your abilities. But agreeing to take on this role can come with a world of complications—both personal and professional.

Whether you’re considering saying yes or wondering how to decline without offending your client, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you handle the conversation with confidence.

Cost agreements might not be the most glamorous part of estate planning, but they’re the secret weapon that stands between you and a lawyer’s worst nightmares — like clients who ask for a word version of the will so they can make a few changes, or forget to tell you about one of their children.  

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into what every estate planning lawyer needs to include in an airtight cost agreement.  

Audit your cost agreement terms with our 15 Essential Clauses To Include In Your Cost Agreement for Estate Planning Matters.

Our Estate Planning Pricing Toolkit pack is available here.

Let’s face it — unless you’ve been through it yourself, the idea of organising a funeral can feel overwhelming and downright intimidating. That’s why addressing funeral wishes in your clients’ estate plans is not just thoughtful — it’s essential.  

In this episode, we share some practical tips for documenting client preferences in a way that reduces future stress for loved ones, and the surprising details we discovered when we had the privilege of organising funerals.

Funeral wishes are about so much more than logistics — they’re a powerful way to honour your client’s legacy and support their family during a challenging time.

The letter of wishes workbook resource discussed during this episode is available here.

Carrie's helpful video with the instructions on how to set up a legacy contact on your iPhone is here.

In this episode, Tara sits down with Caralee Fontenele, lawyer, entrepreneur, and the brilliant mind behind Scalable Law, to talk about how she is changing the game for law firm owners.

We explore how adopting scalable systems and strategies can help you build a firm that’s not only more profitable but also gives you the freedom to focus on what really matters - create a thriving business and reclaim the joy in your practice.

Caralee’s approach to law firm growth isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

If you’re ready to make 2025 your best year ever in law, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Caralee and Scalable Law here.

Working with farming families can give rise to some unique issues, and estate planning is no exception! 

In this episode, estate panning lawyers Claudia Maw and Nicky Grummitt share their tips and tricks for issues to have on your radar and strategies that are especially relevant for succession planning for the family farm. 

You can watch the video version of this conversation here.

In this episode, Carrie interviews financial adviser, Aime Sandri, about the impact of money blocks on the estate planning process. 

Aime shares some powerful insights about the importance of factoring in the broader elements at play when it comes to client behaviour around estate planning - from client delays through to understanding that we can’t assume every client is motivated by rationale decision making!   

You can watch the video version of this conversation here.

When taking instructions to prepare a will, a testator will often have a whole slew of reasons justifying their decisions – from disentitling conduct of beneficiaries to particular relationship circumstances.   

Not only do testators want the validation of seeing their reasons written down, but they also want to make sure they’re given a voice ‘from the grave’. 

In this episode, Carrie interviews barrister Caite Brewer and estate planning lawyer Michele Davis who will share their wisdom for will drafters on when it is helpful to formally document a testator’s reasons and when to let sleeping dogs lie. 

You can watch the video version of this conversation here.

Do you get clients dragging their heels when it’s time to give you their estate planning instructions? 

It slows things down, and eats in to your profit margin. 

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into strategies for managing client overwhelm and turning the instruction-giving process into a smooth, stress-free experience.  

Join us for actionable insights to help you create an estate planning experience that leaves clients feeling confident, supported, and ready to move forward.  And even better – keeps your estate planning matters fast and profitable. 

Download our list of the Top 10 Mistakes when nominating Financial Controllers here. 

When it comes to drafting testamentary discretionary trust wills, there’s one critical issue that has been flying under the radar since 2021 - Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.  

If you’re scratching your head wondering what FIRB has to do with estate planning – you’re not alone.  

In this episode,  we unpack the risks of overlooking this sleeper issue and share practical tips to ensure your drafting sets your clients up for success (and avoids those hefty FIRB application fees!). 

If you prepare TDT wills, this episode is a must-listen.   Tune in to stay on top of the rules and protect your clients from unnecessary complications. 

Pricing future amendments to estate planning documents can feel like trying to predict the future—how do you balance client expectations with the risk and expertise involved? 

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into strategies for setting clear, effective pricing for amendments that keep clients happy and your practice profitable.  

We’ll walk you through ways to structure fees, communicate options with clients, and make the whole process feel like a win-win. 

Download your free resource The Essential Clauses to Include in your Cost Agreement for Estate Planning Matters here.

The words ‘Saunders and Vautier’ may trigger flashbacks to your uni succession lectures, however you may be surprised by how relevant this 1841 case is, even in 2024.

In this episode, Tara and Carrie unpack the surprising impact of Saunders v Vautier and the advantage that testamentary trusts have when navigating this doctrine.

Watch the in-depth training about Saunders v Vautier here.

When devising a testamentary trust strategy, one of the most sensitive decisions is deciding how much freedom a surviving spouse should have over the trust. 

Should they have full control to adapt to whatever life throws at them?  

Or should there be checks in place to protect the interests of the next generation? 

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into the fine line between flexibility and control for surviving spouses.  

We share practical tips for navigating this complex issue and how to frame these decisions in a way that makes clients feel confident and clear about their options. 

Tune in to hear how to tackle this complex topic with clients and ensure their testamentary trusts reflects their values. 

Add your thoughts to the discussion through our free Art of Estate Planning Facebook Group.

Talking to business owners about succession planning can be tricky. How do you explain the complexities without overwhelming them or making them feel like you’re just upselling your services?

In this episode, we break down practical strategies for helping your business-owning clients understand their succession needs—without the confusion or pressure.

We share our tips on how to simplify the conversation, so your clients feel empowered, not intimidated.

Plus, we dive into key techniques to communicate value in a way that makes clients see succession planning as a must-do, not a nice-to-have.

Ready to make these conversations easier for both you and your clients?

Tune in for practical insights that will leave both you and your clients feeling more confident about their business succession plan.

Want to dive further? During this episode we discussed these resources:

Entity Power of Attorney Precedent

Training “UPEs, Loans and Estate Planning”

More profit for you, better outcomes for your clients—it’s a win-win!

In Part 2 of this topic, we share our best tips on how to help your estate planning practice thrive, so you can thrill & delight your clients, all while living your best legal career!

Download our checklist “15 ways to maximise profit on your estate planning matters” here.

Watch our video about how changing your will binding method can make your estate planning service more profitable here.

Want you to feel like you’re thriving in your estate planning practice? 

A key step is making sure each matter is as profitable as possible, giving you more time and energy to reinvest into delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients. 

Join us for Part 1 of this topic where we share our tips for boosting your firm’s profitability while delivering even more value to your clients.

We’re all about making your life easier so we’ve packaged up all 15 tips into a handy cheat sheet here.

It’s the million-dollar question (pun intended)—how much money do clients really need before a testamentary trust is worth considering? 

In this episode, Tara and Carrie step through when a testamentary trust will make sense from a financial perspective.  

If you’ve ever been unsure about when to recommend a testamentary trust based on the size of your client’s asset pool, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 

Download your free checklist “Top 10 mistakes when nominating financial controllers” here.

Watch our detailed training on the practical steps of setting up a testamentary trust here.

The rise of online will providers is changing the game, and clients are finding it harder to tell who's the real deal and who’s just offering a cheap, one-size-fits-all solution.

In this episode we chat about why your expertise is worth more than a cookie-cutter solution and how to confidently price your services to reflect the value you bring. Spoiler: it's not about matching their price—it's about standing out.

If you want to stand out in a crowded market and help clients see why your services are worth every dollar, this episode is a must-listen.

Want to share your thoughts? Join us in the Art of Estate Planning Facebook group here.

The family home is the golden goose of assets – it’s one of the last assets we can own tax free. So does it belong in a testamentary trust?

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into the nitty-gritty of putting the family home into a trust. We cover everything from asset protection to tax perks, plus what happens when you put that golden goose under the trustee’s wing.

Is it the right call for your clients, or could it lead to more complications?

Tune in to hear us break down the pros, cons, and key points to keep in mind when guiding clients through this tricky decision.

Want to share your thoughts? Join us in the Art of Estate Planning Facebook group here.

This week, we switch gears to talk about something that can make or break your estate planning practice: the customer experience. 

We dive into the top things clients hate about working with law firms—from confusing processes to bad timing—and how these pain points can impact your business.  

More importantly, we’ll share practical strategies to turn these frustrations into opportunities for client satisfaction and loyalty. 

If you want to keep your clients delighted and your firm thriving, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Tara and Carrie tackle a common dilemma in estate planning: how much flexibility should trustees of testamentary trusts for minors have, and how can we prevent them from abusing that power? 

We explore the delicate balance between empowering trustees to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and the risks of giving them too much control. 

Should we give trustees with wide discretion, or is it safer to limit their scope and pass control to potentially financially immature beneficiaries at age 18? 

Join us as we weigh the pros and cons and share practical tips on what to consider when advising clients on this crucial decision. 

Download your free checklist “Top 10 mistakes when nominating financial controllers” here.

In this episode, Tara and Carrie dive into an unexpected twist in estate planning that might catch you off guard: how a testator’s super strategy on death can influence their adult children’s eligibility for the Centrelink childcare subsidy. 

We chat about why this surprising connection is so important, especially for clients with adult children who have children in childcare.  

If you’re advising clients on super strategies and haven’t considered this factor, it’s time to tune in and make sure you’re covering all the bases. 

This episode is a must-listen for any estate planning lawyer who wants to ensure they’re offering comprehensive advice that looks out for the next generation—literally.

Tara and Carrie discuss all the blocks your clients might be facing before they’re ready to say “Yes!” to investing in their estate plan.   

We share our tips on how to decide if you’re charging enough for your  estate planning services, and how to set your prices with confidence.

In this episode, Tara and Carrie chat about the practical and technical issues which arise when assisting a couple with their estate planning where one spouse has all the assets and the homemaker spouse makes significant non-financial contributions to the family.