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: https://youtu.be/wEuw2mGFLS0?si=Om3UttXFqSIKpWNW

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: https://youtu.be/H4FZDyZCHLs?si=azYrrNXYzQuZCHAW

Caite and Michele also have their own podcast, The Heir Waves, which you can listen to here: The Heir Waves Podcast

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.