What Really Happens in an Estate Planning Appointment (And Why It Matters)

I once had a mini panic attack on a plane. Not because of turbulence or a screaming toddler—but because I suddenly realised that everyone I’d listed as executor in my Will… was on the same plane. With me.

👑 Yep, full Royal Family vibes.
And if that plane went down? So would all of my carefully planned instructions.

That’s when it hit me—this is the stuff people don’t think about until it’s too late.

And that’s exactly why I recorded a new episode of The Stacy M Show—to walk you through the real, practical questions we ask in an estate planning appointment. Because let me tell you, it’s not just “Who gets the couch?”

It’s More Than Just “Do You Have a Will?

Most people think a Will is a one-and-done document. You name some beneficiaries, maybe pick a family member you trust, and you’re sorted.

But if you’ve ever sat down with a lawyer who actually knows their stuff, you’ll know—it goes way deeper.

Here’s what we’re really asking (and why):

1. Who’s Your Executor—And Have You Actually Asked Them?

Think of your executor as the boss of your Will. They’re the person who works with a lawyer to carry out your wishes once you’re gone.

But here’s the kicker:
Have you asked them if they’re okay with that job?
Because being an executor isn’t just about signing a form. It’s a legal responsibility—and not everyone wants it. So please, for the love of peace-of-mind, ask them first.

Also… have a backup. Maybe even two. Because, as I learned 30,000 feet above sea level, having all your “Plan A” people in one place isn’t exactly future-proofing.

2. Where’s It All Going—and What If That Person Isn’t Around?

We ask who your beneficiaries are, sure. But we also ask about the what ifs.

• What if your partner goes first?

• What if your kids are still young?

• What if your whole “Plan A” passes away in that hypothetical Royal Family car accident?

Morbid? Maybe.
Necessary? Absolutely.

Because most people don’t come back to update their Wills. So our job is to build out as many scenarios as possible—so your wishes are crystal clear, no matter what happens.

3. Let’s Talk About Kids (Yes, Even Those Kids)

This part gets sensitive. We ask:

• Are these your biological kids?

• Stepkids?

• Adopted?

• From a past relationship… or maybe an affair?

No judgment—just clarity.
Because we’ve seen Wills fall apart in court because someone didn’t name a child clearly. And that’s not fair to anyone left behind.

4. Who Will Raise Your Children? (And Do They Want To?)

If you’ve got kids under 18, one of the biggest decisions is: who will be their legal guardian if you both pass away?

Sometimes the answers are obvious. Sometimes there’s a hard nope list. Either way, you need to make sure:
✅ You’re both on the same page
✅ The person actually wants the job
✅ There’s enough insurance in place so they’re not left footing the bill

(Also? Maybe don’t list someone who lives overseas unless you’re cool with your kids moving there…)

Estate Planning Isn’t Scary—It’s Empowering

I know this all sounds like heavy stuff. But honestly? Once you’ve got it done, you’ll feel so much better.

You’ll have peace of mind. Your loved ones will have clear instructions. And you’ll know you’ve thought about the hard stuff—so they don’t have to.

🎧 Want the full breakdown?

In this episode of The Stacy M Show, I go even deeper into the real-life examples, mistakes I’ve seen (and cleaned up), and how you can make smarter decisions now that your future self (and family) will thank you for.

👉 Click here to listen to the episode
👉 Or book a free 15-minute consult to get started on your own Will today.