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You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Image credit: Photo by Andy Greene on Rollingstone.
July 2025 – The Soundtrack of Legacy Series
By Jacinta Watkins | ALA Law
If estate planning had a theme song, The Rolling Stones got it spot on:
“You can’t always get what you want… but if you try sometimes, you just might find—you get what you need.”
Welcome to July’s edition of The Soundtrack of Legacy where we swap rock anthems for real-world expectations (and manage more family dynamics than Mick Jagger ever sang about).
Let’s talk about the gap between what people expect from a will, and what they’re actually entitled to—and why it matters for the professionals who guide them.
Great Expectations… or Entitlements?
In your work—whether you’re advising clients on money, mental health, or legal matters—you’ve likely come across someone confidently saying, “Mum promised me the house.”
But here’s the twist:
Estate planning isn’t about verbal promises, wishful thinking, or who was “always the favourite.” It’s about legal structure, fairness, and what’s on paper.
That’s where beneficiary disappointment often kicks in.
In blended families, second marriages, or even traditional family setups, assumptions abound. “I’ll get the jewellery.” “He said the business was mine.” “Surely I get more—I’m the eldest!”
As professionals, it’s our job to bring the Beatles-level clarity to this Rolling Stones mess. Expectations don’t always align with legal entitlements—but with the right guidance, people can get what they need (peace of mind, security, clarity), not just what they want.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re a lawyer, planner, accountant, counsellor or support professional, you’re on the front line of pre-inheritance stress. You may even notice rising tension before a will is signed—or before anyone’s passed away.
Knowing how to flag unrealistic expectations, encourage formal discussions, and refer clients for sound legal planning is vital.
Help your clients reframe the conversation. It’s not about “who gets what,” it’s about how to:
- Avoid family fallout
- Protect vulnerable members
- Document real intentions
- Create structures that withstand challenge
Wanting the house and needing housing security aren’t the same thing. Wanting cash and needing future protection aren’t equal. It’s up to us to help bridge that gap—gently but firmly.
Drumroll, Please
The good news? Clear legal planning (with the right professionals in the mix) can save families from painful fallouts.
At ALA Law, we’re here to help you help your clients—whether it’s reviewing a high-risk will, structuring fair distributions, or just translating “wish list energy” into something legally sound.
You bring the trust. We bring the legal muscle. Together, we keep your clients out of court and their families out of chaos.
Because, let’s face it—you can’t always get what you want, but with the right planning team, you just might get what they need.