There is an irony when we say that not a lot of people saw it… The Dragon, not the film… That’s because the Dragon was invisible.

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon may be best remembered for its heart-warming friendship between a young boy and a gentle, invisible dragon, but lurking behind the cheerful songs and enchanting special effects is a cautionary tale about the fate of children left without proper legal guardianship. If we imagine Pete’s situation playing out under the laws of England and Wales, it becomes clear just how vital it is to secure your children’s future through meticulous estate planning.

Pete’s Predicament: Life Without a Safety Net

In Pete’s Dragon, the orphaned Pete finds himself in dire straits. Originally taken in by the unscrupulous Gogan family, Pete flees their abuse to roam free with his friend, Elliot the dragon—an unseen protector. Without parents or a proper guardian, Pete’s wellbeing is left to chance. In the real world, however, society and the law have mechanisms designed to prevent vulnerable children from facing this uncertainty.

If Pete’s parents had passed away in England and Wales without leaving a valid Will that named guardians, the courts would step in to determine who should care for him. While the courts endeavour to choose a guardian who can provide a stable, loving home, this process can be lengthy, stressful, and not always in line with what the parents would have wanted. Much like Pete’s dangerous brush with the Gogans, the wrong caretaker might emerge if there’s no clear legal guidance—highlighting the importance of appointing trusted guardians in your Will.

The Role of Guardianship Clauses

Had Pete’s parents named suitable guardians in a legally valid Will, the transition to a new home would have been far simpler. Instead of roaming from place to place, hoping for the kindness of strangers (or the protective presence of a magical dragon), Pete could have enjoyed the security of a home chosen by his parents. Such a guardian would look out for his best interests, ensuring a positive upbringing, proper education, and moral guidance—a stark contrast to the haphazard protection offered by Elliot’s invisibility trick.

Controlling the Purse Strings: Trusts and Financial Security

As an orphan, Pete not only needs loving guardians, he also needs financial security. If his parents had assets—whether modest savings or a family home—a well-crafted Will could have included a trust. A trust ensures that funds are safeguarded and managed responsibly on a child’s behalf until they reach a specified age. This might have prevented Pete from being taken advantage of by those more interested in his financial potential than his welfare.

Whereas Elliot’s magical presence provides protection from harm, trusts offer a more practical, legal shield, safeguarding against misuse of funds and ensuring that they’re used exclusively for the child’s maintenance, education, and future prospects.

Preventing Predatory Figures from Gaining Control

In the film, Dr. Terminus, a charlatan ‘snake oil salesman’, attempts to exploit Elliot’s rarity and abilities for profit. In a real-world scenario, an unprotected child’s inheritance or estate might attract similarly unscrupulous individuals. Proper estate planning, with a trust overseen by reliable trustees, prevents ill-intentioned parties from capitalising on a vulnerable child’s inheritance. After all, trustees have legal responsibilities to protect and manage trust assets for the benefit of the trust’s beneficiaries.

By having your wishes clearly stated, you give trustees the power to say “no” to predators and opportunists, and “yes” to anything that genuinely benefits the child’s welfare.

Learning from Pete’s Story: Dickensian Echoes

Pete’s Dragon has a kinship with many classic tales of orphans navigating a challenging world—a theme reminiscent of Dickensian England. Then as now, the absence of parental guidance and legal protections left children vulnerable to exploitation. Thankfully, modern legislation in England and Wales allows parents to set out their wishes and shield their children through legally binding documents.

The lesson here is simple: whilst none of us can guarantee a life free of hardship, we can eliminate unnecessary uncertainty and risk for our loved ones by putting our affairs in order and it’s quite a simple process.

How SLS Wills and More Can Help

At SLS Wills and More, we understand that estate planning isn’t just about distributing possessions—it’s about providing for the future wellbeing of those dearest to you. Much like Elliot offers magical protection to Pete, our team offers you peace of mind by:

• Drafting comprehensive wills tailored to your family’s circumstances.
• Appointing suitable guardians so children are never left unprotected.
• Establishing trusts to safeguard and manage children’s inheritances.
• Offering guidance through every stage of the estate planning process.

In an unpredictable world, you can ensure your children don’t need a mythical dragon to feel safe and secure. Contact SLS Wills and More today, and let us help you build a legal safety net as steadfast as Elliot’s invisible wings.