Author name: Tom Stansfield

In Aquaman, we watch Arthur Curry’s journey as he grapples with his dual heritage—one foot on the shore as the son of a human lighthouse keeper, and the other deep beneath the waves as heir to the throne of Atlantis. Filled with underwater kingdoms, shifting allegiances, and power struggles, this DC Comics tale might seem an unlikely lens through which to view estate planning. Yet, if we translate these oceanic intrigues into a scenario under the laws of England and Wales, the story reveals timeless lessons about safeguarding one’s legacy. The Rightful Heir and Clear Instructions At the heart of Aquaman is the question of rightful succession. Arthur Curry, as the son of Atlanna (the Queen of Atlantis) and Thomas Curry (a human), possesses a claim to the Atlantean throne. However, without clear, legally binding directives, determining succession becomes an undersea tug-of-war. This echoes a common dilemma on land: if a parent passes away without a valid will, the question of inheritance can become murky, triggering disputes and, at worst, estranged family members battling over control. In England and Wales, a proper will sets out who should inherit and how. Had Atlanna left a well-drafted estate plan—detailing not just who would be her heir, but also providing for any mixed-heritage complexities—Arthur might have avoided confrontation with Orm, his half-brother, and spared Atlantis unnecessary conflict. Transparent directives in a will ensure that your loved ones know your wishes, minimising squabbles and safeguarding familial harmony, both on land and at sea. Appointing Executors and Trustees: Guardians of Your Estate In the Atlantean world, trusted advisors and loyal counsel are essential to maintaining peace and order. In your own estate plan, the equivalent of these advisers are the executors and trustees. Executors carry out the instructions of your will, ensuring that assets are distributed as intended. Trustees look after any trusts you create, managing assets on behalf of beneficiaries—much like a noble steward carefully overseeing the kingdom’s resources. With executors and trustees in place, even if the waters of life grow choppy, your estate remains on course. Should your family members become divided or uncertain, these appointed guardians can maintain stability, just as stalwart Atlantean allies help preserve Atlantis in times of turmoil. Safeguarding Children and Mixed-Heritage Families Arthur Curry is half-human, half-Atlantean—a dual identity that poses unique challenges. In England and Wales, cross-border estates or families with international ties often require additional estate planning measures. If you own assets abroad or hold citizenships in more than one country, you may need advice on creating wills that comply with multiple jurisdictions, preventing future misunderstandings or conflicts. What if Arthur, as a child, had been left without guidance or guardianship provisions in his parents’ estate plan? His upbringing and claim to Atlantis might have been far more uncertain. By naming guardians, or setting up trusts to protect assets for younger beneficiaries until they come of age, parents can ensure the welfare and stability of their children, no matter the complexity of their heritage or inheritance. Plan for the Unexpected: LPAs and Contingency Measures Atlanna’s sudden disappearance and the resulting power vacuum in Atlantis highlight the unpredictability of life’s currents. In the real world, if an accident or illness leaves you unable to make decisions, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can ensure that a trusted individual steps in to manage your finances or make healthcare decisions on your behalf. This level of preparedness not only prevents chaos but also reassures family members that someone reliable is at the helm. While Atlantean royalty have their own ways of dealing with crises, on land, drafting LPAs ensures that should unforeseen circumstances arise, your finances and personal welfare remain under responsible stewardship. A Legacy That Endures In Aquaman, Arthur’s ultimate quest is not just to claim the throne, but to bring unity, understanding, and peace between two worlds. This resonates strongly with estate planning’s core purpose: ensuring your legacy endures in a way that reflects your values, cares for the people you love, and prevents unnecessary conflict. A well-structured estate plan provides the opportunity to pass on your values—whether that’s encouraging education through a trust for a grandchild’s school fees, ensuring a family home remains in trusted hands, or supporting charities that matter to you. By taking proactive steps now, you’re ensuring that your legacy, like Atlantis’s hidden treasures, is protected and carefully guided into future generations. How SLS Wills and More Can Help At SLS Wills and More, we understand that creating an estate plan can feel as complex as navigating uncharted oceans. Our team can help you draft a will, establish trusts, appoint guardians and executors, and put LPAs in place. Together, these measures form a secure harbour against the storms of uncertainty and inheritance disputes. Ready to ensure your legacy is as enduring as Atlantis itself? Contact us today, and let us guide you through every stage of the estate planning process, safeguarding your family’s future with the same resolve and clarity that leads Aquaman to unite and protect the worlds he cherishes.