Welcome back to the next chapter in our whimsical (but surprisingly serious) look at fairy tales and estate planning. Following the success of our hypothetical Simba case study, we now turn to another iconic tale: Cinderella. This time, we’re tackling the tricky topic of blended families, wicked stepmothers, and why having a Will is essential for ensuring your estate doesn’t end up in a pumpkin-shaped mess.
The (Hypothetical) Estate of Cinderella’s Father
Let’s imagine that Cinderella’s father was a wealthy gentleman who, like many parents, wanted to ensure his daughter was well cared for after his passing. Tragically, he didn’t make a Will – maybe he was busy organising the household or distracted by a suspiciously high dry-cleaning bill for his daughter’s rags.
Under the rules of intestacy in England and Wales, Cinderella’s stepmother – as the spouse – would inherit the first £322,000 of his estate outright, plus half of the remainder. The other half of what’s left would go to Cinderella. But we know how that story ends: the wicked stepmother pockets her share and, with her less-than-saintly intentions, keeps Cinderella locked in the attic while her own daughters revel in riches. We call this sideways disinheritance.
It’s a scenario that might make even the Fairy Godmother despair.
The Problem with Intestacy
Without a Will, you lose control over how your estate is distributed. In blended families – like Cinderella’s – this can lead to heartbreak and inequality. If Cinderella’s father had a Will, he could have protected her share of the inheritance, ensuring it was used for her benefit rather than being squandered on fancy dresses and ballroom tickets for her stepsisters.
By appointing trustees, he could have also stipulated conditions for how and when Cinderella received her inheritance. For instance, releasing funds for her education (maybe those ballroom dance classes?) or for her future home – something she clearly needed after years of attic accommodation.
What Could Cinderella’s Father Have Done?
- Create a Will: A simple but effective way to ensure his wishes were clear and legally binding.
- Set Up a Trust: This could have safeguarded Cinderella’s inheritance, ensuring it was used for her welfare rather than being absorbed into the wicked stepmother’s estate.
- Appoint Executors and Guardians: While Cinderella was already an adult, appointing trusted executors would have ensured the estate was handled fairly and transparently.
- Consider Life Interest Trusts: This could have allowed the stepmother to benefit from part of the estate during her lifetime (e.g., by living in the family home) while preserving the remainder for Cinderella after her stepmother’s passing.
A Modern-Day Cinderella
If Cinderella’s tale played out in 2024 or even 2025, she might have sought legal advice (hopefully before marrying into royalty – those pre-nups are tricky!). With a well-drafted Will and a bit of estate planning, her father could have avoided years of attic misery and set her on a clearer path to happily ever after.
Lessons for All of Us
Whether your family is more like Cinderella’s or closer to a Disney-esque dream, the importance of having a Will can’t be overstated. Blended families, second marriages, and stepchildren bring unique challenges to estate planning. Without proper provisions, your estate might not go to the people you care about most – and could lead to squabbles worthy of a panto.
The Serious Bit in Fairy-Tale Wrapping
It’s easy to overlook estate planning, especially when life feels like a whirlwind of chores and unexpected transformations. But the reality is this: making a Will gives you control, protects your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are carried out.
So, don’t let your legacy be left to chance or at the mercy of a wicked stepmother. Whether you’re a prince, a pauper, or somewhere in between, make your estate plan your very own fairy-tale ending.
And remember, if your pumpkin carriage breaks down on the way to our office, we’re here to help.
The moral of the story? Don’t leave your estate planning to a bibbidi-bobbidi-boo – leave it to SLS Wills and More!
