The latest Mission: Impossible film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, sees Ethan Hunt once again facing impossible odds, dangerous situations, and split-second decisions where everything depends on preparation, trust, and having a plan in place.

While most of us are unlikely to find ourselves hanging from aircraft or trying to save the world, there is one lesson these films consistently teach surprisingly well: always have a backup plan.

That principle applies perfectly to estate planning.

Preparing for the Unexpected

One of the main reasons people delay making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney is because they believe there is still plenty of time.

Unfortunately, life does not always go according to plan.

Illness, accidents, or sudden changes in circumstances can happen at any age. Having important legal documents in place helps ensure your wishes are known and your loved ones are protected if the unexpected happens.

Estate planning is not about expecting the worst. It is about being prepared.

Clear Instructions Prevent Confusion

In the Mission: Impossible films, confusion and missing information often create major problems for the team.

The same can happen when someone passes away without a properly prepared Will.

Without clear instructions:

• Family members may disagree over inheritance

• Loved ones may not know your wishes

• Delays and complications can arise during estate administration

• The intestacy rules may determine who inherits instead

In England and Wales, if someone dies without a valid Will, strict legal rules decide how their estate is distributed. These rules may not reflect what the person would actually have wanted, particularly for unmarried couples, blended families, or business owners.

A professionally prepared Will provides clarity at what can already be a very difficult time for families.

Trusting the Right People

Ethan Hunt never works alone. Every mission depends on having trusted people around him.

Lasting Powers of Attorney work in a similar way.

They allow you to appoint people you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future. This can include decisions relating to finances, property, health, and care.

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful.

Estate Planning Is Not Just for the Wealthy

Spy thrillers often focus on billion-pound risks and global conspiracies, but estate planning is important for everyone, not just the wealthy.

Whether you:

• Own a property

• Have children

• Run a business

• Have overseas assets

• Want to protect vulnerable beneficiaries

• Simply want your wishes respected

Having the correct plans in place can make a significant difference for your family.

Different Countries, Different Rules

Modern life is increasingly international. Many people now own overseas property, have family abroad, or hold assets in multiple countries.

Just as Ethan Hunt operates across different countries and legal systems, estate planning can also become more complicated where cross-border elements are involved.

The laws relating to inheritance, probate, and taxation differ significantly between jurisdictions. Advice that applies in England and Wales may not apply elsewhere.

At SLS Wills and More, we specialise in estate planning matters relating to England and Wales. However, we also have extensive experience working alongside practitioners in other jurisdictions, particularly where estates involve international assets or cross-border considerations.

Careful coordination between advisers can be essential to ensure documents work effectively together and unintended consequences are avoided.

Your Own Backup Plan

Hopefully, your life will involve far fewer explosions than Ethan Hunt’s.

However, having a properly prepared estate plan in place is one of the most sensible ways to prepare for the future and protect the people who matter most.

At SLS Wills and More, we help individuals and families across England and Wales with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts, and estate planning, including matters involving international and cross-border estates.