As trillions of dollars pass from one generation to the next, the way we plan our legacies will shape not only the financial wellbeing of our loved ones but also the relationships they carry forward. At HPH Solutions, we believe that protecting what matters most begins with proactive, thoughtful planning.
That’s why the 2025 Inheritance State of Play in WA report by Solomon Hollett Lawyers is essential reading. Surveying nearly 1,000 West Australians, it highlights the growing risks tied to inheritance, succession, and estate disputes, especially for those with significant wealth. The takeaway is clear: the more you have, the more you have to lose without a plan.
The bigger the estate, the bigger the risk
The statistics are stark:
- Estates under $600,000: ~60% success rate if challenged
- $1 million to $3 million: 88% success rate
- Over $3 million: 100% of challenges succeed to some degree
This is not just about wealth. It is about clarity, preparation, and the human dynamics that come into play when money and emotion collide.
Three shifts making inheritance more fragile
1. An unprecedented transfer of wealth
Australia is in the early stages of a $3.5 to $5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer. Baby Boomers, who control nearly half the nation’s private wealth, are passing it on to younger generations. But many families are underprepared:
- 42% of WA adults do not have a Will or are unsure if they do
- 14% have Wills over a decade old
- 60% expect a dispute over an inheritance in their family
2. Modern families bring new complexities
Blended families, second marriages, stepchildren, estrangements, and informal promises all create fertile ground for conflict. Even a well-intentioned Will can fall apart under legal scrutiny, especially when fairness and equality are not the same thing.
3. Financial pressure is fueling inheritance expectations
For many younger Australians, inheritance is no longer a bonus. It has become a financial lifeline. In fact, 22% of survey respondents said their families would not be able to buy a home, pay down debt, or get ahead without it. Rising living costs and unequal wealth distribution are only adding to the strain.
Practical steps to protect what matters most
Estate planning does not have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. A few simple, proactive steps can go a long way in ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress or conflict.
Here are a few ways to strengthen your plan:
Start with an Estate Plan Healthcheck
If you are unsure whether you need a Will or whether your current estate plan is still relevant, our Free Estate Planning Healthcheck can give you clarity in just five minutes.
Review your Will regularly
Life changes fast. Marriage, divorce, business success, new grandchildren — these events all call for a fresh look at your plan.
Use a Testamentary Trust
It can offer flexibility, asset protection, and more secure distribution over time, especially for young or vulnerable beneficiaries.
Document your promises properly
Informal or verbal commitments are one of the most common triggers for disputes. If it matters, put it in writing.
Plan for fairness, not just equality
Treating everyone the same does not always produce fair outcomes, particularly when circumstances differ widely between beneficiaries.
Secure your important documents in our Life Vault
Our encrypted digital vault keeps all your key estate documents in one place, making it easier for your executors and loved ones to manage your estate when the time comes.
Taking these steps can turn a potentially difficult experience into one of clarity, care, and continuity.
Legacy is about more than money
Ultimately, your legacy is defined not just by what you leave behind, but by how thoughtfully and clearly you leave it. A strong estate plan does not just protect assets. It protects relationships and gives future generations the clarity and confidence to carry on your intentions.
If you would like help ensuring your estate plan aligns with your financial goals and avoids unnecessary conflict, we are here to help.