14 Jan Why Story Matters in Estate Planning: A Conversation with Jon Daugharthy
Why does the story matter in estate planning?
Because no two families are the same.
Estate plans may share similar components, but the people behind them bring different values, histories, and relationships. Without understanding those dynamics, planning becomes incomplete.
Story provides context. It explains motivations, concerns, and the legacy someone hopes to leave behind.
How did Jon’s upbringing shape his approach to clients?
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- Integrity matters more than efficiency
- Details reflect care
- Serving people well builds trust
Why is estate planning more emotional than people expect?
Estate planning often becomes the final message someone leaves for their family.
That reality brings emotions to the surface. Old wounds, strained relationships, and unspoken expectations often show up during planning conversations. Legal documents cannot fix relationships, but thoughtful planning can prevent unnecessary harm.
Good estate planning requires space for reflection, not just execution.
How does personal hardship inform better advisory work?
Jon’s story includes seasons of loss, including divorce and major professional transition. Those experiences taught him the value of community and trusted counsel.
Hardship builds empathy. It allows advisors to sit with others in uncertainty without rushing to solutions. That presence matters when families are navigating grief, transition, or fear.
Why is community critical when making major life decisions?
No one sees their own blind spots clearly.
Community provides perspective, accountability, and wisdom. Jon shared how learning to trust the counsel of others reshaped his life and work. Estate planning works best when decisions are made thoughtfully, not in isolation.
What makes estate planning different from other legal work?
Estate planning is forward looking.
Rather than resolving conflict, it prepares families for transitions that may only happen once. Advisors help clients cross a river they have never crossed before, guiding them from uncertainty to clarity and completion.
Why do relationships drive estate outcomes?
Healthy relationships often lead to simple plans. Strained relationships introduce complexity.
Estate planning reveals the state of family systems. Advisors must ask hard questions and help clients consider how decisions will be experienced by those left behind.
How does StoryOne’s StoryLens approach fit estate planning?
StoryLens begins with listening.
By understanding a family’s story first, StoryOne creates plans that align with values, relationships, and long-term vision. Strategy follows story, not the other way around.
What should families reflect on before starting estate planning?
Before focusing on documents, families should consider:
- What values do we want to pass on?
- How are our relationships functioning today?
- What message will this plan communicate?
- Are we prepared for how others may receive it?
Planning is not just about assets. It is about stewardship.
Why relational planning matters
Transactional planning solves for efficiency. Relational planning serves people.
At StoryOne, we believe the best planning honors complexity, listens deeply and walks alongside families over time. Because when story leads, solutions follow.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with the StoryLens Podcast for future conversations. Your story is anything but ordinary—and that’s exactly where we begin.