Introducing Peter Johnson: A Champion For Inclusive Estate Planning

In the realm of innovative wealth management and financial planning, one name stands out: Peter W. Johnson, Jr.

With a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive conversations surrounding estate planning, Peter has dedicated much of the past 15 years to preventing families from being torn apart.
It was around 2012 when Peter embarked on a new chapter in his career, diving into the world of Collaborative Practice. With over 30 years of experience at the helm of his independent firm PWJohnson Wealth & Legacy LLC, Peter's expertise in wealth planning has been the cornerstone of his professional journey.

Drawing from painful personal experiences and witnessing the repercussions of excluding loved ones from estate discussions, Peter has become a passionate advocate for open dialogue and preparing heirs. His experiences with the loss of his mother and his father only two years after, meshed together with the difficulty of reaching an amicable resolution regarding his family's estate, exposed him to the harsh reality so many families face when a family member passes. A focus on tax planning and financial constraints lacks an essential component: a focus on the human beings at the heart of the process.

Left with life-long fallout from his own family’s conflict and searching to find a solution when addressing the issue with his attorneys, Peter hit a roadblock with estate attorney confidentiality constraints; he knew he had to find another way to facilitate conversations about estates within families. That's when fate intervened, and he crossed paths with a remarkable woman, Nancy Ross, LCSW. Nancy was a prime force in the formation and growth of an alternative dispute resolution model called “Collaborative Practice,” which now counts over 5,000 practitioners worldwide who collaborate to help families resolve conflict by providing coordinated communication, legal, and financial support and advice. This model provided proof positive that legal confidentiality needn’t be a show-stopper in addressing family estate issues, and opened the floodgates to other possibilities as well. Imagine — instead of going to court, families could save money and relationships while benefiting from a respectful, supportive process of coming to mutual understanding and solutions.

More than eager to make a difference, Peter enthusiastically embraced the Collaborative model. He was invited by Nancy Ross to champion this approach, not just for divorces but also for families navigating the estate planning and settlement processes. Without hesitation, he wholeheartedly signed up for this new endeavor, and has worked with Nancy and others to develop professional guidelines and trainings for attorneys, financial planners, and mental health professionals.

As if this wasn’t enough, Peter saw the opportunity to start the process of family collaboration and preparation early, with immediate, as well as longer-term, benefits for families. He embarked on a transformative journey, leveraging his wealth management and financial planning expertise to create Family Nature Retreats. These retreats have become a haven for families to come together, supported by a team of professionals, to navigate the complexities of estate planning with transparency, understanding, and harmony. He likens it to getting vaccinated early to prevent disease.

Then fate intervened again.  Peter had a serendipitous encounter with Jon Young, a man whose calling in life is to foster a deep appreciation for nature and its profound ability to strengthen connections. John had dedicated the past four decades to bringing about cultural healing, drawing upon his background in anthropology and his passion for creating harmonious communities worldwide.

Inspired by Jon's mission and results, Peter tapped into his love for nature and his unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections. He recognized the incredible value of incorporating John's practices and wisdom into the family nature retreats team, which has been flourishing for the past six years.

With Jon's expertise and Peter's dedication, Family Nature Retreats has become a popular topic among legacy professionals. Along with Lonner Holden, they have created an immersive experience that allows families to reconnect with nature, themselves, and others, while encouraging them to explore their cultural heritage and foster a profound sense of unity.

The impact of their partnership has been profound. Families who have participated in the retreats deepened their relationship with nature and gained a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings. The retreats are renowned for their ability to inspire personal growth, foster empathy, and promote cultural understanding.

The Collaborative approach, championed by Peter, revolutionizes how families approach estate discussions. Through his dedication and passion, he empowers families to build stronger connections and ensure that the family is prepared for the uncertain road ahead, which will require a strong, creative, supportive family culture.

Peter's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact that one person can have in redefining an entire industry. Peter's mission is clear — to spread awareness and encourage families to engage in proactive estate planning. By involving all stakeholders in the conversation, he aims to create a harmonious environment where the distribution of assets is perceived as fair and transparent.

The upcoming retreats promise to be even more extraordinary, with a lineup of captivating experiences designed to ignite a sense of wonder and foster cultural understanding.

To find out more about upcoming retreats and explore custom options, visit Peter's websites at FamilyNatureRetreats.com and PWJohnson.com. There, you'll discover a wealth of information about the retreat locations, programs, and the transformative experiences that await you and your family.

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