The Plain English Legal Podcast

Do Step-Children Inherit From An Estate?

This question has been popping up a lot lately, and, unfortunately, the answer is "it depends." In this podcast episode, attorney Jeffrey G. Marsocci examines inheritances with and without a written plan, what constitutes a child under estate distribution laws, and how parents with step-children can approach estate planning in ways that are fair. #estateplanning #blendedfamilies #inheritance #adoption

For the YouTube video version, check it out here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

Duct Tape Estate Disaster

What happens when there is no money available to pay the funeral home?

When someone uses the "duct tape solution" of beneficiary designations on all their accounts to avoid probate rather than using a revocable living trust, it becomes a disaster for the people named as executors in the Will. This is to the point it could delay paying for the funeral for a month or more.

In this podcast episode, Jeff reviews an estate where he was "temporarily" named as executor, the client "Tasha" died, and now the financial firm holding her assets is refusing to even release information until they get paperwork from a court process that takes a month or more. #probate #funeral #estateplanning #revocabletrust 

For the YouTube video version, check it out here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

Getting Started with Financial Planning

When it comes to financial and estate planning, knowing how to start seems to be the toughest part. While we already have plenty of content on starting estate planning, building up that estate is it’s own subject. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to speak to John Heck of Protection Point Advisors to review getting started in financial and retirement planning at various ages and under different circumstances. One thing from the discussion was clear: there is no one-size or one plan fits all.

For the YouTube version, check it out here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

#finances #retirement #investing #estateplanning

What's the Difference Between a Non-Profit and a Charity?

Many people want to help people and do good. Sometimes they start their own organizations to change the world. Eventually, the subject of forming an official non-profit or charity comes up. But which is best? What benefits does one have over the other?

In this recording from Jeff's presentation at the Homeschool Unleashed Conference, he reviews the different characteristics, objectives, and benefits of both non-profits and charities as well as the general processes to form each. #charity #nonprofit #volunteer 

Watch the YouTube version here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

Getting Started When Planning With HD

When a family is dealing with Huntington's Disease, there are a lot of planning options, choices, and corresponding consequences. It can be almost as overwhelming as the disease itself, and people can suffer from planning paralysis. Where do you get started?

In this discussion with financial planner Mike Brooks, Jeff reviews various legal and financial options in different scenarios to help guide people depending on their situation, but one thing stands out in all of these scenarios: planning should start sooner rather than later.#estateplanning #finance #huntingtonsdisease #health 

Check out the free educational materials referenced in this video:

http://www.FreeTrustCourse.com

http://www.FreeSimpleWillGuide.com

http://www.FreeMedicaidCourse.com

http://www.SpecialNeedsPlanningWebinar.com

Watch the YouTube version here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

Estate Planning to Avoid Inheritance Losses

Divorces are hitting a new high of about 60%, and parents are worried about their adult kids getting married. But are their solutions to protect them? In this video, attorney and author Jeffrey G. Marsocci reviews techniques to protect assets from the downsides of a divorce BOTH from an inheritance perspective by the parents as well as steps the kids can take prior to marriage. #estateplanning #revocabletrust #irrevocabletrust #divorce #prenup 

Watch the YouTube version here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

 

Special Needs Estate Goals

When it comes to estate planning for a special needs beneficiary, there are a few main goals people should keep in mind while ignoring common misconceptions.

Taken from Jeff's book The Simple Guide to Special Needs Estate Planning, this podcast episode focuses on providing for the specific needs of a beneficiary without having to give them money directly. #estateplanning #specialneeds #revocabletrust #livingtrust

Watch the YouTube version here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel @theplainenglishattorney to watch the full videos of my podcast episodes!

 

Worst Trust Funding Advice EVER!

Unfortunately, there’s a viral video out there with millions of views, spreading flat-out wrong or oversimplified information. Let's clear up one of the biggest estate planning misconceptions—bad advice about trust funding. Don’t fall for misinformation—get the facts about estate and Medicaid planning!

Check out the YouTube video version here. Like the video & subscribe to help us push back against bad advice and get real, accurate estate planning info out there.

#estateplanning #livingtrust #trustfunding

Legal Hangovers

The outdated legal practices that continue to persist, often due to tradition or past influences. Much like going through the motions after a long night, the legal industry can sometimes operate on autopilot, holding onto habits that no longer serve us. In this podcast episode, I explain how these practices still affect the legal world and why it's time for change.

 Check out the YouTube video version here.

#estateplanning #livingtrust

The Right Way to DIY an Estate Plan

Is doing your own revocable living trust online right for you?

A DIY Estate Plan isn't for everyone, but knowing the facts about revocable living trusts and having an estate plan in general can help you make smarter decisions.

Find out more in this discussion with our law firm's Asset Coordinator Mike Brooks.

Check out the YouTube video version here.

#diy #estateplanning #livingtrust