The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcast

Divorce doesn’t just end a relationship; it leaves a tangle of legal documents, beneficiary forms, and estate planning decisions that need follow-up. In this episode, Jill answers a listener question from Amy in Tennessee, who just finalized her divorce and wants to know whether she needs to update her Will. Jill explains how Tennessee treats estate planning documents after divorce, why beneficiary designations are often the biggest risk, how ERISA complicates things, and real court cases where ex-spouses walked away with hundreds of thousands of dollars simply because the paperwork wasn't updated. She also shares practical, small-step strategies for getting started without feeling overwhelmed.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeUnderstanding What Changes Automatically (and What Doesn’t)In Tennessee, divorce automatically cancels gifts to an ex-spouse under a Will and removes them as executor or trustee.But, in Tennessee, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death bank accounts are NOT automatically revoked.Relying on state law or your divorce agreement is very risky. Change the forms directly.Powers of Attorney After DivorceHealthcare powers of attorney naming an ex-spouse are automatically revoked by Tennessee law after divorce, but it’s still best to update the document so care providers don't have to interpret.Tennessee financial powers of attorney do not update automatically unless the document says so. Get them revised.ERISA & the State Law ProblemSome states automatically revoke beneficiary designations after divorce, but ERISA-governed accounts (like 401(k)s) preempt those state laws.Translation: Your ex could still get your 401(k) even if your state law automatically revokes beneficiary designations favoring an ex-spouse.Real Cases with Real ConsequencesEstate of Birdwell: TN court ruled in favor of ex-spouse receiving ~$290,000 because the beneficiary designation was never corrected and a last-minute attempt failed.Manning v. Manning: TN court required the ex-spouse to follow the divorce agreement and waive rights, but the outcome might not be repeated today.2017 TN case: A divorce agreement cannot revoke a retirement-plan beneficiary designation. Only the plan’s official method counts.Divorce Agreements Don’t Save YouSaying your ex relinquishes rights in the divorce paperwork is generally insufficient.How to Protect Yourself (and Your Family)Review and change beneficiary listings on: retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), pensions), life insurance policies, bank accounts with POD/TOD designationsAdd contingent beneficiaries.Keep a list and revisit it after major life events.Resources & LinksTennessee Advance Directive for HealthcareEpisode 38: Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a WillConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s solutionsSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Jill explores one of the most urgent parenting challenges of our time: the dangers hidden inside our kids’ devices. From algorithm-driven eating disorders to sextortion scams run like global businesses, today’s threats don’t hide outside the house; they live inside apps, platforms, and anonymous accounts. Inspired by the podcast Left to Their Own Devices, Jill shares four essential insights every parent needs to understand, plus why talking about these uncomfortable realities is now part of true death readiness.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeOur Kids Are Growing Up in a Completely Different WorldToday’s kids carry danger in their pockets: algorithms designed to addict, track, shape, and trap.Teen brains are still developing; they can’t self-regulate the way adults can.Sextortion Has Become a Multi-Million-Dollar IndustrySextortion is sexual extortion; predators obtain a nude image and weaponize it.Organized cybercriminal networks (including the “Yahoo Boys”) specifically target teen boys.Sextortion cases have surged 18,000% in two years.Snapchat receives 10,000 sextortion reports every month.The responsibility isn’t on kids to outsmart scammers; it’s on us to talk to them early and often.Algorithms Are Not NeutralAlgorithms detect hesitation, scrolling patterns, zooms, and replays—then feed more of what hurts.They’re designed to maximize profit, not protect mental health.A teen’s developing prefrontal cortex is no match for a machine built to keep them hooked.“Outrunning” the algorithm isn’t a fair fight; it moves faster than teen impulse control can.Death readiness means facing uncomfortable truths. It’s not just documents. It’s talking about the hard things before a crisis hits.It’s about protecting our kids in a world very different from the one we grew up in.Because silence is far more dangerous than another awkward conversation with your teen.Resources & LinksLeft to Their Own Devices Podcast hosted by Ava Smithing. A powerful, honest exploration of what teens face in today’s digital world. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-to-their-own-devices/id1840912030Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s solutionsSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Jill breaks down why family camps, cottages, and vacation homes become the most emotionally charged and conflict-prone assets families try to pass down, and how to prevent them from tearing siblings apart. Using stories from her own Adirondack upbringing and recent travels, Jill explores the tension between nostalgia, financial reality, sibling dynamics, and unspoken expectations. She outlines clear steps families can take to avoid disaster: understanding real costs, clarifying fairness, addressing governance, confronting entitlement, and creating a legally sound structure before a crisis hits.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Family Properties Create Outsized DramaMost families romanticize the memories but ignore the math, maintenance, and long-term obligations.Emotional attachment can blind people to financial reality, leading to debt, resentment, and forced sales.Without structure, families default to assumptions about “fairness,” each believing their perspective is the reasonable one.The 5 Big Conversation Areas Every Family Must AddressFocus on the Math, Not the Memories. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, and seasonal work don’t pay for themselves. Nostalgia doesn’t replace a roof or stop the dock from collapsing.Fairness Is Not Universal. Some define fairness as equal shares and equal use. Others link fairness to financial contribution, availability, or the ability to pay. Unspoken expectations become resentments after a parent dies.The Camp Is a Financial Asset. It has market value, carrying costs, and long-term obligations.Your Parents’ Property Is NOT Your Property. There's no forced heirship in the U.S. Parents can leave the property to anyone they want. The true gift is the memories you've already lived, not the deed.You Can Build New Memories. Your future joy is not tied to inheriting a specific house. You can create your own camp, traditions, or anchor place, even if the original property is sold.The Four Steps to Prevent Family Property Warfare1. Have the Conversation Now. Use Jill’s Family Discovery Worksheet to uncover: What the place means to each person, who actually wants to own it, who can realistically afford it, what “staying in the family” means in practice, and fears, hopes, expectations, and practical capabilities.2. Get Real About the Costs. Make the expenses visible: property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and emergency repairs, watercraft expenses, snow removal, HOA fees, and reserve funds. Numbers eliminate fantasy and force grounded decisions.3. Create Governance Before You Need It. Define: scheduling and peak-season rules, guest and pet rules, cleaning and maintenance expectations, vendor lists, decision-making authority, buyout terms, and what happens if someone stops participating. Without governance, someone inevitably becomes the default property manager and resentment follows.4. Do the Legally Binding Planning. Address structure while the owner is living: trust vs. LLC vs. outright transfer, whether to sell at death, buyout provisions, rules regarding ownership by spouses and grandchildren, and what happens if one sibling wants out.Resources & LinksFamily Discovery Worksheet: Gently guide your family into the hard but necessary conversations. https://www.deathreadiness.com/keeping-the-camp-family-discovery-worksheetEstate Plan Audit: If you want to know whether your estate plan actually prevents conflict, rather than creates it, check out Jill’s Estate Plan Audit.https://www.deathreadiness.com/auditInterested in a deep dive on structuring the transfer of family property?If enough listeners ask, Jill will create a full episode on the mechanics—trusts, LLCs, tax considerations, buyout formulas, and more. Email: jill@deathreadiness.comConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s solutionsSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

This Tuesday Triage episode breaks down how gift tax actually works, when a gift must be reported to the IRS, and why most people won’t owe gift tax but may need to file a gift tax return anyway. Using a real listener scenario, Jill explains what counts as a gift, what doesn’t, four major exceptions, and common year-end mistakes that can accidentally trigger IRS reporting rules. And, as always, she reminds us that not all gifts come wrapped. Sometimes the most meaningful gift is showing up.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat legally qualifies as a gift and why “taxable gift” does not automatically mean tax owed The difference between gift tax (during life) and estate tax (after death) and how they are unified Why most Americans will never owe gift tax due to the multi-million-dollar federal gift and estate tax exemption (~$14M per person in 2025) Which state still has a separate gift tax (and why it generally aligns with federal rules) Four major no-tax and no-reporting exceptions, including: charitable gifts to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations (not GoFundMe), annual exclusion gifts up to $19,000 per person in 2025, direct payments of tuition and medical expenses, and unlimited gifts to a U.S.-citizen spouse How gift splitting works for married couples and why it requires filing a gift tax return even if no tax is owed Why postmarks matter more than check dates (the mailbox rule) The Medicaid look-back risk and why gifting can hurt Medicaid long-term care eligibility Resources & Links:Join the waitlist for The Death Readiness Playbook: https://www.deathreadiness.com/playbookEpisode 20 — What You Need to Know About Medicaid and Protecting Your Mom’s HouseSubmit a question for Tuesday TriageConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

In this episode, Jill explores one of the most fascinating intersections of true crime and estate law: the slayer statute. She dives into a real 2025 Michigan Court of Appeals case involving a trust, an unexpected beneficiary, an alleged murder-for-hire plot, and two deaths by natural causes. The big question: Can you inherit from someone you planned—but failed—to kill? The answer reveals just how narrow the slayer statute really is and why understanding your estate plan matters more than you think.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Case BackgroundThe trust Donald created just 10 days before his death — classic death-bed planning.Why Elaine and Donnie tried to terminate the trust only months later.Red Flags in the Trust AdministrationHow the trustee, Michael, not a family member, was also a future beneficiary.The unusually fast removal of Michael as trustee by the probate court.Why the probate court denied Elaine’s request to unwind the transfers to the trust.The Alleged Murder-for-Hire PlotDaniel’s claim to be Donald’s illegitimate son and his accusation that Michael offered him $400,000 to kill Elaine and Donnie.Daniel’s testimony, his sudden death, and how the loss of the key witness led prosecutors to dismiss the charges.How the Slayer Statute Works (and Doesn’t Work)Michigan’s rule: only those who feloniously and intentionally kill the decedent are barred from inheriting.Why attempted murder, solicitation, conspiracy, or planning does not trigger the statute.Big Lessons for ListenersRushed or unclear estate planning invites confusion, litigation, and unintended beneficiaries.Resources & LinksJill’s Estate Plan Audit: https://www.deathreadiness.com/auditEpisode 41: Why Losing Your Original Will Could Cost Your Family EverythingEpisode 44: Avoiding the Hidden Tax Trap in Lifetime GiftsConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Jill unpacks one of the most misunderstood estate-planning tools: the irrevocable trust. Using a real-world scenario, she explains how transferring assets too soon can backfire, especially when it comes to capital-gains taxes. If you’ve ever wondered whether your trust is helping or hurting your long-term plan, this episode will help you make sense of what you really need (and what you don’t).What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts. How control, flexibility, and tax treatment differ between the two.When to Use an Irrevocable Trust. Situations where it can protect family assets or reduce future estate taxes. The Probate Myth. Why using an irrevocable trust just to “avoid probate” may cause more trouble than it prevents.Creditor & Divorce Protection. How spendthrift provisions can shield beneficiaries from creditors (and ex-spouses)Medicaid’s 5-Year Look-Back. What really happens if you transfer assets into a trust too close to applying for long-term-care assistance.Tax Traps in Lifetime Gifts. Why giving property during life can trigger large capital-gains taxes that could have been avoided through inheritance.The Unified Estate & Gift Tax Exemption. Understanding how today’s historically high federal estate and gift tax exemption, about $14 million per person in 2025, works, and why most families won’t owe estate or gift tax.Stepped-Up Basis Explained. How inheriting assets at death can eliminate capital-gains taxes, and why “gifting early” can cost more than it saves.Practical Takeaway. Estate plans should fit you, your goals, family, and financial reality, not what your neighbor or financial advisor says everyone “should” do.Resources & Links:Episode 5: Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the Estate TaxEpisode 19: Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a TrustEpisode 20: What You Need to Know About Medicaid and Protecting Your Mom’s HouseEpisode 27: Interview with Probate Judge Andra HedrickEpisode 38: Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a WillEstate Plan Audit: deathreadiness.com/audit — Understand what you have, identify what’s missing, and make sure it works togetherConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

This week’s Tuesday Triage isn’t about someone else’s question—it’s about Jill’s.After losing her Uncle Charlie, Jill reflects on how a previous guest, Jamie Sarche, taught her that grief isn’t something we can “opt out” of. In Episode 18, Jamie explained why ceremony matters, not for the person who died, but for the people left behind. In this episode, Jill shares how she had to live that lesson, honoring her uncle by showing up, feeling the loss, and remembering the man who quietly held his family together.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy we can’t “opt out” of grief. How trying to skip the hard parts by keeping busy or minimizing loss only delays healing.How funerals and rituals help the living. Why being present with the body and gathering together helps our minds acknowledge the reality of the loss.A personal story of showing up. Jill’s reflections on her Uncle Charlie, his humor, his care, and the family he built that helped build her.What it means to practice what you preach. How Jill turned a lesson from her own podcast into a lived experience of honoring grief instead of avoiding it.Resources & LinksEpisode 18 with guest Jamie Sarche: What to Do with a Dead Body, Who’s in Charge, and Who PaysJamie Sarche’s 6 Needs of MourningConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Talking with your aging parents about getting help at home, or possibly moving, can feel impossible. How do you bring it up without overstepping, causing conflict, or stripping them of their independence?In this episode, I sit down with Laura Lynn Morrissey, founder of Silver Savvy, to discuss how families can successfully navigate aging, home safety, assisted living, and long-term care decisions.We explore how to start the conversation before crisis hits, identify the family “influencer,” and make informed decisions about everything from home modifications to long-term care insurance. Whether your parents are fiercely independent or already need support, this episode will help you plan for what’s next, without losing your sanity or your family harmony. What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. Start early and start small. Don’t wait for a crisis. The best time to talk about preferences is when things are calm and you have options. Conversations about preferences (“Would you want to live on the first floor someday if the stairs get difficult?”) go much smoother than conversations about problems (“You can’t climb those stairs anymore.”).2. Find the “family influencer.” Every family has one, the person your parents will actually listen to. That might be a child, sibling, or close friend. Identify who that person is, and use them to open the door to difficult topics with empathy, not pressure.3. Keep dignity front and center. Avoid “you should” or “you need to” language. Instead, focus on independence, safety, and comfort. The goal is to empower, not to control.4. Make the home safer now. From grab bars and stair rails to lighting and rugs modifications, small home updates can make a huge difference. Laura Lynn offers a free Home Safety Checklist to help you assess risks before an accident happens.5. Understand what “home care” really means. A qualified, accredited home care company should provide both companionship and legitimate health support, and should be fully insured. Vet your options carefully and don’t assume all caregivers are alike.6. Assisted living isn’t a last-minute solution. Most high-quality assisted living communities now have 2–3 year waitlists. If you or your parents might consider one down the road, get on the list early, even if you’re not ready to move yet.7. “Medically stable” is not the same as “functionally able.” Hospitals discharge patients sooner than ever, often before they’re physically ready. Families need to plan ahead for a safe “hospital-to-home” transition, with equipment and support in place.8. Long-term care insurance isn’t automatic. Up to 25% of initial claims are denied, often because of incomplete paperwork or miscommunication with doctors. Laura Lynn explains how to properly document claims, what to expect from assessments, and how to appeal denials effectively.9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a care consultant, fiduciary, or neutral third party, bringing in an expert can defuse family tension and help everyone move from worry to action.Resources & LinksHome Safety Checklist, Hospital-to-Home Checklist, Life Care Plan Smart Start Kit, Expert Tips to Secure Your Benefits: https://www.deathreadiness.com/silver-savvy-resourcesConnect with Laura Lynn Morrissey:Website: https://silversavvy.com/Email: hello@silversavvy.comFind Laura Lynn on LinkedIn!Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

This week’s Tuesday Triage question comes from Jazmine in New Jersey. She believed she had “filed” her Will with her attorney until she discovered he’d been disbarred and her original Will was missing. In this episode, Jill unpacks what it really means to “file” your Will, how to protect it, and what happens if your original goes missing. She also shares a true Tennessee case that shows how critical proper Will storage can be and the surprising twists that followed.What You’ll Learn in This Episode“Filing” your Will isn’t an official legal act. Leaving your original Will with an attorney or in a law office is a storage choice, not a filing requirement. Most firms offer it as a business convenience, not a legal safeguard.If your original Will goes missing:Start by contacting the attorney who drafted it to see if they have the original or a Word version.If not, you can retype the Will or convert a PDF and re-execute it with updated dates and witnesses.A new Will should always revoke prior versions. Make sure a revocation clause is included in your new Will.Where to keep your Will:A fireproof, waterproof box at home works well if trusted people know how to access it.A safe-deposit box can complicate access after death, sometimes requiring a court order.Some counties (like Oakland County, MI) let you deposit your Will with the probate court for a small fee.If no one can find your original Will, the law presumes you destroyed it intentionally, meaning you’re treated as having died intestate (without a Will). Overcoming that presumption requires clear and convincing evidence that the Will was lost or destroyed against your wishes.A real-world example — In re Estate of David LeathWhen David Leath’s Will couldn’t be found, the court ruled he died intestate.His wife, Raynella, was later convicted (and later acquitted) of his murder, triggering the slayer statute, which bars killers from inheriting from their victims.The case highlights why keeping your original Will secure, and retrievable, is critical.The big picture. You can’t control every outcome, but you can control how clear and accessible your plans are. Resources & LinksRelated Episode:Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a WillReferenced Case:In re Estate of David LeathCBS News Coverage of the Leath CaseRaynella Dossett Leath’s Profile – National Registry of ExonerationsSubmit a question for Tuesday TriageConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Please share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Your dog might run your home, your heart, and your schedule, but legally, he’s still property.In this episode, Jill explores how to make sure your beloved pets are cared for after you’re gone. From Diane Keaton’s rumored estate plan for her dog, Reggie, to Jill’s own story of Oliver—the “best dog in the universe”—this episode walks through what pet trusts are, how they work, and how to decide if you need one.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a Pet Trust Is. A legal arrangement that sets aside money for your pet’s care after you die. You name a trustee to manage funds and a caretaker to look after your pet.Why Pet Trusts Exist. Under the law, pets are considered property, not people, so they can’t directly inherit money. A pet trust bridges that gap.How a Pet Trust Works.You (the settlor) create the trust during life or through your will.You name a trustee (manages the funds) and a caretaker (provides day-to-day care).You decide how much to set aside and how detailed to make your instructions, down to your dog’s diet, vet, and favorite toy.Real-Life Examples.Leona Helmsley left $12 million to a trust for the benefit of her dog, Trouble. A court reduced that amount to $2 million.Headlines suggest that Diane Keaton’s estate plan may include a pet trust for her dog, Reggie.Cost-Benefit Perspective. Not everyone needs a formal pet trust. For some, sharing a completed Pet Information Sheet with a trusted friend is enough. The goal is to do what’s appropriately protective for your life stage—not necessarily the “perfect” plan.Resources & LinksDownload the pet information sheet here. Check out our recent episode: Why you need (or don’t need) a WillConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

In this episode, Jill reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, exploring what it means to “do your little bit” in a world where not everyone starts from the same place. From Jane’s courage in defying gender norms to the continuing conversation around affirmative action, equity, and opportunity, this episode weaves together stories of perseverance, purpose, and the quiet power of small, determined acts. Jill connects Jane’s story to her own lessons from running cross-country, a mother’s unwavering support, and what it means to lift the next generation when we can’t always lift ourselves.Key TakeawaysStarting Lines Aren’t Equal. Just like in a race, life’s starting points differ. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in Why We Can’t Wait, centuries of inequity can’t be erased by pretending the race is fair.Affirmative Action as Fairness, Not Favoritism. President Kennedy’s 1961 executive order introduced “affirmative action” to open doors long kept closed, not to advantage one group, but to create opportunity where opportunity was denied.The Double Tax. Economist Anna Gifty describes the “double tax” faced by women of color, the compounding burden of racism and sexism that leaves them underpaid, overcharged, and underestimated.Jane Goodall’s Courage and Conviction. When the British government told Jane she couldn’t travel alone, her mother didn’t argue — she packed a bag. Together they faced malaria and isolation so Jane’s dream could take root. It’s the truest example of lifting someone by standing right beside them.Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say. A lesson from Jill’s high school English teacher and one Jane Goodall embodied throughout her life — integrity, honesty, and consistency of purpose matter more than comfort.Doing Your Little Bit. Jane reminded us that every person makes an impact every single day. Even small, imperfect actions move the world forward.Death Readiness as Peace. Jane’s view of death as her “next great adventure” reframes readiness; it’s about living with purpose and peace, not fear.Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday Triage This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Most people think a Will is the foundation of an estate plan but not everything you own is controlled by it. In this episode, Jill Mastroianni breaks down what a Will actually does (and doesn’t) cover, how to tell which of your assets are “probate assets” controlled by your Will, and why understanding the distinction between probate and non-probate assets could change the way you approach your estate plan.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between probate and non-probate assets, and why it matters.The three ways assets pass at death:By contract: through beneficiary designations or payable-on-death formsBy operation of law: through joint ownership with survivorship rightsBy Will: through the probate process.Use two simple questions to determine whether something you own is a probate asset:#1: Am I the sole owner of the asset?#2: Does it pass by contract?Real-life examples of how these rules play out with:Jill’s IRA (passes by contract)Her house (passes by operation of law)Her mother’s antique ring (passes by Will)What happens when you die without a Will (and why the government does not take everything).State-by-state differences in intestate succession, including Tennessee and Michigan examples.How even a simple Will can make life easier for the people you leave behind.Key TakeawaysA Will only controls your probate assets, not everything you own.Beneficiary designations and joint ownership override your Will.If you die without a Will, your state’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your probate property.Having a Will is less about wealth and more about reducing stress and conflict for your loved ones.If you don’t have a Will, you should still:Organize your financial and asset information.Sign a healthcare proxy and advance directive and fill out a medical information sheet.Complete a personal information sheet and tell someone you trust where to find it.Resources & LinksEstate Planning Support Services: Make the process clear, organized, and doable, from finding an attorney in your state to understanding your documents.Episode Mention: Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a Trust: Listen here.Financial Information Spreadsheet: Click here.Medical Information Sheet & Advance Directive Forms: Access state-specific formsPersonal Information Sheet: Click here.Submit a question for Tuesday Triage here.Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Jill unpacks a common misconception: that you have to serve as Executor just because your name appears in a Will. She explains when, and how, you can decline the role while still protecting family relationships and yourself.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeYou Have a Choice. Just because you’re named in a Will doesn’t mean you’re required to serve. Each state has a process to determine who can step in if you decline.Executor vs. Personal Representative. Understand the difference between these roles and why “personal representative” is the broader term that includes Executors appointed by a Will and others chosen by the court.How the Priority List Works. Jill walks through Michigan’s hierarchy for who can serve as personal representative, from those named in the Will, to surviving spouses, beneficiaries, heirs, creditors, and, finally, the public administrator.What Happens If No One Steps Up. Learn what it means when a creditor, or even the state, takes over estate administration, and what that process looks like in real life.The Emotional Side of Saying No. Being named Executor can feel like an honor or an obligation, especially for those raised to always “show up” for family. Jill shares why it’s okay to say no, or to say yes, with conditions that protect your time and well-being.Resources & LinksCheck out Jill’s probate and estate administration support servicesSubmit a question for Tuesday TriageConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Did you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Thinking about using a Ladybird deed (also known as a transfer-on-death deed) to keep your house out of probate? It may sound like the perfect shortcut but it can create more problems than it solves. In this episode, Jill is joined by Minnesota attorney Jen Gumbel to unpack the good, the bad, and the unintended consequences of these deeds. Together, they explore why they’re tempting, where they go wrong, and how they fit (or don’t fit) into a thoughtful estate plan.Key TakeawaysDeeds:  A deed proves ownership of real estate and transfers property. A transfer-on-death deed avoids probate, but only if completed and recorded correctly.DIY Pitfalls: Errors in legal descriptions, notarizations, or required signatures (like spousal consent) can invalidate the transfer-on-death deed.Beneficiary Risks: If a named beneficiary dies before you, the outcome depends on state law. Without careful planning, the property may end up in probate anyway.Joint Ownership Complications: Naming multiple beneficiaries as joint tenants can create unintended consequences, like one child inheriting everything by survivorship.Trusts vs. Deeds: Trusts provide rules and flexibility that deeds can’t. Using a trust as the beneficiary of a transfer-on-death deed can combine probate avoidance with better safeguards.Medicaid Liens: In states like Minnesota, transfer-on-death deeds do not protect against Medicaid liens. Insurance Gaps: When property passes automatically, insurance coverage may lapse unexpectedly. Families can be left unprotected if a death and disaster occur close together.Revocation and Public Records: Transfer-on-death deeds can be revoked, but all deeds are public record, meaning family members may later see the changes, creating confusion or conflict.Strategy Over Shortcuts: Deeds are tools, not strategies. Without an overall estate plan, using transfer-on-death deeds alone can leave loved ones with costly, stressful problems.Resources and Links:Medicaid Podcast Episode: What You Need to Know About Medicaid and Protecting Your Mom’s HouseConnect with Jen:At Wagner Oehler, Ltd: Jen GumbelAt Organized (after)LifeConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday Triage This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Leslie signed her Will five years ago when she had one child. Last year, she had twins. Does her old Will still work—or does it need to be updated? In this episode, Jill answers Leslie’s question and dives into the legal concept of “pretermitted children.” Jill looks at how different states handle this issue and unpacks what happened in the high-profile estates of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith when their Wills didn’t account for new children. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhen a Will may still work with more children. Some Wills are drafted with language that automatically includes “any child born or adopted after the date of this Will.” If that’s the case, you may not need to update your documents every time your family grows.What “pretermitted children” are and why it matters. Most states have laws that protect children born after a Will is signed so they aren’t unintentionally disinherited. These laws can dramatically change how an estate is divided.How Tennessee law handles afterborn children. In Tennessee, a pretermitted child can claim a share of the estate as though the parent had died intestate, without a Will, potentially reducing what other beneficaries receive.How the same Will can have totally different outcomes in different states. Using Leslie’s example, her twins could inherit a share under Tennessee law, but in New York they might get nothing. State law really does matter.Celebrity cautionary talesHeath Ledger: His Will predated the birth of his daughter. New York law could have entitled her to everything, but his family voluntarily gave her the estate.Anna Nicole Smith: Her Will disinherited future children, but because her only named beneficiary had died, her infant daughter inherited everything through the laws of intestate successionThe DNA twist. A 2023 Oklahoma case shows how modern DNA testing can lead to surprise inheritance claims from unknown (or unacknowledged) children.When you should update your WillEven if your Will includes future children, you’ll need an update if:A child has special needs that require specific planning.Your circumstances or state laws have changed.You’re not sure your existing documents reflect your intentions.Resources & LinksDo You Need a Will? Video – Jill explains probate vs. non-probate assets.Estate Plan Audit – A focused one-hour Zoom session to review your documents and flag gaps or outdated terms.Submit your question for a future Tuesday Triage episodeConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

What happens if you forget to list something in your will, or if two people end up entitled to the same item, like a piece of jewelry? In this episode, Jill takes on two smart questions from her daughter, April, and unpacks the legal rules around tangible personal property, specific bequests, and residuary estates. Along the way, she shares practical takeaways to help you keep your family out of conflict.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe role of a will. A will directs the distribution of your probate assets, the property titled in your name alone. But it doesn’t control everything. Retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, life insurance policies, or bank accounts with payable-on-death designations pass outside your will. Knowing what is and isn’t covered helps you avoid false confidence in your estate plan.Tangible personal property. These are the everyday items you can touch: jewelry, artwork, furniture, even napkin holders. Families sometimes fight more over sentimental objects than financial ones when emotion drives value. Without clear instructions, siblings may argue over who gets “Mom’s ring” or “Dad’s watch,” creating unnecessary conflict.Executor authority. A well-drafted will gives the executor power to step in when beneficiaries can’t agree. For example, the executor might sell an item and split the proceeds. Without this safety valve, disputes can stall the entire estate administration, forcing families into costly and time-consuming court battles.Specific bequests. Leaving a gift like “my diamond ring” sounds clear, but what if you own two diamond rings? Specific bequests need precise descriptions—metal type, design, even era—to avoid confusion. They also need instructions about what happens if the recipient dies first.Anti-lapse statutes. In many states, if a beneficiary dies before you but leaves descendants, those descendants inherit in original beneficiary’s place unless your will says otherwise. This rule can unintentionally split a single item, like a ring, between multiple beneficiaries, creating the very conflict you wanted to avoid.The residuary estate. Think of this as the “junk drawer” of your estate: everything not specifically mentioned goes here. The residuary clause prevents forgotten assets from slipping into intestacy, where state law (not you) decides who gets them. Clarity is your best defense against family conflict. Vague wording, missing clauses, or assumptions about the future can all lead to confusion, high legal costs, and strained relationships. A clear, precise will reduces the chance that your legacy becomes a source of stress or division.Resources & LinksDo You Need a Will? (Video) – A deeper dive into the basics of wills.Estate Planning Support Services – Learn how Jill can help you get organized, vet an attorney, and make your plan clear and manageable.Submit a Question for Tuesday Triage – Ask Jill to tackle your estate planning question on a future episode.Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

So many of us in the sandwich generation can see our parents’ challenges—mobility issues, memory lapses, financial disorganization—yet struggle to help our parents move beyond the problem to actually finding a solution. In this episode, I share my guest appearance on The Legacy of Love Podcast with Sara Ecklein, where we explore how to guide aging parents through estate and life planning in ways that are compassionate, collaborative, and empowering.Key Insights You’ll LearnProblem-aware vs. solution-aware: Parents may know they’re struggling (with mobility, memory, or paperwork), but that doesn’t mean they know what to do next. The key is moving the conversation toward solutions without judgment.Collaboration works better than control: Instead of showing up like a project manager with a to-do list, try approaching parents with shared planning tools, like filling out medical information sheets together, to model what good planning looks like.Professionals can help: Sometimes parents resist advice from their children but accept it from a professional. An outsider can validate concerns, ask new questions, and take pressure off the family dynamic.Capacity is a spectrum: Even with diminished capacity, parents may still be able to do an estate plan if they understand what they own and who they want to leave it to. If capacity is gone, assets pass by intestate succession (state law), and guardianship may be required.The parent is the client, not the adult child: Even when kids initiate the process, confidentiality belongs to the parent as the client. Professionals must set and keep these boundaries.Self-compassion matters: Being “problem aware” without solutions isn’t necessarily denial; it’s part of being scared and overwhelmed. Just as parents need help moving toward solutions, so do their adult children.Resources and LinksParent Prep Plan: Learn how Jill guides parents step-by-step through the planning process so you don’t have to carry the burden alone: Parent Prep Plan — Death ReadinessRelated podcast episodes:Episode 17: How Powers of Attorney Work, When to Use Them, and When It’s Too Late to Get OneEpisode 28: How to Protect Your Aging Parents and Avoid Probate CourtLearn more about Sara Ecklein:Sara’s podcast: The Legacy of LoveCompany:Trust and HonorEmail: info@trustandhonor.coAddress: 1484 Pollard Road / Suite 124 Los Gatos, CA 95032Phone: 669-280-0110Connect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday Triage This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Finding the right estate planning attorney can feel overwhelming and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In this Tuesday Triage episode, I walk you through six practical steps to help you identify the right fit for your needs, avoid common pitfalls, and trust your instincts throughout the process. Whether your estate is simple or more complex, these tips will give you clarity and confidence in choosing the attorney who can best serve you and your family.What Jill discussed·Why referrals are a great starting point but not the finish line. Referrals from trusted friends, advisors, or professionals can point you in the right direction, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. You still need to do your own due diligence and trust your gut.·How to match the attorney’s experience to your unique needs. Many people think their estate is “simple,” but often it’s more complex than it appears. Jill breaks down what circumstances generally qualify as a “simple estate,” what makes an estate more complicated (tax planning, business ownership, beneficiaries with special needs, blended families, family vacation properties), and why the distinction matters when choosing an attorney.·The role of clear communication. Estate planning comes with lots of legal jargon. A good attorney explains things in plain language, helps you understand how legal changes impact your plan, and leaves you feeling more confident, not more confused. Jill share tips on how to test this before you hire someone.·Why experience makes a difference. Beyond knowing the law, seasoned attorneys have seen how family dynamics and real-life complications play out. That experience allows them to anticipate problems, avoid mistakes, and guide you through both the expected and the unexpected.·Looking for a clear process and transparent pricing. A solid estate planning attorney doesn’t just draft documents — they help make sure your plan actually works by funding trusts and aligning beneficiary designations. Jill talks about flat fees vs. hourly billing, what you should expect in a quote, and how to make sure there are no surprises.·Why comfort and trust are non-negotiable. You’ll be sharing some of your most personal details with your attorney. You need someone you feel heard and respected by, and someone who moves at a pace that feels right for you. Credentials matter, but so do instincts, and ignoring them can be costly.Resources and LinksEstate Planning Support Services – Learn how I can help you get organized, vet attorneys, prepare for meetings, and make sure your plan is clear and ready to implement.Podcast episode referenced: Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the Estate TaxPodcast episode referenced: Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a TrustVideo referenced: Do You Need a Will? This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Charles just turned 90, and he’s asking a question many of us wonder about but rarely say out loud: “What are my options if I want to die with dignity?”In this Tuesday Triage, Jill unpacks what medical aid in dying really means, how it differs from assisted suicide, and what the law says for families navigating these difficult conversations. With legal insights and examples from California’s End of Life Option Act, this episode shines a light on a topic often tucked away in silence.What We DiscussedA personal connection: Jill shares her mom’s story of living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative brain disorder. She recalls the moments of fear and uncertainty, the independence her mom held onto, and why conversations about dying with dignity are deeply personal for her.Charles’ question: At 90 years old, Charles asked his daughter, and through her, Jill, what options exist for someone who wants to die with dignity. His willingness to ask reflects the questions many people carry silently, often Googling late at night but rarely discussing openly.Defining medical aid in dying: Jill explains that medical aid in dying is a regulated medical practice that allows a mentally competent adult with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to request a prescription to peacefully end their life. She emphasizes that it is not the same as assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing.Where it’s legal and what’s pending: Eleven states and Washington, D.C. currently permit medical aid in dying, while 18 others have pending or recently introduced legislation. Jill highlights the significance of these legal shifts for families who may face these decisions in the future.California’s End of Life Option Act: Jill uses California as a case study to explain how the process works in practice. Key points include:Eligibility: Adults 18+, California residents, with terminal illnesses expected to result in death within six months.Requests: Two oral requests at least 48 hours apart, plus a written request signed in the presence of two witnesses.Safeguards: Physicians must confirm the patient’s capacity and voluntariness, and participation by doctors is voluntary.Self-administration: Only the patient can administer the medication; family or physicians may help prepare it but cannot administer it.Residency proof: California requirements include a state ID, voter registration, property ownership, or tax returns.Protections for families and insurance: The law makes clear that using medical aid in dying does not affect life insurance, health insurance, or annuities. Death through medical aid in dying is legally recognized as a natural result of the underlying disease, not suicide. Family and friends cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for being present, as long as the patient self-administers the medication.The importance of terminology: Jill explains why she avoids terms like “assisted suicide” or “euthanasia” and highlights Section 443.18 of the California law, which explicitly rejects those labels. This distinction matters, because medical aid in dying is not about choosing whether to die, but about how to face a death that is already imminent.The bigger picture: Beyond the legal details, Jill explores what these laws mean for agency, dignity, and conversations about the end of life.Resources and LinksDeath Readiness Services – Learn how Jill helps families prepare and stay organizedText of California’s End of Life Option ActConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state. 

Imagine spending 27 years in prison for a crime you didn’t commit. That was the reality for Joyce Watkins, a woman wrongfully convicted in 1989 of the rape and murder of her four-year-old great-niece. Joyce and her longtime partner, Charlie Dunn steadfastly maintained their innocence. But flawed medical testimony, prosecutorial missteps, and systemic biases led to their conviction and life sentences. Charlie tragically died in prison after 27 years, while Joyce was paroled in 2015, branded as a registered sex offender. Even in the face of wrongful conviction, parole restrictions, and decades of injustice, Joyce never gave up her agency. Jill talks with Jason Gichner, Executive Director of the Tennessee Innocence Project, about Joyce’s fight to clear her name, how wrongful convictions happen, and what her story teaches us about resilience, justice, and protecting your voice. Together, they explore how the Tennessee Innocence Project works to exonerate innocent people, the flaws in the justice system, and the ways all of us can contribute to this vital mission.What We DiscussedThe Tennessee Innocence Project: The Tennessee Innocence Project is a non-profit law firm that represents people who are actually innocent, people convicted of crimes they did not commit. The project’s typical client has been wrongly imprisoned for decades. On average, the project’s clients who have been exonerated served more than 26 years in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Besides direct litigation, the Tennessee Innocence Project engages in policy work to prevent wrongful convictions. Joyce Watkins’ story. Joyce became entangled in a tragedy after caring for her great-niece for just nine hours. The child arrived at Joyce’s home already injured, showing signs of bleeding and cognitive distress. Joyce sought medical attention for the child but flawed medical testimony later pointed the blame at Joyce and her longtime partner, Charlie. The prosecution offered Joyce a plea deal of one year if she said Charlie committed the crimes. She refused, unwilling to send an innocent man to prison.How expert testimony, even if incorrect, can shape the outcome of a case. Joyce and Charlie’s conviction rested almost entirely on flawed forensic testimony. The original medical examiner claimed that because she didn’t see a particular healing cell, called a histiocyte, in brain slides, the child’s fatal injury must have occurred during the nine hours she was with Joyce and Charlie. That “proof” became the linchpin of the prosecution’s case. Decades later, independent experts, including Tennessee’s chief medical examiner and a pediatric neurologist from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, confirmed that the theory was biologically impossible.The impossible choices innocent people face, including why some plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit. In the middle of Joyce’s trial, prosecutors offered her a one-year sentence if she would testify that Charlie committed the rape and murder. She refused, unwilling to condemn an innocent man, and took a life sentence instead.Why innocent people sometimes plead guilty. Innocent people sometimes plead guilty when the risk of trial feels too great. Prosecutors hold immense leverage, threatening decades behind bars or even life in prison, while dangling plea deals that offer immediate release or probation. For people who cannot afford bail, who fear a jury will believe false evidence, or who simply want to return home to their families, pleading guilty may feel like the only rational option, even when they did nothing wrong.The exoneration process: how Joyce’s case was reopened, the collaboration with prosecutors, and the eventual exoneration. Joyce arrived at the Tennessee Innocence Project years after her parole, determined to clear her name. Jason’s team reinvestigated, uncovering both junk science and suppressed evidence, including police reports proving that sheets prosecutors claimed Joyce had “washed to destroy DNA” were never washed at all. The Tennessee Innocence Project brought their findings to Nashville’s Conviction Review Unit, one of only two such units in Tennessee. The District Attorney’s office conducted its own independent investigation and reached the same conclusion: Joyce and Charlie were innocent. In December 2021, both convictions were overturned. By early 2022, all charges were dismissed, and Joyce and Charlie were formally exonerated. Tragically, Charlie had already died in prison of cancer, never living to see his name cleared.Life after exoneration: the ongoing fight for compensation, the barriers under Tennessee law, and what exonerees face when re-entering society. Exoneration restored Joyce’s freedom, but not her lost decades. Tennessee law allows wrongfully convicted individuals to seek up to $1 million in compensation, but the process is riddled with obstacles. Even after a judicial exoneration, an exoneree must apply for a “certificate of exoneration” from the governor’s office, a process requiring another hearing before the parole board. Despite unanimous support from the parole board, there has been no action from the governor’s office on Joyce’s case. Charlie’s family may never qualify for relief at all, since the statute excludes adult children of the wrongfully convicted. And beyond money, exonerees face steep challenges reintegrating into society: trauma from years behind bars, lost opportunities, and the need to rebuild lives from scratch. The Tennessee Innocence Project supports its clients holistically, with therapy, housing help, benefits, and community. But as Jason emphasized, freedom after decades in prison doesn’t erase the damage done.LinkLearn more about the Tennessee Innocence Project: tninnocence.orgConnect with Jill:Website: DeathReadiness.comEmail: jill@deathreadiness.comLearn more about Jill’s servicesSubscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!Submit a question for Tuesday TriageDid you enjoy this episode? Share it with someone you care about. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state.