Life Is Legal

Someone dies and suddenly everyone's saying "probate" like it's obvious. It's not.Texas probate attorney Brooke Hardie walks through what probate actually means, what happens with or without a will, what an executor really does, and why a will doesn't control everything a person owned. You'll learn the 3 "buckets" every asset falls into, how revocable living trusts work (and why an empty one doesn't help), and what to expect when you sit down with a probate lawyer.Once you understand the map, you'll know exactly what questions to ask when someone says "we need to probate Mom's estate."Life is legal. So you gotta know the rules.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeislegalpodcastEpisode 5 (estate planning in detail): https://youtu.be/8yMpjHwis2Q?si=-sh_OyQOj8V87ESH🌐 brookehardie.com | 📱 @brookehardielawyerThis episode is for general education only and isn't legal advice. Probate rules vary by state, so talk with a lawyer licensed in your state about your situation.

You had a couple of drinks at happy hour, you’re driving home, and suddenly there are red and blue lights in your rearview mirror.🚔 What do you do now?Brooke sits down with Texas DWI defense attorney Bo Kalabus to walk through a traffic stop from start to finish: where to pull over, what to say (and not say), whether to do the field sobriety tests, what happens if you refuse the breathalyzer, and what to expect at booking and bond. Plus, why testing under 0.08 doesn’t automatically mean you’re in the clear, and what to do if your college kid calls you from jail at 2 a.m.The short version: everything is recorded, less is more, and if there’s any doubt, call an Uber.Life is legal. So you gotta know the rules.This episode is general information about Texas law, not legal advice. If you’re facing a DWI, talk to a criminal defense attorney about your situation.🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeislegalpodcast🌐 brookehardie.com | 📱 @brookehardielawyer

When someone you love dies, the world starts demanding answers before you've even had a moment to breathe.In this episode, estate planning attorney Brooke Hardie walks you through the first 72 hours after a death: what actually needs attention, what can wait, and how to protect yourself and the people you love during the most disorienting days of your life.You'll learn what your job really is in those first hours, how to work with a funeral home without getting taken advantage of, who actually has legal authority over what, how to secure the house and the assets, how many death certificates to order, what scammers do when someone dies and how to spot them, and what you absolutely do not have to deal with yet.Whether you're in the middle of it or you just want to be prepared, this is the episode.Life is legal. Death is too.🌐 brookehardie.com | 📱 @brookehardielawyer

If your credit cards are covering groceries and gas, your balances won't budge, and your stomach drops every time the phone rings, this episode is for you. Bankruptcy is one of the most misunderstood words in the legal world, and the shame around it keeps a lot of people from even learning their options. In this episode, I clear things up, judgment-free.🚫 Myths we're debunking:• "Only reckless spenders file for bankruptcy."• "Bankruptcy wipes out all your debt."• "You'll lose everything you own."• "Bankruptcy means you failed."💡 What you'll learn:• How the automatic stay can hit pause on collection calls, lawsuits, and garnishment• Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13, and who each one may fit• What really happens to your credit, and for how long• Warning signs it's time to talk to a bankruptcy lawyer• The mistakes to avoid before you file (hint: don't cash out your retirement to pay credit cards)Resources:▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeislegalpodcast🌐 Website: https://www.brookehardie.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookehardielawyerThis episode is for general education only and is not legal advice.Life Is Legal is hosted by Brooke Hardie. Subscribe wherever you listen.

Everyone says they want an amicable divorce. But what does that actually mean?Texas divorce lawyer Jodi Lazar joins Brooke Hardie to answer that in plain English. Her version of a "good" divorce is a process: each spouse has a lawyer, nobody fights it out at home, and the whole thing gets settled in one prepared day of mediation.Jodi shares what her office charges on average, why "the marriage pays for the divorce" in Texas, and why a second day of mediation rarely works. She also explains why spouses sometimes agree to things in mediation that a court would never order.What you'll learn:What "amicable" really means, and why it still involves lawyersWhy DIY forms can leave you with a deal that isn't fairWhat to do if you think you can't afford a lawyerWhat it costs and how long it takesHow mediation works and how to prepare for itJodi's 3 rules for keeping fees and timelines from spiralingResources: → Jodi Lazar | https://www.lazarlaw.com → Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@lifeislegalpodcast → Brooke's website | https://www.brookehardie.com/ → Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brookehardielawyerLife Is Legal is hosted by Brooke Hardie. Subscribe wherever you listen.