In this episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder, estate planning attorney Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills and Trusts, addresses some of the most common myths that often mislead families about estate planning. With over 25 years of experience helping Orange County families protect their legacies, Brian explains why misconceptions about wills, trusts, and estate plans can create unnecessary risks and how to take the right steps to avoid costly mistakes.

From the myth that the government automatically takes your money to the idea that only wealthy individuals need a trust, Brian breaks down what families really need to know. He also discusses why simply having a will is not enough, how handwritten or online estate plans can fall short, and what practical steps people should take to ensure their loved ones are truly protected.

00:42 – The dangers of estate planning myths and misinformation

Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder is a podcast dedicated to simplifying estate planning for families in California. Featuring attorney Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trusts, the show provides expert insights into trusts, wills, and asset protection strategies. Through clear explanations and practical advice, the podcast empowers listeners to secure their family’s financial future and build lasting legacies.

In this episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills & Trusts, tackles a common but risky estate planning shortcut—putting children on the title of a home. Brian explains why many parents consider this strategy to avoid probate, but also reveals the serious downsides, including tax consequences, creditor risks, and loss of control. He breaks down California-specific issues such as Proposition 19, the step-up in basis, and property tax reassessments. Brian also outlines safer alternatives, including revocable living trusts, that protect assets while preserving flexibility for parents and tax benefits for heirs.

00:01 – Show introduction

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.

In this episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills & Trusts, tackles a common but risky estate planning shortcut—putting children on the title of a home. Brian explains why many parents consider this strategy to avoid probate, but also reveals the serious downsides, including tax consequences, creditor risks, and loss of control. He breaks down California-specific issues such as Proposition 19, the step-up in basis, and property tax reassessments. Brian also outlines safer alternatives, including revocable living trusts, that protect assets while preserving flexibility for parents and tax benefits for heirs.

00:01 – Show introduction

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder with Brian Chew helps families go deeper than just drafting documents. Each episode offers practical insights into estate planning strategies that minimize taxes, protect assets, and provide long-term security. With over 25 years of experience serving Orange County families, Brian Chew provides trusted legal guidance to help clients make smarter estate planning decisions.

In this episode of Estate Planning Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, Managing Partner at OC Wills & Trusts, discusses the life events that should trigger an estate plan review. Brian explains why changing relationships—not just changing assets—are the top reason for updating trusts, and how failing to review your plan can lead to costly mistakes. From growing children, divorce, and remarriage to outdated AB trust provisions and funding issues, Brian provides practical insights on keeping your estate plan current, effective, and tax-efficient. He also highlights why working with a responsive law firm makes all the difference in ensuring long-term protection for your family.

00:01 – Show introduction

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.

Attorney Brian Chew explores dynasty trusts, a key estate planning tool for protecting family wealth across generations in California. The episode details how dynasty trusts, embedded within revocable living trusts, offer lifetime asset protection for children against creditors, divorce, and poor financial decisions. It highlights their flexibility, allowing children to control trust assets without owning them, and clarifies their suitability for families with significant assets, emphasizing the need for professional guidance to ensure effective implementation.

00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome

01:30 - Understanding Dynasty Trusts

05:00 - Asset Protection Benefits of Dynasty Trusts

09:00 - Parental Control in Dynasty Trusts

13:00 - Suitability for High Net Worth Families

17:00 - Flexibility of Dynasty Trusts

21:00 - Long-Term Wealth Preservation

25:00 - Provisions for Special Circumstances

29:00 - Modifying Dynasty Trust Provisions

33:00 - Unique Approach to Dynasty Trusts

37:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.

Episode Summary: 

In this episode, host Zofia Morales and estate planning expert Brian Chew discuss the crucial steps that follow after receiving your estate planning binder. Brian emphasizes that estate planning is a process, not just a product, and outlines key actions needed to ensure your plan remains effective, including trust funding and maintaining proper documentation.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:59 - Understanding the estate planning binder

01:34 - Trust funding explained

02:12 - Handling personal property (cars, jewelry, heirlooms)

03:40 - Financial accounts and trust funding process

04:35 - Common mistakes families make after creating the plan

07:39 - How to approach sensitive planning conversations

10:59 - Ongoing support from estate planning firms

13:49 - Importance of keeping plans updated

15:54 - Episode wrap-up

About the Show:

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.

Episode Summary:

In this inaugural episode, host Zofia Morales and estate planning attorney Brian Chew discuss the fundamentals of estate planning beyond just having documents in a binder. They explore why comprehensive estate planning is crucial for protecting families, especially those with minor children, and how to ensure plans are actually effective when needed.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:51 - What is the estate planning binder?

02:42 - Why estate planning is more than just having a will

05:33 - Child protection planning explained

10:31 - What happens without guardian nominations

15:06 - How estate planning helps families avoid court situations

18:50 - First steps to getting started with estate planning

About the Show:

Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.