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 Episode

1. 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 & Links

• Home Safety Checklist, Hospital-to-Home Checklist, Life Care Plan Smart Start Kit, Expert Tips to Secure Your Benefits: https://www.deathreadiness.com/silver-savvy-resources

Connect with Laura Lynn Morrissey:

• Website: https://silversavvy.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Find Laura Lynn on LinkedIn!

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

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. 

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 Leath

• When 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 & Links

• Related Episode:Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a Will
• Referenced Case:In re Estate of David Leath
• CBS News Coverage of the Leath Case
• Raynella Dossett Leath’s Profile – National Registry of Exonerations
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

Did 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 Episode

What 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 & Links

Download the pet information sheet here. 

Check out our recent episode: Why you need (or don’t need) a Will

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

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. 

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 Takeaways

Starting 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.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe 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 Episode

The 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 forms
• By operation of law: through joint ownership with survivorship rights
• By 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 Takeaways

A 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 & Links

Estate 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 forms

Personal Information Sheet: Click here.

Submit a question for Tuesday Triage here.

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

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. 

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 Episode

You 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 & Links

Check out Jill’s probate and estate administration support services

Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe 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 Takeaways

• Deeds:  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 House

Connect with Jen:

• At Wagner Oehler, Ltd: Jen Gumbel
• At Organized (after)Life

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe 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 Episode

When 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 tales

• Heath 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 succession

The 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 Will
Even 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 & Links

• Do 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 episode

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

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. 

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 Episode

• The 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 & Links

• Do 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.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe to the Death Readiness Dispatch!
• Submit a question for Tuesday Triage

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. 

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 Learn

• Problem-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 Links

• Parent 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 Readiness
• Related podcast episodes:
• Episode 17: How Powers of Attorney Work, When to Use Them, and When It’s Too Late to Get One
• Episode 28: How to Protect Your Aging Parents and Avoid Probate Court

Learn more about Sara Ecklein:

• Sara’s podcast: The Legacy of Love
• Company:Trust and Honor
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 1484 Pollard Road / Suite 124 Los Gatos, CA 95032
• Phone: 669-280-0110

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Learn more about Jill’s services
• Subscribe 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.