Episode 46: Probate Story Series: Planning Together, Navigating Probate with Ease 

In this final installment of the *Probate Story Series*, Maryland Estate Planning Attorney Elsa W. Smith shares a heartfelt and enlightening story about the peace of mind that comes from thoughtful, advance planning. Join Elsa as she tells the story of Jessica and Richard, a couple who planned their estate together to ensure a smoother journey through probate. This episode highlights how working hand-in-hand with an estate planning attorney can make all the difference, reducing stress and simplifying the probate process during difficult times.

 In this episode, you’ll learn: 

✔️ The benefits of planning your estate with your spouse to ensure peace of mind for both.

✔️ The importance of up-to-date beneficiary designations to simplify asset transfer.

✔️ Practical steps you can take to minimize the impact of probate on your loved ones.

✔️ Why planning early and being diligent can lead to a smoother, less stressful probate process.

Tune in to discover how advanced planning can help you take control of your legacy, reduce the burden on your loved ones, and navigate probate with ease.

Did you find value in this episode? 

We’d appreciate you following the podcast and leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR HOST, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:  

🔗 ⁠[Linktree]⁠  

✔️ Visit our website at ⁠[elsawsmithlaw.com]⁠ to access FREE resources  

✔️ Watch probate YouTube videos here: 

✔️ SUBSCRIBE on

⁠[Apple Podcasts]⁠, ⁠[Spotify]⁠, and ⁠[YouTube]⁠

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute call for wills, estate planning, and probate matters (MD & DC only)  

**DISCLAIMERS**  

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

**SPONSOR:** This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at [elsawsmithlaw.com](https://elsawsmithlaw.com).  

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Episode 45: (Probate Series)  

Agatha’s Story: Family, Feuds, and Final Wishes: A Probate Success Story

What You'll Learn:

✔️ The importance of thoughtful estate planning and choosing the right Personal Representative  

✔️ How to craft an estate plan that considers family dynamics and potential conflicts  

✔️ Strategies to communicate effectively with loved ones during the probate process  

✔️ The role of no-contest clauses and how they can impact family disputes  

✔️ Insights into the emotional toll of probate and the necessity of outsourcing to trusted professionals

Did you find value in this episode? 

We’d appreciate you following the podcast and leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR HOST, Attorney Elsa W. Smith:  

🔗 [Linktree]  

✔️ Visit our website at [elsawsmithlaw.com] to access FREE resources  

✔️ SUBSCRIBE on

[Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], and [YouTube]

✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute call for wills, estate planning, and probate matters (MD & DC only)  

**DISCLAIMERS**  

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

**SPONSOR:** This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at [elsawsmithlaw.com](https://elsawsmithlaw.com).  

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Episode 44: (Probate Series)

The Overwhelmed DIY Personal Representative: A Cautionary Tale

In this episode, we continue our probate series with a cautionary tale about a personal representative who tries to navigate probate without professional help.

✔️Learn how to make it easy for loved ones to find your assets and avoid probate delays,

✔️Understand the importance of meeting probate deadlines,

✔️Learn strategies to reduce inheritance conflicts and maintain family harmony,

✔️Appreciate how the right professionals can ease the probate process,

✔️ And more!

If you're managing an estate or know someone who is, this episode highlights why seeking professional support can save time, money, and emotional stress during probate.

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resource

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Episode 43: (REQUESTED REPLAY_Original air date Feb. 08, 2023)

In this episode, we chat with Martha Underwood, Founder and CEO of PRISMM - a company that provides a digital vault for your most important documents.    We discussed:

•Challenges she faced as a Black woman navigating a predominantly white tech space,

•How her technology background distinguishes Martha from competitors in the digital vault space,

•What PRISMM is and the need it addresses,

•How she funded her dream,

•The high-profile celebrity who recently joined forces with PRISMM,

•and more!

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

✔️Visit⁠ PRISMM website⁠ : getprismm.com

✔️Follow⁠ PRISMM on LinkedIn⁠  

✔️Connect with⁠ Martha Underwood on LinkedIn⁠  

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠Linktree⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resources

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

 Ep. 42: Highlights

Probate Series

Topic: Second Marriages & Probate: The Complexities of Dying Without a Will

From this episode you'll learn:

✔️Why it’s crucial to have a will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, not state laws.

✔️How state laws dictate asset distribution when there's no will, which may not align with your intentions.

✔️How the absence of a will can lead to disputes, especially in blended families.

✔️How Maryland’s laws determine asset division when someone dies without a will, including the split between a spouse and children from previous relationships.

✔️ and more!

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resource

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 41: Highlights

Topic: Understanding Specific Bequests: Why They're Essential In Your Will

From this episode you'll:

✔️Gain a clear understanding of what specific bequests are, including how they differ from general bequests, and why they are an essential component of a will.

✔️Understand the need for precision in specific bequests, explaining how detailed descriptions help ensure that the right items are passed on to the intended beneficiaries.,

✔️Learn how specific bequests can reflect personal values and relationships by allowing individuals to pass on items of sentimental or financial value to chosen recipients.

✔️Learn the legal and administrative aspects of specific bequests, including the importance of regularly updating your will to reflect changes in your estate and avoiding potential legal complications.

✔️ and more!

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resource

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 40: Highlights

Topic: Estate Planning Before and After A Divorce (Part 2 of Series)

You'll:

✔️Learn the importance of revising your business succession plan to reflect post-divorce circumstances,

✔️Understand how to update ownership and distribution plans for valuable personal property,

✔️Gain insights on reviewing and updating your charitable trusts and giving plans,

✔️Learn strategies for managing the emotional and physical stress of estate planning post-divorce,

✔️ and more!

Secure your FREE Resource at elsawsmithlaw.com.

Listen to Episode 39 here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/l6Z4VU6QuLb

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resource

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 39: Highlights

Topic: Estate Planning Before and After A Divorce

You'll learn:

✔️The importance of reviewing and updating beneficiaries on financial accounts before a divorce.

✔️The need to update power of attorney designations to someone other than your current spouse.

✔️The importance of revising your will and trusts to prevent your soon-to-be ex-spouse from inheriting certain assets and to protect your loved ones.

Timestamps:

Review & Update Beneficiaries (3:04)

Pre-Marital Agreements (5:00)

Property Ownership (6:06)

Power of Attorney (7:24)

Wills & Trusts (8:30)

Guardianship (9:28)

Tax Implications (10:29)

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠ to get your FREE resource

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 38: Highlights

Topic: The Reluctant Personal Representative’s Dilemma

In this episode, join us as we:

✔️Gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and importance of a Personal Representative in estate administration.

✔️Explore the emotional and ethical challenges faced by reluctant Personal Representatives, including dealing with unscrupulous relatives.

✔️Learn about the legal obligations, potential liabilities, and practical challenges of managing an estate.

✔️Discover the critical criteria and questions to consider when deciding whether to accept the role of a Personal Representative.

✔️Get practical tips and strategies for effectively managing the estate, handling conflicts, and seeking professional help.

Timestamps:

Part 1: Understanding the Personal Representative Role (3:45)

Part 2: The Reluctant Personal Representative’s Dilemma (7:45)

Part 3: The Legal and Practical Implications (11:55)

Part 4: Evaluating the Decision to Serve (16:40)

Part 5: Managing the Role Effectively (21:09)

Part 6: Handling Potential Conflicts (25:25)

Part 7: Seeking Professional Help (29:45)

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

Ep. 37: Highlights

Topic: Grieving While Managing Probate

In this episode, join us as we:

✔️Explore the unique challenges of managing the probate process while grieving the loss of a loved one.

✔️Delve into the hypothetical journey of Sarah, who grapples with the overwhelming responsibilities of being a personal representative while mourning her mother's passing.

✔️Discuss the real struggles Sarah faces in balancing her emotional needs with the demands of probate administration.

✔️Learn how professional assistance could have eased Sarah's burden and provided invaluable support during this challenging time.

✔️Gain insights into navigating similar situations, from seeking professional help to prioritizing self-care and communication with family.

Did you find value in this episode?

We’d appreciate you following this podcast and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠leaving a 5-STAR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST Attorney Elsa W. Smith:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Visit our website at⁠ ⁠⁠elsawsmithlaw.com⁠⁠⁠

✔️SUBSCRIBE on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠s⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a complimentary 15-minute call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠for wills, estate planning, probate matters (MD & DC only)

DISCLAIMERS

Information in this video/livestream/podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice nor does it form an attorney-client relationship. Conduct your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.

SPONSOR: This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more @ elsawsmithlaw.com.

© 2024 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC