If someone close to you passes away, here’s one of the most important things to know: Do not rush to pay their debts.

Even if the bills start rolling in. Even if it feels like the “right" thing to do.

Let's talk about it... 🧵 Before you pay anything, talk to an estate attorney.

Paying debts too early can create legal problems you didn’t intend and can’t easily undo.

For example: If the estate has more debt than assets, the law sets a very specific priority order for who gets paid first.

The time I sued a well-known financial institution for failing to honor/accept a Power of Attorney (POA)...

🧵 About, say, 5-7 years ago, I had a client with advanced dementia. I primarily worked through/with her son, who was her POA.

The son contacted me because he was trying to cash in a $14,000 (yes, that’s it) account in Mom’s name and the financial institution was giving him a hard time.

Transfer on Death Deeds: A Double-Edged Estate Planning Tool

Let’s talk about ‘em…

🧵 1 - What are Transfer on Death Deeds?

Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds are available in some states and function essentially as a beneficiary designation, but for real estate.

Think of them as the property equivalent of naming a beneficiary on your life insurance or retirement plan.

What happens to your furry family when you're gone?

Too many pets end up in shelters when owners pass away or become too ill to care for them.

Here's how to protect your pets in your estate plan…

🧵 OPTION 1: Specific Bequest

You can include language in your Will or Trust like: "Fluffy goes to my sister Sarah, along with $5,000 for pet expenses."

Tip: Always name a backup person! What if Sarah can't take Fluffy? Plan for contingencies just like you would with any other important decision.

Estate planning has 3 basic levels:

Level 1: Basic documents (health / financial)
Level 2: All of the above + Last Will & Testament
Level 3: All of the above + Trust(s)

Let's talk about them... 🧵 TIER 1: The Bare Minimum

Wills and trusts tend to get all the attention, but these are the true foundation of every estate plan:

- Healthcare Power of Attorney/Representative
- Advance Directives + Living Will
- Financial Power of Attorney

These documents appoint someone to make medical and financial decisions if you can't. So, so important.

Tips for finding a qualified estate and/or elder law attorney

A 🧵 1️⃣ Start with trusted recommendations from:

- Your financial or tax advisor

- Your state's bar association

- Other attorneys you trust

- Family or friends who've done estate planning or used elder law services

As an elder law attorney, I hear this all the time: "I want to stay in my home forever!"

Fast forward time—family is scrambling, money's tight, and home has become a safety hazard.

Let's talk about how to make aging in place work. 🧵 The biggest mistake?

Treating "aging in place" like it just happens naturally. It doesn't.

You need a *plan.* Let me share the other mistakes I see repeatedly, then I'll give you actionable steps to actually make this work.

Selecting Guardians for Kids in Your Estate Plan 🧵

One of the hardest decisions young parents face:

Who would raise your kids if something happened to you? Here's how to think through selecting guardians for your estate plan... 1 - First reality check: If you don't choose, the court will. And judges don't know your family dynamics, values, or what you'd want for your children.

Sure, they may try to make the best decision they can with limited info - but it might not align with your wishes.

How to Discuss Estate Planning with Family

Let's talk about a topic many of us avoid: discussing estate planning with aging parents or loved ones. While it feels uncomfortable, these conversations can prevent family conflict, ensure wishes are honored, and provide peace of mind for everyone involved. T

Here's how to approach it respectfully... 🧵 1 - First, choose the right time and setting.

Find a private, relaxed moment when everyone is calm and has mental space to engage. Avoid holidays or family gatherings where emotions are already high and distractions abound.

A casual one-on-one lunch or quiet afternoon coffee might be perfect. Pay attention to energy levels too—many people think more clearly earlier in the day.

Five Estate Planning Oversights 👀

Many individuals unknowingly compromise their estate planning efforts through several recurring errors that can significantly disrupt their carefully crafted intentions.

Let’s talk about five of ‘em… 1️⃣ - The False Sense of Completion

Simply drafting an estate plan isn't a magical solution. Many people mistakenly believe that once a document is signed, their estate planning is comprehensive.

In reality, the documents are just one piece of a complex puzzle that requires careful asset alignment and strategic coordination.

Let’s talk about what could happen if you pick unsuitable individuals…

🧵

https://twitter.com/jennyrozelle/status/1898122399373312320

#1 - Mismanagement of assets

A financially irresponsible individual might make poor investment decisions, fail to file or pay taxes properly, or even misappropriate funds, potentially depleting your estate significantly.

10 lesser-known, yet highly valuable uses of a Power of Attorney document

🧵 🏝️ Managing finances during extended travel abroad or an extra long vacation

🏥 Managing business affairs while recovering from health procedures

💪🏼 Overseeing property and accounts during military deployment

🍎 Managing affairs for college students studying away from home

Tips for finding a qualified estate and/or elder law attorney

A 🧵 1️⃣ - Obtain recommendations from various sources like:

- Your financial or tax advisor
- Your state's bar association
- Other attorneys you trust
- Family or friends who have done estate planning or used elder law services

Types of Trusts in Estate Planning

🧵 1. Testamentary Trust

This is a Trust created in a Last Will & Testament. Therefore, it doesn’t “activate” until you pass away.

The most common types of testamentary trusts I see are done:

- By young families for minor children

- By families for special needs beneficiaries

To “use” a testamentary trust, it’s likely going to need to be probated.

To-Do List for an Executor of a Last Will and Testament

* This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start.

A 🧵 1 / The loss of a loved one lends to a high emotional impact.

Assess and arrange for support for yourself and others.

Too often, people go straight into business mode — and the emotions roar back at a later date.

Grieve. Be with family and friends.

Estate Plan Foundation for Young Adults/Families!

A 🧵 1 / First, health care documents such as a Health Care Power of Attorney/Representative, Advance Directives, and Living Will Declaration.

Whether it’s “who” is making health care decisions or “what” end-of-life options are desired, all are vital documents to consider/have.