Ask The Experts

Bob Winn and Brian Black discuss how bankruptcy laws attempt to provide protection for debtors, and also for creditors. They also discuss the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Very informative.

Brian and Bryan review powers of attorney, living wills, advance directives, etc. and explain their importance.

Brian and Bryan discuss the probate case of Earl Field after a codicil to his will was found that changes all his previous wishes. There are many legal issues to consider in this case, and Bryan discusses what those issues are and what you can do to avoid similar potential problems.

Bryan and Brian talk about the importance of estate planning and what it can mean if you fail to plan and your estate is subject to the courts. There were also several callers with specific estate planning questions that Bryan was able to answer.

Bryan and Brian help define and clarify durable powers of attorney. This is a crucial part of any estate plan.

Bryan and Brian start at the very basics and get in depth in discussing powers of attorney and problems that can be avoided and other benefits by having durable powers of attorney in place.

In 2005, the nation was tuned in every night to news of the legal battle between Terri Schiavo's husband and her family. Mrs. Schiavo had been kept alive by life sustaining machines, but doctors said she would never live any kind of normal life again. Her husband wanted to let her pass by disconnecting her from the machines, but her family did not. It led to a massive and very public legal battle which could have all been avoided with proper planning. Bryan and Brian discuss what that planning entails as well as another case with similar issues.

Bryan and Brian discussed strategies to be able to receive the long-term care you need, while preserving a portion of your estate through Medicaid spend down. Of course, the best course of action to be able to preserve your entire estate is planning before the need for long-term care arises. They also discussed the ABLE Act that was recently passed by Congress to help save money for this kind of care, similar in some ways to a 529 plan.

Bryan and new host Brian Black discuss long-term care planning strategies and how to avoid guardianship.

Bryan and John discuss what effective planning strategies exist for various phases of life. In whatever situation you find yourself, there is effective planning that you can do to ensure that your interests are protected no matter what the future may bring.

Bryan and John discuss common mistakes that people make when planning their estate without the professional counsel of an attorney. Beware of joint tenancy!

Bryan Lowe and John Shaffer discuss the basics of trusts and their common uses in estate planning.