Discover the keys to safeguarding autonomy in the face of dementia and the intricate legal decisions that follow. As your Elder Law Coach, I, Todd Whatley, guide you through the murky waters of guardianships and powers of attorney, revealing how a dementia diagnosis impacts legal capacity and the crucial steps to maintain control over personal affairs. This episode unravels the ethical imperatives entwined with preserving one's independence, addressing the invasive nature of guardianships—complete with court interventions and potential loss of rights—and contrasting them with the empowering ca ..read more

Embark on a journey with me, Todd Whatley, as I sit down with the exceptional Samantha Shepherd, a beacon in the world of elder law and founder of Assured Trust. Our latest Elder Law Coach podcast episode promises to unveil the complexities of trust management through the lens of Samantha's admirable mission to provide fiduciary services rooted in compassion—a calling that came to fruition amid the unpredictability of a global pandemic. Her stories of navigating the creation of a trust company, especially for those with special needs, will not only enlighten but also inspire you to consider th ..read more

Embark on a journey through the complex landscape of Elder Law with me, Todd Whatley, as your guide. Together we'll uncover the benefits and drawbacks of Irrevocable Trusts, a critical tool in asset protection. This episode promises to illuminate the path for safeguarding your clients' assets from Medicaid, while carefully considering the irreversible sacrifices that come with it. You'll gain insights into the delicate balance of asset protection, especially when handling family treasures like farms, and learn when to implement these trusts or when to proceed with caution. As we navigate the ..read more

Unlock the mysteries of long-term care insurance and its pivotal role in estate planning as I, Todd Whatley, alongside expert Bill Mathews, traverse the intricate terrain of safeguarding one's future. We tackle the big questions: What's the likelihood of needing long-term care, and how do traditional and hybrid policies stack up? Bill brings years of expertise to the table, offering a deep dive into the evolution of the industry and the strategic move towards hybrid models. Prepare to have your eyes opened to the importance of discussing long-term care insurance with clients and how it can pro ..read more

Unlock the secrets to smarter financial decisions with Todd Whatley and our special guest, financial planner Ian Weiner. We're peeling back the layers of the financial industry to reveal the truth behind becoming a financial advisor and how this can impact the advice you trustingly follow. Our revealing discussion traverses the terrain of broker-dealers versus registered investment advisors, giving you an exclusive insider's perspective on the roles that shape these institutions. As you join us, prepare to equip yourself with the critical tools necessary to evaluate the guidance you receive an ..read more

Ready to unlock the potential of your law practice and navigate the complexities of elder law? Join me, Todd Whatley, as I sit down with financial gurus Joel Houser and Ian Winer to demystify the process. We examine the value of building a lucrative wealth team, delegating tasks beyond your expertise, and the importance of planning for the future sale of your practice from day one. We also delve into the necessity for regular business valuations and adopting effective business practices to enhance the appeal to potential buyers. In this episode, we also pull back the curtain on creating a sel ..read more

Curious about the intricacies of elder law and estate planning? Meet Ashley Sharek, an accomplished attorney from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who skillfully navigates this complex terrain. Get rare insights into her captivating journey—from her early interest in estate planning to the thriving practice she runs today. Discover how coaching has been a game-changer for Ashley, equipping her to apply theoretical knowledge to specific cases with aplomb.  Ashley's story doesn't end there; she brings a proactive approach to her practice, integrating vital services such as Medicaid crisis plannin ..read more

Today we have a guest, Michael Wall.  He is with Docubank.  This company provides many benefits to your clients for very little money.  Mainly, they make the client's medical documents available to them with online access with a card for their wallet.  They will also make sure the client's physician has a copy of their documents. This is a great benefit for the client but Docubank does a great job of promoting you as the client's attorney in many ways also.  It is a great partnership.  Join today and learn about Docubank and how it can help your clients and you ..read more

Today Todd has a special guest, Teresa Bush from InterActive Legal.  Todd uses ILS and he talks with Teresa about the benefits of 1) using software to draft documents and why you should and 2) Why InterActive Legal is the software you should be using. Teresa is super interesting and discusses some of the "behind the scene" workings of ILS and how they create great documents and help you in many aspects of your practice. Join us today as we meet Teresa Bush of InterActive Legal.  Get your free consult with the team at ILS by visiting their website.  https://interactivelegal.com ..read more

Today Todd and Sara talk about a new IRS Ruling that would indicate that the real estate in an Irrevocable Trust would not get a step up in basis.  That is true if you do a trust that is not intentionally defective.  We as Elder Law Attorneys know to do the trust with language that ties it back to the estate for the step-up in basis and that rule is still in place. Join us today for a podcast that will confirm what you are doing and will settle your nerves if you heard something else. Check out our new website www.TheElderLawCoach.com ..read more