The Legal Exchange

Hosted by The Financial Exchange Network

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

521

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

The Legal Exchange radio show is designed to provide you with information and a better understanding of the estate tax and elder law planning issues, as well as guide you through the complex rules of Medicaid planning and Medicaid eligibility. Todd will also address ways to avoid the probate process, and will discuss estate, gift and income tax concerns. In addition, Todd will bring on a guest attorney that specializes in other areas of the law in an effort to provide you with a wide range of legal information and do so in a way that is easy to understand.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202654 min

When Estate Planning Goes Wrong, Families Pay the Price

In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers discuss two court cases that show how poor planning and poor recordkeeping can lead to expensive family disputes. Todd explains why an uncashed check became part of an estate, how a second marriage can complicate inheritance without the right plan in place, why powers of attorney require careful documentation, how personal care contracts can help when family members are paid for caregiving, and when irrevocable life insurance trusts may help reduce estate taxes.

June 5, 202654 min

The Trust Mistakes That Can Cost Families Later

Trusts can help families avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and protect assets from long-term care costs, but using the wrong type of trust can create major tax problems and leave families with less control than they expected.In this episode of The Legal Exchange with Todd Lutsky, Todd and Susan Powers break down the differences between revocable trusts, Medicaid irrevocable trusts, life insurance trusts, nominee realty trusts, special needs trusts, and sole benefit trusts. They explain why families should not try to apply for Medicaid on their own, how the five-year look-back period works, and why transferring property or adding children to a deed can backfire. Todd also answers listener questions about protecting homes from nursing home costs, avoiding probate, planning for a child with special needs, and choosing the right trust for each family’s situation.

May 29, 202654 min

What Happens When Your Fiduciary Disregards Your Wishes

Todd and Susan Powers break down real court cases involving second marriages, joint accounts, powers of attorney, revocable trusts, and allegations of undue influence — highlighting the planning mistakes families make before it’s too late.

May 22, 202654 min

Why a Will Is Not Enough to Protect Your Estate

Relying on a will, joint ownership, or informal family agreements can create major estate planning problems that leave families exposed to probate, taxes, creditor issues, and conflict.In this episode of The Legal Exchange with Todd Lutsky, Todd and Susan Powers break down real court cases involving trust disputes, joint property, powers of attorney, and family disagreements over inherited real estate. They explain why transferring property during life can create unnecessary tax problems, how the wrong fiduciary choice can put assets at risk, and why trusts can provide more control and protection than a will alone. Todd also answers listener questions about leaving assets to grandchildren, keeping a family beach house in the family, protecting property from creditors, and avoiding common estate planning potholes before they become costly mistakes.

May 15, 202654 min

Why Old Estate Plans Become Dangerous Over Time

In this episode of The Legal Exchange with Todd Lutsky, Todd and Susan Powers break down real court cases involving second marriages, joint accounts, powers of attorney, revocable trusts, and allegations of undue influence — highlighting the planning mistakes families make before it’s too late. Also covered:Why revocable trusts helped protect assets during an inheritance dispute involving grandchildren and allegations of undue influenceHow misuse of AI in court filings created major legal problems in an estate caseWhy second marriages often require far more planning than a simple willThe hidden risks of joint bank accounts and accidentally disinheriting childrenHow powers of attorney can become part of inheritance disputesStrategies families may use to protect assets when facing long-term nursing home care costsWhat happens to irrevocable trusts after the death of a spouseWhy failing to update estate documents after major life events can create serious consequencesThe common theme: estate plans often fail not because people never planned, but because they assumed old plans would still work after life changed.

May 6, 202654 min

The Estate Planning Mistakes That Destroy Families

One bad estate planning decision can create years of legal battles, family conflict, and financial damage. In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers break down real-life estate planning cases involving cognitive decline, second marriages, unfunded trusts, and disputes between children, spouses, and caregivers. Also covered:Why relying only on a will can create major problemsHow unfunded trusts can completely fail when families need them mostThe dangers of second marriages without updating your estate planWhy beneficiary designations can override your intentionsHow Medicaid planning mistakes can put a family home at riskThe difference between void and voidable marriages in estate disputesHow powers of attorney and conservatorships can become legal battlegroundsWhat families should do now to avoid the most common and costly estate planning mistakes.

May 1, 202654 min

Why Estate Plans Fail When Life Changes

One mistake in your estate plan can cost your family millions. In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers walk through real cases that show how outdated documents, poor planning, and misunderstood strategies can create massive financial consequences. Also covered:How a power of attorney allowed $5.6 million in giftsWhy remarriage without updating your plan can backfireThe hidden risks of nominee realty trustsWhen gifting assets can actually increase taxesWhy failing to update your plan after major life events is so costlyWhat to fix now before these mistakes impact your family.

April 24, 202654 min

One Mistake Can Cost Your Family Everything

One mistake in your estate plan can undo everything you intended. In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers walk through real cases that show how outdated beneficiaries, poor legal advice, and last minute planning can lead to costly outcomes. Also covered:Why failing to update beneficiaries after divorce can backfireHow federal law can override your estate planThe risks of waiting too long to plan for long term careWhat can go wrong when trusts are not properly fundedHow to protect assets for children, second marriages, and special needs planningWhat to fix now before it becomes a costly mistake.

April 17, 202654 min

Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family Everything

Simple estate planning decisions can create major financial and legal problems. In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers walk through real-world cases that highlight how easily things can go wrong—from improperly structured trusts to putting assets in a child’s name. Also covered:A court case showing how one mistake can void a mortgage tied to a trustWhy putting assets in your child’s name can backfire in a divorceHow irrevocable trusts can actually increase control—not reduce itStrategies to protect assets from creditors, divorce, and nursing homesHow to structure inheritances to benefit children and future generationsFrom trust funding to family dynamics, this episode breaks down how to protect your assets—and your family—the right way.

April 10, 202654 min

Trust Mistakes and How to Protect Your Estate

Poor planning can tear families apart—and cost far more than expected. In this episode of The Legal Exchange, Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers walk through real cases involving trust mismanagement, family disputes, and costly estate planning mistakes. Also covered:How self-dealing can unravel a trustWhy special needs planning is criticalThe risks of DIY legal strategiesHow to structure trusts to protect your family and assets