Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

Hosted by Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, & Max McCauley, Offit Kurman

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to “Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom,” the podcast where we unravel the complexities of estates and trusts to empower you with the knowledge needed for effective legacy planning. This podcast is your guide through the intricate landscapes of wills, trusts, and probate. Thank you for joining us — we hope you find the discussions informative, but remember, when it comes to legal matters, always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific case. Podcast Legal Disclaimer Welcome to "Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom," it's important to note that the content presented in this podcast is for general understanding and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice nor should itnot be construed as legal advice. The information provided in this podcast is based on general legal principles and may not reflect the current state of the law or specific details of your case. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and legal outcomes can be highly dependent on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between the hosts, guests, or participants and any listener. If you require legal advice or representation, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney who can assess your individual situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, legal topics are complex and subject to change. Therefore, we make no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts, guests, and participants will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from the use of the information provided. It is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice for your specific situation from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

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13 recent

May 20, 2026Episode 1324 min

Dealing with Loss: Understanding Your Estate Planning Steps

In this episode of Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles Max McCauley walk through the essential first steps after the loss of a spouse. From handling funeral arrangements to locating assets, understanding Social Security benefits, and navigating probate, the hosts provide practical, compassionate guidance for surviving spouses. This episode emphasizes what truly matters in those early days—taking time to grieve, seeking trusted professional help, and knowing you don’t have to navigate the process alone.Episode Timeline00:00 Introduction to Post-Death Planning02:15 Grief First: Why Nothing Is Immediate05:30 Funeral Arrangements & Prepaid Plans08:10 First Calls: Attorney and Accountant11:20 Using Tax Returns to Locate Assets14:05 Reviewing Mail & Financial Records17:20 Importance of the Death Certificate22:15 Social Security Benefits & Next Steps27:45 Employer Benefits & Insurance Coverage32:10 Tracking Assets Through Bank Statements36:25 Digital Assets & Password Access41:50 Understanding Probate & How to Avoid It46:30 Managing Bills and Creditors50:15 Final Takeaways: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

February 24, 2026Episode 1219 min

How Much Estate Information Should You Share with Your Kids?

How Much Estate Information Should You Share with Your Kids?In this episode of “Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom,” Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and MaxMcCauley explore one of the most common client questions: How much should parents tell theirchildren about their estate plan?They break the issue into three levels—essentials, structure, and numbers—and discuss what toshare, when to share it, and why timing and maturity matter. From identifying key documents tounderstanding trust structures and navigating sensitive family dynamics, this conversation offerspractical guidance for families aiming to strike the right balance.00:00 – Introduction: Why Estate Transparency Is So Complicated01:00 – Survey Insight: Most Boomers Think Sharing Is Important—But Few Actually Do02:00 – Level One: The Essentials (Documents, Advisors, Policies & Emergency Info)04:00 – Why Fiduciary Roles Should Not Be Revealed Too Early06:00 – Burial Wishes, Insurance Policies & Other Overlooked Essentials08:00 – Level Two: Understanding Structure Without Disclosing Wealth09:00 – Trusts vs. Outright Gifts: What Children Need to Know (and Why)10:00 – Letters of Intent & Explaining the Philosophy Behind Your Plan12:00 – Conversations Don’t Count—Only Documents Do13:00 – Level Three: The Numbers (Why Most Parents Should Avoid This Tier)14:00 – Maturity, Financial Independence & When Kids Are Not Ready16:00 – When Shared Numbers Reduce Pressure—or Create It17:00 – Lifestyle vs. Reality: When Children Don’t Know Their Parents’ Wealth18:00 – Aligning Spouses: Why You Should Rehearse the Conversation First19:00 – Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All ApproachIf you’d like to learn more or have questions, contact:Danielle — danielle.friedman@offitkurman.comHerb — hfineburg@offitkurman.comMax — cmccauley@offitkurman.com

November 18, 2025Episode 1119 min

Balancing Your Estate for Harmony

In this episode of 'Trust Us,' Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss a complex estate planning scenario from a recent article. A father of three sons, two from his first marriage and one from a later relationship, grapples with the decision of whether to divide his estate equally among his children despite differences in their financial situations. The conversation delves into the potential problems with unequal distribution, the complexities of pot trusts, and the use of disclaimers. They highlight the importance of maintaining family harmony through equal treatment while addressing future wealth concerns. The team also emphasizes the necessity of updating estate plans regularly to reflect current wishes and relationships.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:48 Reader's Dilemma: Balancing Inheritance02:05 Danielle's Perspective: Assumptions and Fairness02:50 Max's Advice: Equal Shares to Avoid Conflict04:15 Estate Planning Tools: Disclaimers and Pot Trusts07:27 Real-Life Scenarios: Wealth Disparities Among Children10:20 Practical Solutions: Trusts and Equal Shares17:56 Stepchildren and Estate Planning18:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

August 29, 2025Episode 1013 min

The Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Estate Planning

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the recent changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which raised the estate tax exemption level starting January 1, 2026. Despite the increased exemption, the hosts recommend continuing with estate planning and gifting during a person's lifetime due to potential future changes in the law and state inheritance taxes. They emphasize the advantages of lifetime gifting to irrevocable trusts, the importance of initiating the statute of limitations for gift tax returns, and strategies for minimizing state inheritance taxes. The episode concludes with advice to review current estate plans to maximize the benefits of the new exemption levels.(00:00) - Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (01:11) - Understanding the New Exemption Limits (02:08) - Gifting Strategies and Exemption Usage (04:04) - Potential Changes and Risks (05:01) - Advantages of Using the Exemption Now (07:57) - State Inheritance and Estate Tax Considerations (10:40) - Reviewing and Updating Estate Plans (12:24) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact our hosts.

July 14, 2025Episode 922 min

Choosing a Trustee: Navigating the Complexities and Key Considerations

In this episode of 'Trust Us,' Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the critical aspects of selecting a trustee. They cover common client questions, including who should be named as a trustee, the benefits and drawbacks of having a corporate versus an individual trustee, and the specific limitations and responsibilities of beneficiary trustees. The discussion also delves into scenarios where independent trustees may be beneficial, trustee compensation, and the process for naming successor trustees. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help clients make informed decisions in their estate planning.00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 Key Considerations in Choosing a Trustee 02:32 Beneficiary as Trustee: Pros and Cons 04:39 Independent Trustees and Their Benefits 09:30 Trustee Selection: Family Members vs. Professionals 17:41 Trustee Compensation and Responsibilities 22:30 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

February 18, 2025Episode 814 min

The Risks of Bad Advice

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley tackle the pitfalls of common estate planning advice, highlighting the risks of adding children to bank accounts or deeds purely for convenience. They discuss the adverse tax implications, potential family conflicts, and legal issues that can arise from such actions. The hosts emphasize the importance of consulting with informed professionals and suggest alternative methods, such as living trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney, to achieve estate planning goals without unintended consequences.(00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:56) - Risks of Adding a Child to a Checking Account (02:12) - Tax Implications of Joint Accounts (03:14) - Inheritance and Gift Tax Consequences (04:32) - Family Strife and Legal Issues (05:18) - Adding a Child to Property Deeds (07:49) - Better Alternatives for Estate Planning (11:01) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

December 27, 2024Episode 713 min

Federal Estate Tax Exemption

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley discuss the significant changes anticipated with the sunset of the Federal Estate Tax Exemption. They explain what the exemption is, how it impacts estates, and the strategic planning necessary to navigate potential changes post-2025. Topics include essential planning techniques, potential legislative changes, and advice on how to prepare for the uncertainties.Introduction to Federal Estate Tax Exemption (0:46)Current vs. Future Exemption Amounts (1:28)Hypothetical Example of Taxable Estate (2:47)Impact of Future Legislative Changes (3:53)Strategic Planning Techniques (5:23)Advantages of Early Planning (10:37)Conclusion and Recommendations (13:17)If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

November 18, 2024Episode 625 min

The Rules of Intestacy

In this episode of the Trust Us podcast, hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III dive into the complex world of intestacy—the laws that govern the distribution of assets when someone passes away without a will.From common misconceptions about how assets pass to surviving spouses and children, to the unexpected complications of business succession and guardianship of minors, this episode unpacks the consequences of intestacy. Learn why not having a will can lead to costly legal battles, family disputes, and unintended tax burdens.Whether you're married, have children, own a business, or simply want peace of mind about your legacy, this episode will make you rethink your estate planning—and why it’s never too early to start.If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

September 25, 2024Episode 528 min

Trusts vs. Prenups – Why Trusts Provide Better Asset Protection feat. Joseph Armstrong

In this episode of "Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom," hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Feinberg, and Charles Max McCauley, along with special guest Joe Armstrong, delve into the critical comparison between trusts and prenuptial agreements in protecting family assets.The hosts explore why trusts can be a stronger and more flexible alternative to prenuptial agreements, especially when planning for high-net-worth individuals and their children's marriages. They discuss how properly structured trusts can provide robust asset protection without the potential awkwardness or limitations of prenups. Key points covered include:The advantages of discretionary trusts over mandatory distribution provisionsHow trusts can protect assets from divorce proceedings more effectively than prenupsThe potential pitfalls of last-minute prenuptial agreementsThe use of self-settled asset protection trusts as an alternative to prenupsThe importance of careful trust design in estate planningThis episode emphasizes the long-term benefits of proactive trust planning in safeguarding family wealth across generations. It offers crucial insights for parents looking to protect their children's inheritances and for individuals seeking to shield their assets before marriage.Join us for this enlightening discussion on the power of trusts in modern estate planning and asset protection strategies.If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmmcauley@offitkurman.com.

June 12, 2024Episode 410 min

The Crucial Role of Irrevocable Trusts when Gifting Family Business Interests

In Episode 4, through a compelling case study, hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III explore the vital role of irrevocable trusts when gifting closely held family business interests for the benefit of children.A client gifted a mere 1.5% stake in his company to each of his three children without using irrevocable trusts, aiming to save on costs. When one child faced divorce unexpectedly, the divorce proceedings centered around this small 1.5% stake in the family business owned by the child. Further complications arose when that same child, who remarried, unexpectedly died, leaving his business interests to his surviving spouse. This led to family conflicts for the children, which destroyed the relationships among the client's grandchildren.The hosts discuss the missed opportunities for protecting the family business from the divorce and death of a child who owns an interest in the business. This Episode emphasizes how irrevocable trusts can shield assets from divorce and permanent family conflicts. Learn crucial lessons on proactive trust planning to protect both assets and family bonds. Join us for this insightful discussion on safeguarding your legacy.If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.