Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

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

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Aug 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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15 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 1523 min

Estate Planning Wisdom: DIY and AI-Generated Documents

Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley, estates and trusts attorneys, break down the risks of using AI tools and online services to prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Danielle, Herb, and Max walk through the execution formalities that vary by state, the trouble that surfaces when a will is not self-proving, and the court battles that can follow when questions of capacity or undue influence go unaddressed. They explain why business agreements, prenuptial agreements, divorce decrees, and beneficiary designations all take priority over a will, and share real examples of AI producing incorrect tax figures, hallucinated statutes, and advice that blends the law of multiple states together. The conversation closes with practical guidance on coordinating an estate plan with CPAs and financial advisors, choosing the right agents and fiduciaries, and reviewing documents every three to five years. 00:00 Estate Planning: The Pitfalls of DIY and AI-Generated Documents 00:07 Welcome and Episode Introduction 01:00 The Problem with DIY and AI Estate Planning Documents 02:00 Execution Formalities Every State Requires 04:00 What Happens When a Will Isn't Self-Proving 06:00 Capacity, Undue Influence, and the Missing Legal Supervision 08:00 When Estate Plans Conflict with Business Agreements 09:00 AI Hallucinations and Made-Up Tax Numbers 10:00 Contracts vs. the Will: Which One Controls 11:00 Prenuptial Agreements, Divorce Decrees, and Beneficiary Designations 12:00 Joint Titling and the Limits of a Will 13:00 Coordinating with CPAs and Financial Advisors 14:00 How AI Blends the Law of Different States 15:00 The Fine Print: DIY Disclaimers and Liability 17:00 When DIY Estate Planning Actually Works, and When It Doesn't 18:00 Beyond the Will: Powers of Attorney and Choosing the Right Agent 20:00 Why Even “Simple” Families Need Real Guidance 21:00 Reviewing Your Estate Plan Every Three to Five Years 22:00 Avoiding Costly Ancillary Probate: A Florida Example 23:00 Closing Thoughts

July 14, 2026Episode 1419 min

Love, Trusts, and Prenups: "Strangers: A Memoir of a Marriage"

Hosts Danielle Friedman and Herb Fineburg dig into the New York Times bestseller Strangers by Belle Burden, using the book's real-life inspired story to unpack how prenuptial agreements and trusts actually work when a marriage ends. The conversation centers on Belle's inheritance from her wealthy family, the prenup she signed under pressure from her husband James, and the costly decision to pull money from an irrevocable trust to buy real estate in joint names. Danielle and Herb break down the critical difference between a prenup, which can be modified or waived by the couple, and a trust, which cannot be changed once established. They examine where Belle's trustees fell short, why titling inherited assets jointly can undo the protection a trust is designed to provide, and what a trustee should do instead when a beneficiary asks to withdraw significant funds. The episode closes with practical lessons for anyone who is a trust beneficiary, a trustee, or entering a marriage with inherited wealth, including why independent counsel matters at every stage. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Introduction & Episode Overview 01:00 Introducing the Book Strangers by Belle Borden 02:00 Belle Borden's Family Background and Inherited Wealth 03:00 Belle and James's Marriage and the Original Prenup 04:00 Modifying the Prenuptial Agreement 05:00 How the Prenup Defined Separate vs. Marital Property 06:00 Prenups vs. Trusts: A Key Distinction 07:00 What the Trustees Got Wrong 08:00 Withdrawing Trust Funds to Buy Real Estate in Joint Names 09:00 Belle's Own Reflections on Her Choices 10:00 Beneficiaries as Stewards of Family Wealth 11:00 The Meeting to Terminate the Prenup 12:00 James's Strategic Advantage Heading Into Divorce 13:00 How James Protected His Own Assets 14:00 The Importance of Financial Literacy in Marriage 15:00 How a Trustee Should Have Handled the Request 16:00 Protecting Inherited Assets Under State Law 17:00 The Risk of Trustee Liability 18:00 Choosing the Right Trustee 19:00 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendation

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 Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Post-Death Planning 02:15 Grief First: Why Nothing Is Immediate 05:30 Funeral Arrangements & Prepaid Plans 08:10 First Calls: Attorney and Accountant 11:20 Using Tax Returns to Locate Assets 14:05 Reviewing Mail & Financial Records 17:20 Importance of the Death Certificate 22:15 Social Security Benefits & Next Steps 27:45 Employer Benefits & Insurance Coverage 32:10 Tracking Assets Through Bank Statements 36:25 Digital Assets & Password Access 41:50 Understanding Probate & How to Avoid It 46:30 Managing Bills and Creditors 50:15 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 Max McCauley explore one of the most common client questions: How much should parents tell their children about their estate plan? They break the issue into three levels—essentials, structure, and numbers—and discuss what to share, when to share it, and why timing and maturity matter. From identifying key documents to understanding trust structures and navigating sensitive family dynamics, this conversation offers practical guidance for families aiming to strike the right balance. 00:00 – Introduction: Why Estate Transparency Is So Complicated 01:00 – Survey Insight: Most Boomers Think Sharing Is Important—But Few Actually Do 02:00 – Level One: The Essentials (Documents, Advisors, Policies & Emergency Info) 04:00 – Why Fiduciary Roles Should Not Be Revealed Too Early 06:00 – Burial Wishes, Insurance Policies & Other Overlooked Essentials 08:00 – Level Two: Understanding Structure Without Disclosing Wealth 09:00 – Trusts vs. Outright Gifts: What Children Need to Know (and Why) 10:00 – Letters of Intent & Explaining the Philosophy Behind Your Plan 12:00 – Conversations Don’t Count—Only Documents Do 13:00 – Level Three: The Numbers (Why Most Parents Should Avoid This Tier) 14:00 – Maturity, Financial Independence & When Kids Are Not Ready 16:00 – When Shared Numbers Reduce Pressure—or Create It 17:00 – Lifestyle vs. Reality: When Children Don’t Know Their Parents’ Wealth 18:00 – Aligning Spouses: Why You Should Rehearse the Conversation First 19:00 – Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All Approach If you’d like to learn more or have questions, contact: Danielle — danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com Herb — hfineburg@offitkurman.com Max — 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 Overview 00:48 Reader's Dilemma: Balancing Inheritance 02:05 Danielle's Perspective: Assumptions and Fairness 02:50 Max's Advice: Equal Shares to Avoid Conflict 04:15 Estate Planning Tools: Disclaimers and Pot Trusts 07:27 Real-Life Scenarios: Wealth Disparities Among Children 10:20 Practical Solutions: Trusts and Equal Shares 17:56 Stepchildren and Estate Planning 18:42 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 .

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 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 .

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 .