Blog Posts
What is Elder Law?
Go To Post ►: What is Elder Law?Elder law is a specialty inside the world of estate planning in order to protect people’s assets. People continue to think they have to go broke to qualify for some programs, and that’s not the case.
People think “I don’t have anything” – So untrue!
Go To Post ►: People think “I don’t have anything” – So untrue!Better to have some plan that lays out your wishes whether for $500.00 or $500,000.00 or more. If you don’t plan, whatever state you live in has a plan and there’s a risk your assets get distributed in a manner that has you turning over in your grave.
Powers of Attorney: Why They’re Essential (And Why Waiting Can Be Emotionally Exhausting)
Go To Post ►: Powers of Attorney: Why They’re Essential (And Why Waiting Can Be Emotionally Exhausting)The best Power of Attorney is the one signed long before anyone needs it — giving the people who love you, and the people you love, the ability to help when life becomes unexpectedly hard.
Uncomfortable Family Conversations about Estate Planning
Go To Post ►: Uncomfortable Family Conversations about Estate PlanningThe conversations are necessary. They are rarely easy. They are easy to postpone. AND they are one of the greatest gifts families can give to one another.
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, Uncomfortable Family Conversations about Estate Planning
Go To Post ►: Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, Uncomfortable Family Conversations about Estate PlanningConversations are an important part of estate planning. Sometimes they’re a little uncomfortable. Hold those conversations anyway.
Outdated Beneficiary Designations Can Undermine Even the Best Estate Plan
Go To Post ►: Outdated Beneficiary Designations Can Undermine Even the Best Estate PlanBeneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts override your will — even if the will says something completely different.
PROBATE Acronym: A Simple Way to Understand a Complicated Process
Go To Post ►: PROBATE Acronym: A Simple Way to Understand a Complicated ProcessProbate is a court-supervised legal process required when someone dies with no beneficiary designations and no trust. I often use the acronym P.R.O.B.A.T.E. to explain why this process happens and how it can usually be avoided.
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, November 2025
Go To Post ►: Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, November 2025Topics Include: Putting planning off is expensive – emotionally and financially. Biggest surprise when people decide to plan. Hardest decisions. Living Wills and Last Wills are often confused. What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
Family Conversations for Generational Wisdom 2025
Go To Post ►: Family Conversations for Generational Wisdom 2025Updated in 2025, here are my suggestions to prompt conversations about family history, family stories, and what I call “generational wisdom”.
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, July 2024
Go To Post ►: Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, July 2024Topics include Why planning is important and what motivates me. Avoiding probate. Medical power of attorney.