Who’s going to help you while you’re living, financial decisions, health decisions? People don’t know how to arrange that or they don’t have people they trust.
Plus: What is estate planning?
Category: Ask the Experts
Sadly, part of my practice is probate.
When a loved one dies without documents, estate decisions are made by the government. It’s usually expensive and often difficult.
Why you need a will.
If you have $500 or anything you want to go to somebody, you need a will.
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!
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.
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, Uncomfortable Family Conversations about Estate Planning
Conversations are an important part of estate planning. Sometimes they’re a little uncomfortable. Hold those conversations anyway.
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, November 2025
Topics include:
- How life coaching helps
- 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 by people
- What is a Durable Power of Attorney
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, July 2024
Topics Include:
- Why planning is important and what motivates me.
- Avoiding probate.
- Medical Power of Attorney
Debbie London Baker on Ask the Experts, June 2024
Topics Include:
- What’s the most important thing someone can do to get started with their estate plan?
- A common misconception – “I always thought I have to have a lot before I plan”
- What if the person I appointed Power of Attorney dies?
- Key surprise areas that cause distress after someone passes
Hurricane Season & Your Legal Documents
This sometimes-personal conversation occurred a few weeks after Hurricane Milton devastated Tampa in October 2024, and now is a good time to remember the lessons: get your documents in order and make sure you have backups and copies.
The 2025 Hurricane Season is upon us, and it’s time to prepare. Organize your legal documents, save remote copies/backups with family, backup services, and perhaps key people mentioned in your documents.