Musings and Counsel Podcast

  • PROBATE Acronym: A Simple Way to Understand a Complicated Process

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    PROBATE Acronym: A Simple Way to Understand a Complicated Process
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    Most people have heard the word probate. Far fewer really know what it means until they’re suddenly in the middle of it.

    Read the companion blog post: PROBATE Acronym Article

    Watch the companion video: PROBATE Acronym Video

  • Durable Power of Attorney on Ask the Experts, November 2025

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    Durable Power of Attorney on Ask the Experts, November 2025
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    Topics include:

    • What is a Durable Power of Attorney
    • 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

  • Make An Estate Plan to Avoid Probate Because Probate is Expensive

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    Make An Estate Plan to Avoid Probate Because Probate is Expensive
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    Probate is an expensive proposition – monetarily and emotionally. With foresight and attention it can be avoided.

  • Legal Documents in Hurricane Preparation

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    Legal Documents in Hurricane Preparation
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    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.

  • Key Surprises that Cause Distress After Someone Passes

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    Key Surprises that Cause Distress After Someone Passes
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    Two main ones in my experience – lack of proper beneficiary designations on bank accounts, IRAs, life insurance…AND residences being incorrectly titled – especially when purchased by people in committed relationships. They often think, “For sure, if one passes, the other automatically owns the whole.” Not so!

    It’s easily avoided.

  • What if the person I appointed Power of Attorney dies?

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    What if the person I appointed Power of Attorney dies?
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    This happens. Sometimes a person appointed Power of Attorney dies. It’s readily remedied. I recommend successors already be in place to prevent having to do anything.

  • A common misconception: “I always thought I have to have a lot before I plan”

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    A common misconception: “I always thought I have to have a lot before I plan”
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    This is not true. Any amount of money requires some estate planning. Much that’s needed doesn’t need an attorney

  • The Most Important Thing to Start Estate Planning

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    The Most Important Thing to Start Estate Planning
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    What’s the most important thing someone can do to get started with their estate plan?

    A good place to start is to do an inventory of what you have. Not just tangible property – pictures, books, etc., but more intangible property like bank accounts and life insurance. Next figure out who you want to represent you with documents that are relevant while you’re alive and those that come into play after you pass. Work with a good attorney.

  • What does an Executor do?

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    What does an Executor do?
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    This role only comes into play after someone passes. This person is the one you’ve chosen to dispose of your estate – whatever you own when you pass that hasn’t been legally designated to go to someone specific. A good plan covers tangible personal property from vehicles to knickknacks. Sadly, probate is the result if anything hasn’t been beneficiary designated.

  • Four Easy Pieces of an Estate Plan

    Musings & Counsel Podcast
    Musings and Counsel from London Baker Law
    Four Easy Pieces of an Estate Plan
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    The first is a Last Will and Testament, which describes how an individual wants their property (the legal term is “bounty”) distributed after passing.

    The other three are essential while an individual is living.

    • Durable Power of Attorney – someone who can make financial decisions, access digital assets, do planning for government benefits, sell property
    • Health Care Surrogate – someone who can make talk to doctors and make medical decisions if you’re not able
    • Living Will – how you want end-or-life situations handled from letting you pass as soon as it’s determined there is no reasonable medical probability of recovery to being kept alive at all costs

About London Baker Law, P.A.

We have a unique perspective on estate planning that serves our clients well. We thoroughly review not just your assets and your wishes but your legacy. We ask the questions “What’s in the best interest of this family, how do we achieve those goals and what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?” After answering these key questions, we help you determine the best course of action for your family going forward.

  • estate planning
  • probate
  • elder law
  • healthcare surrogates
  • powers of attorney
  • legal advice and counsel

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