Adam Grant shares why thoughtful estate planning is one of the most valuable investments a person can make. Drawing from years of legal experience, he discusses how young families can create meaningful plans that protect assets, ensure smooth transitions, and preserve generational wealth. Adam emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced, responsive professional who will be there for the long term—guiding clients, their children, and even their grandchildren through every stage of life.
Listeners will also hear real-world examples of why cutting corners with DIY or low-cost online legal services often leads to incomplete or invalid plans that land families in probate. Adam’s advice is simple: don’t wait. Start today to build peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
Challenging A Trustee in California: When Legal Action Becomes Necessary
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Sean O’Connor and Adam Grant, founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, delve into the complexities of trustee disputes and beneficiary rights. Adam explains the elevated obligations of trustees and the importance of selecting a trustworthy individual to manage a trust. The discussion covers the legal recourse available when beneficiaries suspect mismanagement, including the use of a 17200 petition to address grievances in court. Adam emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency between trustees and beneficiaries to prevent disputes. He also highlights the role of family dynamics in estate planning and the potential for conflict when financial matters intersect with personal relationships. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the legal processes involved in addressing trustee misconduct and the steps necessary to protect their interests.
14 Sept 2026
Estate Planning Is Only Half the Plan: What Families Need Beyond Legal Documents
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Sean O’Connor is joined by Adam Grant, founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, and Jay Wilburn, founder and CEO of BestFarewell. They delve into the often-overlooked aspects of estate planning that go beyond legal documents. Adam discusses common misconceptions clients have about estate planning and emphasizes the importance of transferring practical information to loved ones. Jay shares personal experiences that inspired him to create Best Farewell, an AI-powered platform that centralizes essential family information and final wishes. Together, they explore the necessity of having a comprehensive plan that includes both legal and personal details to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth transition for families. Listeners will gain insights into how to effectively prepare for the future, ensuring their loved ones have access to all necessary information when the time comes.
17 Aug 2026
Understanding Community Property in California Estate Planning
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Chelsey and attorney Adam Grant delve into the complexities of community property within California estate planning. Adam, the founding attorney at Stonewood Law Group PC, explains the significance of community property laws and their impact on estate planning, particularly in California where these laws are prevalent. The discussion covers common misconceptions about separate and community property, the implications of commingling assets, and the challenges posed by real estate ownership.
Adam also highlights the importance of proper documentation and alignment between estate plans and ownership paperwork to avoid complications after a spouse’s death. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone navigating estate planning in California, especially those in second marriages or with blended families, ensuring listeners are equipped to protect their assets and legacy effectively.
20 Jul 2026
Understanding Heggstad Petitions and Trust Funding Issues
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Chelsey is joined by Adam Grant, founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, to discuss the intricacies of Heggstad petitions in California. Adam explains the significance of these petitions, which follow California probate code 850, and how they help resolve trust funding issues when assets are not properly transferred into a trust. The conversation delves into common scenarios where assets fall outside of a trust, such as during refinancing or when acquiring new property, and how a Heggstad petition can guide the court to honor the original intent of the trustor. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of maintaining updated trust records and the potential pitfalls of a ”set and forget” mentality. This episode is essential for families looking to avoid probate and ensure seamless trust administration.
22 Jun 2026
Using LLCs in Estate Planning: Structuring Assets and When Stacking Makes Sense
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Sean O’Connor sits down with Adam Grant, the founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, to discuss the strategic use of LLCs within estate planning. Adam explains how LLCs can be integrated with trusts to protect assets and ensure smooth transitions to beneficiaries while avoiding probate. He highlights the importance of asset protection in California, where landlords face significant liability risks. Adam also delves into the concept of ”stacking” LLCs, a strategy to isolate liability and enhance protection. He discusses the considerations for choosing the right state for LLC formation, balancing cost and privacy, and the role of estate planning attorneys and CPAs in optimizing these structures. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to safeguard their estate and business interests through effective planning.
25 May 2026
Small Estate Affidavits in California: When They Work and When They Don’t
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, host Sean O’Connor is joined by Adam Grant, founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, to discuss the intricacies of small estate affidavits in California. Adam explains the purpose of these affidavits, which allow families to avoid probate for estates valued under $184,500. He details the process, eligibility criteria, and common pitfalls associated with using small estate affidavits. The conversation also covers the types of assets that qualify, such as vehicles and bank accounts, and those that typically do not, like real property. Adam emphasizes the importance of keeping beneficiary designations up-to-date and discusses the role of joint tenancy in estate planning. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to streamline their estate planning process and avoid the complexities of probate.
30 Mar 2026
Trust Administration: What to Do When a Trustee Is Not Acting in Accordance With the Trust
In this episode of *Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning*, attorney Adam Grant delves into the complexities of trust administration, highlighting what trustees are legally responsible for and how families can respond when trustees fail to uphold the trust’s terms. From understanding trustee duties to recognizing warning signs of mismanagement, Adam offers valuable insights for beneficiaries seeking clarity and transparency in trust administration.
2 Mar 2026
Fiduciaries and Their Role in Estate Planning
In this episode, Adam Grant, founding attorney of Stonewood Law Group PC, delves into the crucial role of fiduciaries in estate planning. He explains the significance of fiduciaries, the different roles they can fulfill, and why choosing the right one is paramount. Adam highlights the complexities of managing trusts, the importance of professional fiduciaries, and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on family members for such responsibilities.
2 Feb 2026
Updating and Reviewing Your Estate Plan: When and Why It Matters
In this episode, Adam Grant discusses the crucial step many families overlook – keeping their estate plan current. He emphasizes the significance of reviewing the plan periodically to ensure it aligns with changing life circumstances and laws. Adam highlights the flexibility of a living trust and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your assets are in order.
5 Jan 2026
Trust Administration 101: What Happens After Someone Passes Away
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, Adam Grant discusses the crucial steps involved in trust administration after a loved one passes away. From understanding the trustee’s responsibilities to resolving disputes and winding down the trust, Adam provides valuable insights for families navigating this process.
8 Dec 2025
Understanding Conservatorships in California: When and Why They’re Needed
In this episode, Attorney Adam Grant breaks down what conservatorships are, when they’re necessary, and how families can navigate the process with compassion and preparation. He explains the two types of conservatorships — of the person and of the estate — and how they differ from powers of attorney and health care directives. Adam also discusses the emotional and legal challenges involved, the responsibilities of a conservator, and what proactive planning steps can help families avoid conservatorship altogether.
10 Nov 2025
Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney: Why Every Californian Needs Them
In this episode, Attorney Adam Grant breaks down two of the most important legal documents every adult should have — the health care directive and durable power of attorney. He explains how these tools protect individuals when they’re unable to make decisions for themselves and how they can prevent families from facing costly conservatorship battles. Adam also shares real-life examples of how planning ahead ensures smoother medical and financial management during difficult times.
27 Oct 2025
Probate in California Explained: What It Is and How to Avoid It
In this episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, Adam Grant breaks down the complex process of probate and explains how families in California can effectively avoid it through proper planning. With years of experience guiding families through estate matters, Adam shares the common pitfalls that lead to probate, how to structure a trust to protect assets, and the significant financial and emotional toll that probate can take on loved ones.
13 Oct 2025
How and Why Choosing Your Estate Planning Attorney Matters
In this premiere episode of Protecting Your Legacy with Estate Planning, Adam Grant, founding partner of Stonewood Law PC in Encino, California, shares his insights on building a secure legacy through thoughtful estate planning. With over a decade of legal experience, Adam discusses why trust, accessibility, and long-term relationships are essential when selecting the right estate planning professional. He also explains how young families can protect their futures, the dangers of DIY estate planning, and why acting early provides lasting peace of mind.
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