Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

About Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

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.

Publisher

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

Category

business · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Feb 2024

Latest episode

25 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Aug 2026

   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

2. 

   14 Jul 2026

   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

3. 

   20 May 2026

   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

4. 

   24 Feb 2026

   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

5. 

   18 Nov 2025

   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 (mailto:danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com), Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com (mailto:hfineburg@offitkurman.com), and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com (mailto:cmccauley@offitkurman.com).

6. 

   29 Aug 2025

   The Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Estate Planning

   Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impacts estate planning, advising proactive gifting and plan reviews to maximize new exemption levels.

7. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Choosing a Trustee: Navigating the Complexities and Key Considerations

   Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg interview each other, exploring crucial factors for selecting the right trustee to ensure effective estate planning.

8. 

   18 Feb 2025

   The Risks of Bad Advice

   Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley reveal the dangers of convenient estate planning advice, guiding listeners toward safer alternatives.

9. 

   27 Dec 2024

   Federal Estate Tax Exemption

   Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley discuss the federal estate tax exemption's upcoming sunset and essential planning strategies for navigating potential changes.

10. 

    18 Nov 2024

    The Rules of Intestacy

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III explain intestacy laws, revealing the costly consequences of dying without a will.

11. 

    25 Sept 2024

    Episode 5: Trusts vs. Prenups – Why Trusts Provide Better Asset Protection feat. Joseph Armstrong

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Feinberg, and Charles Max McCauley interview Joseph Armstrong, exploring how trusts offer superior asset protection compared to prenuptial agreements for safeguarding family wealth.

12. 

    12 Jun 2024

    The Crucial Role of Irrevocable Trusts when Gifting Family Business Interests

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III interview each other about how irrevocable trusts protect family business interests from divorce and death, safeguarding legacy and relationships.

13. 

    12 Jun 2024

    Episode 4: The Crucial Role of Irrevocable Trusts when Gifting Family Business Interests

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III interview discuss how irrevocable trusts protect family business interests from divorce and death, safeguarding legacy and relationships.

14. 

    13 May 2024

    How Long Should a Trust Last?

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III interview each other about crafting enduring trusts that protect beneficiaries from divorce, creditors, and taxes.

15. 

    13 May 2024

    Episode 3: Transcript: How Long Should a Trust Last?

    Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III discuss how long trusts should last, emphasizing lifetime duration for asset protection and generational wealth preservation in this interview.

16. 

    12 Mar 2024

    Passing Your Wealth to Your Children- How to Ensure Your Children Benefit from Your Hard Work

    In Episode 2, "Passing Your Wealth to Your Children: How to Ensure Your Children Benefit from Your Hard Work," hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III, the complexities of estate planning through a poignant case study. Explore the repercussions of neglecting trusts in a $24 million estate, revealing how the absence of this vital component led to unintended consequences. Gain insights into the benefits of trusts, debunk common misconceptions, and discover the importance of comprehensive estate planning. Don't miss this episode for a concise guide to safeguarding your assets and securing your legacy. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com (mailto:danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com), Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com (mailto:hfineburg@offitkurman.com), and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com (mailto:cmccauley@offitkurman.com).

17. 

    12 Mar 2024

    Episode 2: Passing Your Wealth to Your Children- How to Ensure Your Children Benefit from Your Hard Work

    In Episode 2, "Passing Your Wealth to Your Children: How to Ensure Your Children Benefit from Your Hard Work," hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III, the complexities of estate planning through a poignant case study. Explore the repercussions of neglecting trusts in a $24 million estate, revealing how the absence of this vital component led to unintended consequences. Gain insights into the benefits of trusts, debunk common misconceptions, and discover the importance of comprehensive estate planning. Don't miss this episode for a concise guide to safeguarding your assets and securing your legacy. 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 (mailto:hfineburg@offitkurman.com), and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com (mailto:cmccauley@offitkurman.com).

18. 

    23 Feb 2024

    Episode 1: Preserving Your Trust: How to Preserve Trust Funds for Couples

    In Episode 1 of "Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom," hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles “Max” McCauley III focus on preserving trust funds for couples. They explore a case where parents established an irrevocable trust for their son, who now wishes to buy a home for his family with the trust's $450,000 in assets. The hosts discuss options, favoring the trust buying the house to ensure asset protection. They also consider the trust lending money to the couple, cautioning against making distributions that could deplete assets and make the house marital property. The episode concludes with a Q&A on jointly owned property, creditor protection, and divorce outcomes. 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.

19. 

    23 Feb 2024

    Preserving Your Trust: How to Preserve Trust Funds for Couples

    In Episode 1 of "Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom," hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles “Max” McCauley III focus on preserving trust funds for couples. They explore a case where parents established an irrevocable trust for their son, who now wishes to buy a home for his family with the trust's $450,000 in assets. The hosts discuss options, favoring the trust buying the house to ensure asset protection. They also consider the trust lending money to the couple, cautioning against making distributions that could deplete assets and make the house marital property. The episode concludes with a Q&A on jointly owned property, creditor protection, and divorce outcomes. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com (mailto:danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com), Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com (mailto:hfineburg@offitkurman.com), and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com (mailto:cmccauley@offitkurman.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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