Avoiding Probate in 2026: The Traps That Cost Families Everything | Part 1

Описание: Most families think avoiding probate is the goal of estate planning. In 2026, that belief is costing families hundreds of thousands — and sometimes millions — of dollars. In this episode, estate planning and elder law attorney Jesse Bifulco explains why avoiding probate is not a strategy, and how common probate-avoidance techniques like joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and “simple” trusts can quietly backfire.

📌 This is Part 1 of a three-part series on avoiding probate in 2026. In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why probate avoidance alone doesn’t protect your family
✅ How joint ownership and beneficiary forms can create tax and inheritance traps
✅ Why “simple” estate plans often cause complex problems later
✅ The difference between avoiding court and actually protecting assets

If you own a home, have children, or expect to leave assets behind, this episode will challenge assumptions you may not even realize you’re making.

👉 Watch Part 2 next to learn how expanded Medicaid estate recovery can still put your home at risk — even if you avoid probate.

If you find this helpful, like, subscribe, and share your questions in the comments. Future episodes will dive deeper into real-world planning mistakes and how families can avoid them.

🎯 In this episode:
00:00 Welcome and Today’s Topic
00:56 The Benefits and Risks of Probate Avoidance
01:48 Criticisms of Probate Avoidance Techniques
04:29 Planning for the “What Ifs”
05:25 The Real Target and Examples of Missing It
0745 The Good and Bad Way to Avoid Probate
09:29 Details of the Traps
14:53 Restating the Goal of Estate Planning and How to Achieve It
16:08 Protect Your Home from Nursing Home Leins: Part II Preview.
14:44 Sign off

#EstatePlanning #AvoidingProbate #ProbateAvoidance #EstatePlanning2026
#LivingTrust #EstatePlanningMistakes #ProbateTraps
#MedicaidPlanning #EstateRecovery #NursingHomeCosts
#AssetProtection #GenerationalWealth
#LifeCounsel #LifeCastPodcast #ElderLawAttorney

Now available in Print and Digital formats:
📘 Get the book: The LifeCounsel® Estate Planning For Married Couples with Adult Children

👉 Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCSD7Z8X Jesse Bifulco is a lawyer who runs his own practice. The information on this site is not meant to be legal advice or advertising. LifeCounsel® offers free resources to help you learn and make good choices for your family and your future.

🔔 Subscribe @   / @reallifecounsel   to hear true stories that blend family, law, and legacy—and why the decisions you make today matter more than you think.
LifeCast - LifeCounsel Podcast Hosted by: Jesse Bifulco, Esq. LifeCounsel® Founder | Estate Planning Attorney

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Episode 16
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