Description

If you die without a will, your estate will go through probate—and your will will become public information. But that's not the scariest part.

Without an advance directive, the court can keep you alive and 'comfortable' even if you don't want to be intubated or have limbs removed. Your family can override your unspoken wishes.

Angela Ross, an attorney with 31 years of experience and current probate judge in Orleans County, Vermont, shares what most people don't know about estate planning—and what it costs families when they avoid it.

In this essential conversation:

• Why your will becomes public (and how to avoid probate)
• The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts
• Medicaid planning and Enhanced Life Estate Deeds
• Estate and gift tax thresholds ($12 million—you're probably fine)
• What questions to ask prospective estate lawyers
• Why advance directives are MORE important than wills
• How to ensure your end-of-life wishes are legally honored

This isn't just legal information—it's protection for you and peace of mind for your family.

You may want to listen more than once.

Hosted by Patricia M Sears, End-of-Life Doula and founder of Graceful Transitions. Subscribe to hear monthly conversations with nationally recognized experts on death, dying, and life's most important transitions.

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