From Navy JAG to Estate Planning: Why Every Family Needs a Plan Before It's Too Late

From Navy JAG to Estate Planning: Why Every Family Needs a Plan Before It's Too Late

For more than a decade, Kate Tanner served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, prosecuting crimes, advising military commanders, and helping service members through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. But after years of dealing with the legal consequences of life's worst days, she realized she wanted to help families avoid those crises altogether. In this episode of Estate Planning Nightmares...and How to Avoid Them, Jon Braddock sits down with Kate to discuss her remarkable journey from Navy prosecutor to estate planning attorney and why she believes estate planning is one of the greatest gifts we can leave the people we love. Together they discuss: • Kate's path from human trafficking advocacy to the Navy JAG Corps • What she learned while prosecuting cases and advising military leaders around the world • Why she chose estate planning after leaving military service • Why estate planning is for every family—not just the wealthy • The advantages of trusts over wills • How advanced healthcare directives can provide clarity for families facing dementia or Alzheimer's • The unique planning considerations facing LGBTQ+ individuals and families • Why financial literacy should be part of every family's legacy • How estate planning helps preserve not only assets, but also stories, values, and peace of mind Kate's passion for making estate planning accessible to everyone shines throughout this conversation. She shares thoughtful, practical advice while reminding us that the greatest value of a good estate plan isn't found in legal documents—it's found in reducing stress, preventing conflict, and making life easier for the people we love. If you've been putting off your estate plan because you think you're too young, don't have enough assets, or simply don't know where to start, this episode is for you. To learn more about Kate Tanner and Tanner Life & Estate Planning, visit https://tannerestateplanning.com/ [https://tannerestateplanning.com/] or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tanner_esq/ [https://www.instagram.com/tanner_esq/]

The Trust Trap: Why DIY Estate Planning Often Ends in Disaster

Most people believe that once they create a trust, their estate plan is complete. Unfortunately, that's often where the problems begin. In this episode of Estate Planning Nightmares... and How to Avoid Them, Jon Braddock sits down with estate planning attorney Michael Stewart, founder of Stewart Legacy Law, to discuss some of the most common and costly mistakes families make when planning for the future. Michael shares his journey from the world of big-law litigation to helping families create meaningful estate plans that protect loved ones and preserve legacies. Along the way, he reveals why so many DIY trusts fail, the critical difference between a will and a trust, and why estate planning isn't just for wealthy families. You'll discover: • Why improperly funded trusts are one of the biggest estate planning failures • The common misconceptions people have about wills and trusts • Why young families need estate planning just as much as retirees • How proper planning can prevent family conflict and court involvement • The importance of communicating your wishes before a crisis occurs • What legacy truly means beyond money and legal documents Michael also shares a personal story about helping his own grandmother avoid probate and create a smoother path for future generations. If you've ever thought, "I'll get around to my estate plan someday," this episode may change your mind. Because the goal isn't simply transferring assets. It's making things easier for those you love. Michael's Contact Information: Michael Stewart Stewart Legacy Law Email: Info@StewartLegacyLaw.com [Info@StewartLegacyLaw.com] Website: https://www.stewartlegacylaw.com/ [https://www.stewartlegacylaw.com/] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstewartlegacylaw/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstewartlegacylaw/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_stewart_legacy_law/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_stewart_legacy_law/]

The Final Gift: How Clarity Replaced Guilt and Conflict

What if the greatest gift you leave your family isn't money, but clarity? In this episode, estate planning attorney Sabrina Winters shares the personal experience that shaped her career after watching her family struggle through the consequences of having no plan in place. When her uncle passed away without proper directives and planning, the family was left with conflict, uncertainty, and a haunting question: "Did we do the right thing?" Years later, when her own father passed away with clear instructions and open family communication, the experience was completely different. Join Jon Braddock and Sabrina as they explore the difference between chaos and peace, guilt and confidence, and why estate planning is ultimately about protecting the people you love. This is a conversation every family needs to hear. Connect with Sabrina Website: https://ncestateplanninginfo.com/ [https://ncestateplanninginfo.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaWintersAttorneyatLawPLLC [https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaWintersAttorneyatLawPLLC] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estatelawyernc/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/estatelawyernc/?hl=en] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawinterslaw/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawinterslaw/]

Why Estate Plans Fail in Real Life (Even When You Have One) | Lauren Klein, ESQ.

Most estate plans don’t fail because people didn’t do them… They fail because no one followed through. In this episode of Estate Planning Nightmares… and How to Avoid Them, Jon Braddock sits down with estate planning attorney Lauren Klein, co-founder of Flourish Law Group, to break down what’s really going wrong in modern estate planning—and why so many families still end up in probate, confusion, and chaos. Lauren shares her journey from finance to law and reveals the three biggest issues she sees every day: • Planning that’s reactive instead of proactive • Failure to properly fund and retitle assets • Little to no follow-up as life changes The result? Plans that look great on paper—but fall apart when they’re needed most. This conversation goes beyond documents and into what actually makes a plan work: • Why “set it and forget it” is dangerous • The real risks of DIY estate planning • How poor communication leads to “morbid scavenger hunts” • What families should be doing right now to avoid costly mistakes If you already have an estate plan, this episode is a must-listen. Because the biggest mistake isn’t having no plan… It’s thinking you’re covered when you’re not. Contact Information: Lauren A. Klein, ESQ., LL.M. Flourish Law Group 954-698-4570 laurenklein@flourishlawgroup.com [laurenklein@flourishlawgroup.com] Website https://flourishlawgroup.com/ [https://flourishlawgroup.com/] Follow Lauren on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lawyerlaurenklein/ [https://www.instagram.com/lawyerlaurenklein/] https://www.instagram.com/flourishlawgroup/ [https://www.instagram.com/flourishlawgroup/] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-a-klein-esq-ll-m-a39a5a35/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-a-klein-esq-ll-m-a39a5a35/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-law-group/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-law-group/posts/?feedView=all]

Your Estate Plan Needs a Lifeguard (Here’s Why Most Plans Fail Anyway)

Most people think estate planning is about documents. Wills. Trusts. Paperwork. But what if that’s not what actually protects your family? In this episode of Estate Planning Nightmares… and How to Avoid Them, Jon Braddock sits down with returning guest and estate planning attorney Heidi Thompson—founder of Lifeguarding Legacies and author of Lifeguard Your Legacy. Together, they explore a powerful analogy: A great estate plan should function like a lifeguard. Because when everything is calm, you don’t notice it. But when something goes wrong—when emotions are high, decisions are unclear, and families are overwhelmed… That’s when it matters most. Inside this episode: • Why estate plans don’t fail on paper—they fail with people • How the “lifeguard mindset” changes the way you plan • The hidden risks of having documents without clarity • How to guide your family when you’re no longer there to explain things • Why communication and structure matter more than most people realize This isn’t about having a plan. It’s about having a plan that actually works when your family needs it. If you’re still breathing… you still have time to get this right. Contact Information: Heidi J. Thompson, Ed.M., JD Website: https://lifeguardinglegacies.com/ [https://lifeguardinglegacies.com/] Get Heidi’s Book, “Lifeguard Your Legacy” here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSNFVJ4T [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSNFVJ4T]