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001: The Ultimate GPS to Money in Your Relationship

Absolute Trust Talk

Release Date: 04/12/2018

157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change show art 157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change

Absolute Trust Talk

A significant shift in California probate law is on the horizon, promising to make estate transfers more accessible for many homeowners. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into a game-changing legislation effective April 1, 2025. This new law allows for a simplified transfer of primary residences valued up to $750,000 to heirs—without the need for probate or a formal estate plan. They discuss how this expansion of the small estate affidavit and petition procedures can ease the burden on families, making property...

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156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained show art 156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained

Absolute Trust Talk

In the third episode of their probate alternatives series on Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into two streamlined legal procedures that help families avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process when transferring small real estate estates in California. They explain an affidavit procedure for properties valued under $61,500 and a petition for determining succession to property for estates under $184,500. The discussion covers the requirements for each method, including waiting periods, the role of a probate referee, and when each...

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155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate show art 155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate

Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the spousal property petition, a vital tool that offers a faster and more cost-effective way for surviving spouses to claim assets from a deceased spouse's estate. They break down the legal nuances, sharing practical examples of how this process works and how it can sometimes be used even after both spouses have passed away. With real-world scenarios and expert advice, this episode sheds light on probate alternatives that can ease the estate administration process for families. Whether...

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154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit show art 154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit

Absolute Trust Talk

Navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming, so what if there was a way to avoid it entirely? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, associate attorney Jessica Colbert and managing attorney Kirsten Howe introduce the small estate affidavit—an often overlooked yet highly effective tool for bypassing probate when certain conditions are met. Together, they break down what it takes to qualify for this process, explain how it works to transfer personal property without court involvement and point out some important details and potential challenges. Don’t miss this insightful...

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153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now show art 153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now

Absolute Trust Talk

Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk! In this exciting episode, associate attorney Jessica Colbert steps into the spotlight for the first time, accompanied by managing attorney Kirsten Howe. Together, they continue the series AB Trusts: Do You Have One? Do You Need One? This episode uncovers the surprising reason many couples have AB trusts without realizing it, and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation. You’ll also learn why it might be time to reconsider an AB trust, especially if you are the surviving spouse and want to make changes. Don’t miss out on this...

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152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed? show art 152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed?

Absolute Trust Talk

Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spouse's wishes are unintentionally—or even deliberately—overlooked or altered. Tune in as we explore how and why this happens and, more importantly, what steps you can take to ensure that your estate plan works exactly as intended.   ...

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151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples show art 151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples

Absolute Trust Talk

Married couples, is your AB trust still serving your needs, or has it outstayed its welcome? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert take a closer look at AB trusts, a once-standard estate planning tool. They discuss when an AB trust makes sense and when it might just add unnecessary complexity and cost. Tune in as they explain the key benefits of asset control after death, while also considering the downsides, such as tax filing requirements and maintenance expenses. Whether you're revisiting an existing trust or planning for the future,...

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150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan? show art 150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan?

Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their in-depth discussion on selecting a successor trustee, with a focus on third-party options. They explore key considerations when choosing a licensed professional fiduciary, breaking down the advantages and potential drawbacks of this option. Additionally, they provide insights into other alternatives, such as corporate trustees. Whether you're making this decision for the first time or revisiting your estate plan, this episode offers practical advice to help you choose the best trustee...

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149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider show art 149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider

Absolute Trust Talk

Are you considering naming a child as your successor trustee? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the pros and cons of selecting a child for this crucial role. They break down key factors, including whether to name one child or multiple children as co-trustees, and the potential challenges that can arise, from sibling dynamics to administrative complexities. Tune in to gain valuable insights and ensure you make an informed decision about your trust’s future.   Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:45...

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148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust show art 148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust

Absolute Trust Talk

Are you prepared to name a successor trustee in your estate plan? Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this episode of Absolute Trust Talk will guide you through the process. We’ll break down the most important traits to look for in a successor trustee, such as trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to seek professional advice when needed. Plus, we’ll share common pitfalls to avoid so you can make the best choice for your family’s future.   Time-stamped Show Notes:   0:00 Introduction 0:50 What is a Successor Trustee, and why is naming one essential for your...

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More Episodes

In this episode of “Absolute Trust Talk,” Kirsten talks to Maureen Richardson, Certified Financial Planner and sole practitioner at Richardson Elite Financial Strategies. Richardson is also Amazon bestselling author of “‘Til Money Do Us Part: Financial Planning for Couples.” 

The topic of conversation is, of course, financial planning, but not just any financial planning, the focus here is on couples. Maureen highlights how money is not necessarily the root of the problem and addresses the missed or overwhelming signs that a partner ignores and the reluctance that couples have to sitting down and laying ALL their cards out on the table.

Maureen shares how her book was born out of the real-life personal experience of being married to a financially irresponsible spouse, and even though she was financially savvy as a person in finance, it destroyed her marriage and her life. Richardson shares how to get the ball rolling when it comes to planning and also weighs in on what to do if you're already married and in a financial bind.

Big Three From Episode # 01:

  1. It’s not about the MONEY itself
  2. Leave no skeletons in the closet, talk about EVERYTHING in your financial history
  3. Get organized, make a plan

 

Time stamped show notes:

3:32 – It’s not about the money it’s about the values – Money is the symptom

4:35 – Who cares if you’re in finance! What’s going on at home?

6:20 – Maureen talks about the why behind her book, “Till Money Do Us Part”

8:45 – The topics that couples overlook when they are heading to the alter

9:32 – The top two things couples should disclose during the financial discussion

11:45 – Did you know poor credit = this?

13:10 – Now that everything’s out on the table, what do we do next?

15:37 – How are you protected? Maureen had three people discover this about not having the proper insurance when needed.

16:45 – Do this now!

17:25 – What if you’re already married and in trouble?

18:22 – The number one thing you need to track to get out of trouble.

 

Episode # 01 Freebie:

When you think about planning for marriage what comes to mind? Planning a big wedding, going on your honeymoon, finding a place to live, building a family… the list goes on. But, when it comes down to it, finances are behind it all, right? There’s no magic fairy dust, no magic eraser, your financial history follows you right to the altar. Did you sit down with your partner and hash out the details? Did you reveal debt, your taxes, your insurance even? If you don’t talk about it before you tie the knot, when will you? When you’re in line to see the divorce lawyer? In “ ’Til Money Do Us Part” Maureen Richardson breaks it all down and walks you through a productive and healthy discussion of money. Money is difficult to talk about, which is the reason why money is the leading cause of marital problems and divorce. People seem to think that by ignoring money, it will somehow work itself out. It doesn’t. You don’t need to be a financial genius. You don’t need to have a ton of money. You just need to be smart, know the warning signs and address them before it’s too late. “’Till Money Do Us Part” is simple, relevant and straight to the point, and we’ve got a special excerpt just for you. Click here to download your free chapter and if that leaves you wanting MORE get this bestseller on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/162865032X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Resources/Tools/Links mentioned in this episode:

'Til Money Do Us Part: Financial Planning for Couples

Visit Maureen’s Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/TilMoneyDoUsPart/ to keep up with the latest resources and articles all about managing finances in a relationship.

Use Quicken to track every single expense for your spending plan!

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