Why Your Old Will Might Not Be Enough Anymore | Plan For This Ep 3

Welcome to the *Plan for This Podcast*—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness.  

Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.  

📌 In this episode: 
What happens when your estate plan relies on a will and a testamentary trust—only for your attorney and successor trustee to pass away before you do? In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite and Ron examine a real case study of Douglas, a widower who believed a simple will was enough. His story reveals the risks of incomplete planning, outdated documents, and not having successor trustees in place.
Marguerite explains the differences between wills, testamentary trusts, and revocable living trusts—highlighting how each tool works, where they fall short, and why updating your plan matters. The discussion also explores blended family dynamics, prenuptial agreements, life estates, and why naming the wrong trustee can cause lasting family conflict.
Whether you’re new to estate planning or revisiting an old plan, this episode delivers the practical insights you need to make confident choices about your future.
👉 Become a PlanFan today and get access to our First Steps Toolkit, member-only support, and reminders to keep your plan current. Visit www.PlanForThis.com to join our community and take control of your legacy with confidence.
Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction & case study setup
 01:00 – Douglas’s story: will, testamentary trust & missing successor trustee
 02:07 – What is a testamentary trust?
 04:24 – The role and limits of a will
 06:36 – Why Douglas must update his plan now
 07:57 – When was your trust last reviewed?
 08:13 – Laws change, so should your documents
 09:36 – The importance of revisiting estate plans regularly
 11:40 – Blended families: new challenges for estate planning
 13:27 – Listener Q&A: Separate finances and blended families
 15:23 – Trusts, prenups, and life estate considerations
 17:14 – Successor trustee conflicts in blended families
 20:57 – Why co-trustees are risky for family harmony
 22:50 – Final thoughts: everyone needs an updated estate plan

✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:  
- Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)  
- Executor and trustee responsibilities explained  
- Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning  
- Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools  

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👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/ 

Because when life asks, *“Did you plan for this?”*—you’ll be ready.  

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