The Estate Blueprint: Planning Your Future with Tom Begley

The Executor’s First 30 Days in New Jersey: A Practical Checklist

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Estate Blueprint, Thomas Begley discusses the crucial steps to take within the first 30 days after a loved one passes away in New Jersey. From securing the original will to handling probate procedures, Thomas provides insights on managing executor responsibilities efficiently, offering valuable guidance for anyone facing this situation.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Obtaining the original will and death certificate
01:30 – Making an appointment with the county surrogate for probate
03:15 – Providing names and addresses of next of kin for notice of probate
05:20 – Acquiring a tax identification number for the estate
07:10 – Importance of maintaining the original will
09:05 – Executor's responsibilities after probate
11:30 – Deadlines for filing claims and tax returns
14:45 – Addressing liquidity needs and supporting surviving dependents
About the Show:
The Estate Blueprint with Thomas Begley offers expert guidance on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. With over 35 years of experience, Thomas helps South Jersey families protect their assets and navigate legal processes with confidence. Visit begley3law.com for resources to secure your future and handle executor duties effectively.

Make Your Trust Actually Work: Funding, Titles, and Beneficiary Updates

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of *The Estate Blueprint*, Thomas Begley III discusses the crucial aspect of funding a trust for effective estate planning. He highlights the importance of ensuring that assets flow through the trust as intended, emphasizing the need to review and update beneficiary designations. With real-life examples, Thomas sheds light on common mistakes and the implications of assets not properly transferred into a trust. Listeners gain valuable insights into the key steps to maintain alignment between their trust documents and asset ownership.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Importance of funding a trust correctly
03:15 – Types of assets that need to be re titled into the trust
05:45 – Consequences of a trust not being fully funded
07:20 – Reviewing account titles and beneficiary designations
09:10 – Common mistakes in trust funding and asset transfers
11:45 – Steps to coordinate new assets with an existing trust
13:30 – Ensuring consistency in beneficiary designations
15:40 – Recommendations for checking and correcting a trust's funding
About the Show: 
*The Estate Blueprint* is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by Mike Leon, featuring Thomas Begley III as the expert in estate planning, trust administration, and elder law. Gain valuable insights and practical advice on safeguarding your assets and securing your family's future. 
Visit Begley3law.com for more information on estate planning resources and services.

New Jersey Inheritance Tax: Who Pays and How to Plan Around It

Episode Summary: Attorney Tom D. Begley III sheds light on New Jersey's inheritance tax, distinguishing it from the repealed estate tax. He explains who pays the inheritance tax, the different classes of heirs, and the tax rates applicable. Discover how smart planning can reduce the tax burden and ensure a smoother transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Difference between estate tax and inheritance tax
03:45 – Classes of heirs subject to inheritance tax
06:10 – Tax rates for different beneficiary classes
08:25 – Handling inheritance tax for exempt and non-exempt heirs
10:40 – Planning ahead to minimize inheritance tax
12:55 – Scenarios leading to unexpected inheritance tax bills
15:20 – Impact of joint accounts on inheritance tax
17:45 – Inheritance tax implications across state borders
19:10 – Ensuring documents are in order to avoid surprises and taxes
About the Show: *The Estate Blueprint* is a comprehensive resource for estate planning, elder law, special needs trust, and Medicaid planning. Attorney Tom D. Begley III brings over 35 years of expertise in helping families protect their assets and plan for the future. Visit bagley3law.com for valuable insights and guidance on securing your legacy.

Choosing the Right Executor or Trustee: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Episode Summary:
In this critical episode, Tom Begley stresses the overlooked importance of selecting qualified fiduciaries, highlighting rising abuse cases in probate courts. The discussion contrasts short-term executor duties with long-term trustee roles, key qualifications like integrity and common sense, and strategies for backups, co-fiduciaries, and easy updates.
Key Timestamps: 
00:01 - Show Introduction 
00:30 - Fiduciary Abuse > Will Contests 
01:30 - Executor (Short) vs. Trustee (Long) 
02:30 - 4 Don’ts: Age, Gender, Proximity, Feelings 
03:30 - 2 Musts: Integrity + Common Sense 
04:30 - “Rationalization” Theft & Sibling Delays 
05:30 - Proximity = Tiebreaker Only 
06:30 - Co-Executors: Yes for 2 Kids Post-Death 
07:30 - No Co-Agents Lifetime (2 QBs = 0) 
08:30 - Always Name 1–2 Alternates 
09:30 - Update: Codicil Pricing 
10:30 - 25% Intake Reversals After Vetting 
11:30 - Closing & Call to Action 
About the Show: 
"The Estate Blueprint" delivers clear, actionable guidance on estate planning, Medicaid, special needs trusts, and probate for New Jersey families. Tom Begley combines 35+ years of elder law expertise to protect homes, assets, and peace of mind with plans that work in the real world. 

Give My House to My Children? Why Not?

Episode Summary: 
In this essential episode, Tom Begley tackles the widespread question of transferring a home to children, debunking myths around probate, taxes, and long-term care protection. The discussion contrasts risky outright deeds with smarter options like life estates and specialized trusts to preserve step-up basis, avoid Medicaid penalties, and maintain control.
Key Timestamps:  
00:01 - Show Introduction  
00:30 - 3 Myths: Probate, Taxes, Long-Term Care  
01:30 - Outright Deed: Carryover Basis → Kids Pay Gains  
02:30 - Life Estate: Step-Up + Live-In Rights  
03:30 - NJ Medicaid Lien on Life Estate  
04:30 - Residence Trust: Capital Gains Exempt + 5-Yr Shield  
06:00 - NJ Probate = Easiest in USA  
07:00 - 5-Year Lookback + Caregiver Child Exception  
08:30 - Dementia Timing: Diagnose → Plan  
09:30 - Downsides: Control Loss, Sibling Creditors  
10:30 - Wrong Trusts: Revocable = No Protection  
11:30 - When NOT to Transfer: Young or Self-Insured  
12:30 - Closing & Call to Action  
 
About the Show:  
"The Estate Blueprint" delivers clear, actionable guidance on estate planning, Medicaid, special needs trusts, and probate for New Jersey families. Tom Begley combines 35+ years of elder law expertise to protect homes, assets, and peace of mind with plans that work in the real world.

Special Needs Planning

Episode Summary
Attorney Thomas D. Begley III addresses the essentials of special needs planning, focusing on decision-making and financial provisions for individuals with disabilities. The episode explores alternatives to guardianship, the role of special needs trusts in preserving government benefits, and the importance of selecting a qualified trustee, offering practical guidance for families to ensure their loved ones’ care and financial security.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Overview of Special Needs Planning
05:00 - Alternatives to Guardianship for Decision-Making
09:00 - Role of Special Needs Trusts
13:00 - Coordinating Government Benefits with Estate Plans
17:00 - Assets in Special Needs Trusts
21:00 - Choosing a Qualified Trustee
25:00 - Benefits of Stand-Alone Trusts
29:00 - Key Strategies for Special Needs Planning
33:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
The Estate Blueprint is a podcast dedicated to guiding families through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Featuring certified elder law attorney Thomas D. Begley III, the show offers practical insights to protect legacies, manage life’s transitions, and ensure loved ones are cared for through strategic legal planning.

Second Marriages

Episode Summary
Attorney Thomas D. Begley III addresses the unique challenges of estate planning for second marriages, focusing on balancing the needs of a new spouse with obligations to children from prior marriages. The episode explores common mistakes, such as improper beneficiary designations and poorly drafted wills, and provides solutions like marital trusts, life estates, and prenuptial agreements to ensure fair asset distribution and protect legacies.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Challenges of Second Marriage Estate Planning
05:00 - Common Pitfalls in Asset Distribution
09:00 - Using Marital Trusts for Spousal Support
13:00 - Benefits of Life Estates in Estate Plans
17:00 - Role of Prenuptial Agreements
21:00 - Strategies for Protecting Children’s Inheritance
25:00 - Avoiding Contracts to Make Wills
29:00 - Key Advice for Second Marriage Planning
33:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
The Estate Blueprint is a podcast dedicated to guiding families through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Featuring certified elder law attorney Thomas D. Begley III, the show offers practical insights to protect legacies, manage life’s transitions, and ensure loved ones are cared for through strategic legal planning.

ABC’s Guardianship

Episode Summary
Attorney Thomas D. Begley III delves into the intricacies of guardianship, covering its application for minor children and incapacitated adults. The episode explains how to appoint guardians through a will for minors, the detailed court process for adults, the responsibilities of guardians, and less restrictive alternatives like conservatorships, providing essential guidance for protecting loved ones through thoughtful estate planning.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Defining Guardianship and Its Types
05:00 - Establishing Guardianship for Minor Children
09:00 - Guardianship Process for Incapacitated Adults
13:00 - Responsibilities of Guardians
17:00 - Choosing the Right Guardian
21:00 - Alternatives to Guardianship
25:00 - Guardianship and Estate Planning Integration
29:00 - Key Advice for Guardianship Planning
33:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
The Estate Blueprint is a podcast dedicated to guiding families through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Featuring certified elder law attorney Thomas D. Begley III, the show offers practical insights to protect legacies, manage life’s transitions, and ensure loved ones are cared for through strategic legal planning.

Is a Will Enough? The Need for Lifetime Planning

Episode Summary
Attorney Thomas D. Begley III discusses the importance of lifetime planning to complement a will in estate management. The episode explores the necessity of advanced medical directives and general durable powers of attorney to manage medical and financial decisions during incapacity, highlighting the risks of guardianship and the benefits of proactive planning to protect one’s wishes and well-being.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Core Documents for Estate Planning
05:00 - Role of Advanced Medical Directives
09:00 - Importance of Powers of Attorney
13:00 - Risks of Not Having Lifetime Planning Documents
17:00 - Costs and Delays of Guardianship
21:00 - Addressing Concerns About Loss of Control
25:00 - Simplifying Lifetime Planning Documents
29:00 - Key Advice for Comprehensive Estate Planning
33:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
The Estate Blueprint is a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Featuring certified elder law attorney Thomas D. Begley III, the show provides practical insights to help families protect their legacy, prepare for life’s transitions, and ensure their wishes are honored through comprehensive estate planning strategies.

Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Episode Summary:In this essential episode of The Estate Blueprint, elder law attorney Tom Begley shares insights on the most common mistakes people make with their estate plans—and how to avoid them. From improperly drafted powers of attorney to overlooking non-probate assets and missteps in blended families, Tom breaks down what families need to know to protect assets, maintain control, and prevent unintended consequences. Whether you’re caring for aging parents or building your own estate plan, this episode offers practical, compassionate advice that can save your family stress and money.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and overview of today’s topic: estate planning mistakes00:01 – Why a will alone is not enough if you become incapacitated00:03 – The importance of an advanced directive and properly drafted power of attorney00:05 – How long-term care costs can drain assets and what to do00:07 – When to consider a Medicaid trust—and the risks of giving up control00:10 – A unique trust option that protects your home while retaining rights00:12 – Common pitfalls of relying solely on wills to distribute assets00:14 – How joint accounts and beneficiary designations override your will00:16 – The dangers of naming minor children or just one child on accounts00:18 – Who should you appoint as executor or power of attorney?00:21 – Why integrity and common sense matter more than birth order00:23 – The challenges of blended families and second marriages00:26 – Why DIY wills and internet estate planning are risky00:28 – Final thoughts: get specialized legal advice before it’s too late
About the Show:
The Estate Blueprint is your trusted guide to building a secure future through smart estate planning. Hosted by Tom Begley, a veteran elder law attorney, each episode brings practical legal insights, compassionate advice, and real-world strategies to protect your family, your legacy, and your peace of mind.
 
Visit https://begley3law.com/ to schedule a consultation or explore resources to start or update your estate plan.