Ep. 75 | Before the Crisis: Protecting Your Voice and Your Family

Before the Crisis: Protecting Your Voice and Your Family
Episode 75 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast
In this powerful and practical episode, “Before the Crisis: Protecting Your Voice and Your Family,” Attorney Elsa W. Smith brings together critical conversations every woman needs to hear about incapacity planning, advance directives, and why timing matters more than most people realize.
Most people don’t think about incapacity planning until a crisis forces the issue. An accident. A sudden illness. A frightening diagnosis. And in those moments, families are often left scrambling—unsure of what their loved one would want, who has legal authority to act, or how to avoid conflict and court involvement.
In this episode, Elsa walks you through what can happen when no plan is in place, the essential documents that protect your medical and financial decisions, and why planning while you are of sound mind is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.
You'll Learn:
✔️What can happen if you become incapacitated without legal documents in place

✔️Why advance directives are a cornerstone of protecting your voice

✔️How incapacity planning reduces family conflict, stress, and uncertainty

✔️The role of powers of attorney in safeguarding your finances

✔️Why mental capacity is essential to creating a valid estate plan

✔️Why waiting too long can permanently limit your planning options



Most importantly, this episode reinforces a critical truth: incapacity planning is not about fear—it’s about dignity, clarity, and protection.
Whether you are healthy and proactive, supporting an aging loved one, or beginning to think about your own future care, this episode offers education, encouragement, and a clear reminder that preparation today can prevent chaos tomorrow.


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STAY CONNECTED
✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw
✔️ Visit us at elsawsmithlaw.com
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DISCLAIMERS
Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.


SPONSOR
This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC — a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com.
© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.