Ep. 74 | Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: Building an Estate Plan That Holds Up

Episode 74: Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: Building an Estate Plan That Holds Up

In this reflective and empowering episode, “Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: Building an Estate Plan That Holds Up,” Attorney Elsa W. Smith closes out the year by addressing a hard truth many families learn too late: good intentions alone do not protect your legacy.
Estate planning is often treated like a checklist—download a form, attend a quick meeting, and move on. But real estate planning requires clarity, preparation, and follow-through. In this episode, Elsa walks you through the key moments where estate plans quietly break down—and how to avoid those mistakes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️Why online estate planning documents can create confusion, conflict, and costly court challenges


✔️Why your estate planning consultation should be one-on-one, not a family meeting


✔️How the right professional team strengthens and protects your estate plan


✔️What to expect before your estate planning consultation—and how preparation matters


✔️Why the estate planning questionnaire is a critical step you cannot afford to skip


✔️Why starting your estate plan isn’t enough—and how unfinished plans leave families unprotected


Most importantly, this episode reinforces a powerful message: unsigned documents and incomplete plans have no legal effect, no matter how thoughtful your intentions may be.

Whether you’re starting fresh, revisiting an unfinished plan, or relying on documents that gave you a false sense of security, this episode offers clarity and encouragement as you prepare to move into the new year with confidence. A strong estate plan isn’t built on intention alone—it’s built to hold up when it matters most.

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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.
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