Clearing Up Confusion: Questions We’re Hearing Again and Again
From Podcast Episode 83: Common Questions – Clearing Up Confusion in Estate Planning, Elder Law & Asset Protection
At Bellomo & Associates, we pride ourselves on being a resource for education. Whether you’ve caught us in the conference room, at a workshop, or on the radio, you’ve probably heard us say, “If one person has a question, chances are a lot of other people are wondering the same thing.” In Episode 83 of our podcast, Jeff Bellomo tackled some of the most common questions we’ve been hearing lately—and we wanted to share those answers here, too.
“You Say Your Workshops Are Free… But What’s the Catch?”
We get it—nothing in life is free. But our workshops are. We don’t sell anything, we don’t take your information and hand it off to anyone else, and we won’t corner you with a pitch at the end. We offer these workshops because we believe education is the key to making smart decisions about your future. We want to give you the information upfront so you can make an informed choice, without pressure.
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“I Don’t Have Kids. So… Who Should Be My Power of Attorney or Executor?”
This one comes up a lot. If you don’t have children, you may feel stuck when it comes to choosing a financial or medical power of attorney, or even an executor for your estate. It’s a tough decision, but not having kids doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You might consider a trusted friend, niece or nephew, or even a professional fiduciary. We can walk you through that process and help you understand the tax implications and how to leave your assets behind in a meaningful way.
“If I Don’t Have Kids, Do I Even Need an Estate Plan?”
Yes. 100% yes. Estate planning isn’t just about who gets your stuff. It’s about making sure your wishes are respected—your health, your finances, your legacy. It’s about protecting what you’ve built and making sure you’re in control of what happens next, no matter your family structure.
“I’ve Seen Workshops Led by Financial Advisors or Insurance Agents. Should I Go?”
We’re not knocking those professionals—they have their place. But when it comes to legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, you need someone who’s trained and licensed to give legal advice. A workshop led by a non-lawyer might sound convincing, but be cautious. We’ve seen too many families end up with documents that don’t hold up when they’re needed most. It’s worth hearing from someone who understands how the law works.
“People Say to Avoid Lawyers and Probate… What Even Is Probate?”
Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass. It can be straightforward, or it can turn into a headache, especially if there’s no plan in place. Some folks will tell you to avoid lawyers at all costs, but here’s the truth: a good estate planning attorney can help you avoid the mess of probate by planning. We’re here to save you money and stress, not add to it.
“Do I Need to Use a Certified Elder Law Attorney?”
It’s not required, but it sure makes a difference. Certified elder law attorneys go through rigorous testing and continuing education. It means we’ve taken the time to specialize in this area of law, and we’re held to a higher standard. When it comes to something as important as your future, you want someone who knows this field inside and out.
Want More? Listen to the Full Episode.
This blog was based on Episode 83 of the Bellomo & Associates podcast: Common Questions – Clearing Up Confusion in Estate Planning, Elder Law & Asset Protection. You can catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts, or tune in every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. on WSBA.
Ready to Learn More?
Jeff Bellomo has dedicated his career to making complicated legal topics understandable and actionable. With a master’s in taxation and years of experience in estate and elder law, he’s helped countless families feel more secure and confident about the future.
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🔹 Call our office at (717) 845-5390
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