• Blended Families, Second Marriages & Your Estate Plan (Video)
    May 13 2026

    Episode Summary In this episode of Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, managing partner of OC Wills and Trusts, explores the unique estate planning challenges that come with blended families and second marriages. From stepchildren and separate property to prenuptial agreements and trust structures, Brian shares strategies to help protect both your spouse and your children while minimizing conflict.

    What You Will Learn in This Episode

    - Why blended families face unique estate planning complications

    - The risks of relying on moral obligations versus legal protections

    - How trusts can safeguard children from being disinherited

    - The role of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in estate planning

    - Common mistakes families make when remarrying without updating their plans

    - Why real estate (the family home) is often the most difficult asset to plan around

    - Options for ensuring fairness while protecting your legacy

    Key Timestamps 01:15 – Why estate planning for blended families is more complex than traditional families 04:20 – Common mistakes in second marriages and how to avoid them 07:45 – Protecting children’s inheritance while supporting a surviving spouse 10:15 – The role of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in dividing assets 12:50 – The importance of updating your estate plan after remarriage 15:00 – Why the family home often creates the most conflict 17:30 – Choosing trustees and preventing family disputes

    About the Show Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder is a podcast dedicated to simplifying estate planning for families in California. Featuring attorney Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trusts, the show provides expert insights into trusts, wills, and asset protection strategies. Through clear explanations and practical advice, the podcast empowers listeners to secure their family’s financial future and build lasting legacies.

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    14 mins
  • Blended Families, Second Marriages & Your Estate Plan (Audio)
    May 13 2026

    Episode Summary In this episode of Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew, managing partner of OC Wills and Trusts, explores the unique estate planning challenges that come with blended families and second marriages. From stepchildren and separate property to prenuptial agreements and trust structures, Brian shares strategies to help protect both your spouse and your children while minimizing conflict.

    What You Will Learn in This Episode

    - Why blended families face unique estate planning complications

    - The risks of relying on moral obligations versus legal protections

    - How trusts can safeguard children from being disinherited

    - The role of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in estate planning

    - Common mistakes families make when remarrying without updating their plans

    - Why real estate (the family home) is often the most difficult asset to plan around

    - Options for ensuring fairness while protecting your legacy

    Key Timestamps 01:15 – Why estate planning for blended families is more complex than traditional families 04:20 – Common mistakes in second marriages and how to avoid them 07:45 – Protecting children’s inheritance while supporting a surviving spouse 10:15 – The role of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in dividing assets 12:50 – The importance of updating your estate plan after remarriage 15:00 – Why the family home often creates the most conflict 17:30 – Choosing trustees and preventing family disputes

    About the Show Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder is a podcast dedicated to simplifying estate planning for families in California. Featuring attorney Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trusts, the show provides expert insights into trusts, wills, and asset protection strategies. Through clear explanations and practical advice, the podcast empowers listeners to secure their family’s financial future and build lasting legacies.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • The "Sandwich Generation" Crisis (Audio)
    Apr 29 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* Brian Chew, a renowned estate planning attorney, delves into the complexities faced by the sandwich generation—individuals caring for aging parents and children simultaneously. He highlights the importance of robust estate planning to safeguard retirement savings, manage assets effectively, and avoid costly legal proceedings.

    Key Timestamps: - 00:00 – Introduction - 01:30 – Balancing financial obligations for the sandwich generation - 03:45 – Qualifying for long-term care without estate recovery claims - 06:20 – Impact of Proposition 19 on property tax assessments - 09:10 – Managing digital footprints and legal access for caregivers - 12:15 – Ensuring immediate powers in power of attorney documents for cognitive decline scenarios

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* guides listeners through the intricate world of estate planning, offering expert insights and practical advice to secure family legacies and ensure peace of mind.

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    18 mins
  • The "Sandwich Generation" Crisis (Video)
    Apr 29 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* Brian Chew, a renowned estate planning attorney, delves into the complexities faced by the sandwich generation—individuals caring for aging parents and children simultaneously. He highlights the importance of robust estate planning to safeguard retirement savings, manage assets effectively, and avoid costly legal proceedings.

    Key Timestamps: - 00:00 – Introduction - 01:30 – Balancing financial obligations for the sandwich generation - 03:45 – Qualifying for long-term care without estate recovery claims - 06:20 – Impact of Proposition 19 on property tax assessments - 09:10 – Managing digital footprints and legal access for caregivers - 12:15 – Ensuring immediate powers in power of attorney documents for cognitive decline scenarios

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* guides listeners through the intricate world of estate planning, offering expert insights and practical advice to secure family legacies and ensure peace of mind.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • DIY Estate Planning - Why This Can Be a Nightmare for Californians (Audio)
    Apr 15 2026

    Episode Summary: Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes, as attorney Brian Chew explains in this episode. From overlooking crucial legal advice to failing to fund trusts properly, DIY approaches can turn into nightmares for Californians. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding goals and concerns to create effective estate plans.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Risks of DIY estate planning 03:15 – Importance of legal advice in estate planning 05:40 – Funding living trusts correctly 07:20 – Addressing complexities like second marriages and stepchildren 09:45 – Potential consequences of unequal distribution in estate planning

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* provides valuable insights into estate planning strategies and pitfalls to avoid. With over 25 years of experience, Brian Chew offers expert guidance on navigating the complexities of estate planning to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • DIY Estate Planning - Why This Can Be a Nightmare for Californians (Video)
    Apr 15 2026

    Episode Summary: Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes, as attorney Brian Chew explains in this episode. From overlooking crucial legal advice to failing to fund trusts properly, DIY approaches can turn into nightmares for Californians. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding goals and concerns to create effective estate plans.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Risks of DIY estate planning 03:15 – Importance of legal advice in estate planning 05:40 – Funding living trusts correctly 07:20 – Addressing complexities like second marriages and stepchildren 09:45 – Potential consequences of unequal distribution in estate planning

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* provides valuable insights into estate planning strategies and pitfalls to avoid. With over 25 years of experience, Brian Chew offers expert guidance on navigating the complexities of estate planning to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners in California (Video)
    Apr 1 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder*, Brian Chew, a seasoned estate planning attorney, delves into the critical aspects of estate planning for unmarried partners in California. He highlights the significant legal and financial implications that arise when individuals fail to establish proper estate plans for their partners, offering valuable insights for safeguarding assets and decision-making rights.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Legal Rights of Unmarried Partners in Estate Planning 04:15 – Implications of Improper Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples 07:20 – Challenges Faced by Unmarried Partners in Medical Emergencies 10:45 – Consequences of Passing Away Without a Will for Unmarried Partners 13:10 – Tax Considerations for Gifts Among Unmarried Partners 15:50 – Importance of Updating Beneficiary Forms Alongside the Will 18:30 – Role of Cohabitation Agreements in Preventing Legal Disputes 21:05 – Implementing No Contest Clauses to Protect Partner's Assets 24:40 – Essential Estate Planning Documents for Unmarried Partners

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by leading estate planning attorney Brian Chew, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of estate planning effectively. Tune in to explore expert guidance on securing your assets and ensuring your loved ones are protected.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners in California (Audio)
    Apr 1 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder*, Brian Chew, a seasoned estate planning attorney, delves into the critical aspects of estate planning for unmarried partners in California. He highlights the significant legal and financial implications that arise when individuals fail to establish proper estate plans for their partners, offering valuable insights for safeguarding assets and decision-making rights.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Legal Rights of Unmarried Partners in Estate Planning 04:15 – Implications of Improper Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples 07:20 – Challenges Faced by Unmarried Partners in Medical Emergencies 10:45 – Consequences of Passing Away Without a Will for Unmarried Partners 13:10 – Tax Considerations for Gifts Among Unmarried Partners 15:50 – Importance of Updating Beneficiary Forms Alongside the Will 18:30 – Role of Cohabitation Agreements in Preventing Legal Disputes 21:05 – Implementing No Contest Clauses to Protect Partner's Assets 24:40 – Essential Estate Planning Documents for Unmarried Partners

    About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by leading estate planning attorney Brian Chew, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of estate planning effectively. Tune in to explore expert guidance on securing your assets and ensuring your loved ones are protected.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins