In this episode of Legacy Protected, host DeDe Soto explores what really happens when probate and trust disputes collide with high-stakes business litigation. Joined by Shanda Beach, founder of a Newport Beach business litigation boutique, the conversation pulls back the curtain on how contentious family and shareholder disputes unfold behind the scenes. Together, they break down why settlement is often harder than it looks, how strategy evolves over time, and what forces actually bring opposing parties to the table.

Shanda draws on decades of experience—from large international firms to her own practice—to explain discovery, depositions, and the realities of litigating complex matters involving business valuations, fiduciary duties, and family conflict. She shares candid insight into the emotional and financial calculus that drives litigation decisions, and why there's rarely such a thing as "trial by surprise."

If you're facing a probate or trust dispute with business entanglements, this episode offers practical clarity on what to expect—and how to protect your position.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How business litigation intersects with probate and trust disputes
• High-conflict family and shareholder disputes involving closely held businesses
• When settlement makes sense and when litigation pressure is necessary
• Discovery explained including written discovery and depositions
• Time, cost, and emotional realities of prolonged litigation
• Why courts and attorneys see through "hiding the ball" strategies

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Legacy Protected, we take a deep dive into estate planning strategies tailored for high net worth families, with a focus on the unique financial, tax, and family dynamics that come with significant wealth. From evolving federal estate tax exemptions and gifting strategies to advanced planning tools like irrevocable trusts, LLCs, and asset protection structures, this conversation explores what separates sophisticated estate planning from the basics. We also unpack how legacy planning goes beyond dollars and documents, addressing family values, multi-generational goals, and the importance of laying a strong foundational plan before moving into complex strategies.

The discussion also tackles real-world challenges affluent families face, including blended families, beneficiaries with special needs, international assets, business succession planning, and protecting wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce. Throughout the episode, listeners gain practical insight into how thoughtful planning can reduce taxes, preserve control, and prevent conflict while ensuring a family's intentions are carried out for generations.

Host DeDe Soto shares her experience working with high net worth families in Newport Beach and Orange County, explaining how local knowledge, decades of practice, and a client-centered approach shape effective estate plans that balance protection, flexibility, and legacy.

If you're building, preserving, or preparing to pass on significant wealth, this episode offers clear guidance on how to do it right—starting with the foundation and planning with intention.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What makes estate planning for high net worth families fundamentally different
• Recent estate tax exemption changes and why proper planning matters
• Advanced strategies using irrevocable trusts, gifting, and asset transfers
• Balancing wealth preservation with control and income during life
• Legacy planning beyond assets including values, stories, and family intent
• Protecting wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce across generations

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Unlock the mysteries of the probate maze and empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate Orange County's complex legal landscape. Join DeDe Soto as we unravel the intricacies of the probate process, shedding light on the pitfalls of self-representation and the significant delays caused by a congested court system. This episode guides you through the legal nuances and potential tax benefits of dealing with inherited properties, emphasizing the crucial step-up in basis and the impact of Proposition 13. Plus, discover how the parent-child exemption can preserve your family's financial legacy by minimizing property tax reassessment.

Avoid the probate quagmire by learning essential strategies for effective estate planning. We tackle common misconceptions about joint tenancy with right of survivorship and emphasize the importance of timely settlements to prevent disputes. Real estate, reverse mortgages, and premature asset distribution are dissected, revealing their potential legal consequences. Equip yourself with the knowledge of vital documents like revocable trusts, pour-over wills, and financial powers of attorney to ensure your estate reflects your wishes. Engage in proactive discussions with family members about financial assets to avoid future complications and protect your loved ones' financial well-being.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Successfully navigating the complex probate process in Orange County, California
• Overcoming challenges and avoiding delays in self-representation during probate proceedings
• Thoroughly understanding the step-up in basis and Proposition 13 for inherited real estate properties
• Addressing misconceptions about joint tenancy and probate triggers effectively
• Preparing essential estate planning documents to successfully avoid probate complications
• Developing strategies for avoiding disputes and reaching amicable settlements among all beneficiaries

Resources from this Episode

https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/contact-us-newport-beach-lawyers

Phone: 949-629-4569

Address:

The Soto Law Group
4041 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite #200
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.