When elder law planning is delayed, families often find themselves in crisis mode.

In this episode, Tom Kaminski and elder law attorney Maureen Lester discuss common elder law “horror stories,” what actually goes wrong when planning happens too late, and how families can avoid these outcomes. They cover outdated estate documents, guardianship proceedings, and the financial and emotional costs of court involvement.

The conversation also highlights positive planning strategies, including care contracts, Medicaid considerations, and how clearly defining roles among siblings can reduce conflict. Maureen shares practical ways families can start conversations early and take small but meaningful steps before a crisis occurs.

This episode offers realistic guidance for navigating aging, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term care decisions.

What is elder law, and why does traditional estate planning often fall short as parents age?

In this episode, Tom Kaminski is joined by elder law attorney Maureen Lester to break down the role of elder law, how it differs from standard estate planning, and why it becomes essential once health, cognition, and caregiving enter the picture.

Maureen explains how elder law focuses not just on asset transfer, but on long-term care planning, decision-making authority, and protecting vulnerable adults. Together, they discuss common misconceptions families have, why early planning matters, and how professionals can work together to better support aging parents and their adult children.

This episode lays the groundwork for understanding the legal realities families face as they move into the later stages of life.

Open enrollment for Medicare ends on December 7. If you are caring for aging parents, supporting multiple generations, or approaching age 65 yourself, this episode will help you get clarity fast. Our guest is Grant George from Medicare Done Professionally. He explains Medicare in simple and practical terms. We cover what Parts A, B, C and D actually do, how to compare employer or retiree plans with Medicare, and the biggest mistakes people make during open enrollment.

Grant also walks through enrollment timelines, advisor compensation, red flags to watch for, and the best practices families should follow each fall. If you are navigating Medicare for the first time or helping a parent make decisions, this episode gives you the education you need to move forward with confidence.

Guest: Grant George, Medicare Done Professionally
Website: www.mdprs.com