Episodes

  • Estate Planning for Families with Complex Assets

    Estate Planning for Families with Complex Assets
    Sep 30 2026
    In episode 6, we explore the unique challenges families face when estate planning involves complex assets such as businesses, real estate, private investments, partnership interests, and concentrated positions. This episode examines why these assets require more than simply deciding who receives them, including the importance of succession planning, valuation, liquidity, ownership structure, and coordination among legal, financial, tax, and business professionals. Listeners will also learn how advisors can help clients identify potential planning gaps before complex assets become difficult issues for future generations. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    11 mins
  • Communicating Estate Plans With Families

    Communicating Estate Plans With Families
    Sep 23 2026
    Episode 5 explores why communication is an essential part of a successful estate plan. While legal documents provide the structure for transferring wealth and managing affairs, families are often left to interpret those decisions without understanding the intentions behind them. The episode examines how clients can prepare trustees, executors, business successors, and beneficiaries for their future roles, why explaining the purpose behind certain decisions can reduce conflict, and how advisors can help clients begin important conversations before a crisis occurs. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    11 mins
  • The Role of Professional Trustees vs Family Members

    The Role of Professional Trustees vs Family Members
    Sep 16 2026
    In episode 4, we examine one of the most important decisions in trust planning: who should serve as trustee. The episode explores the advantages and potential challenges of choosing a family member versus a professional trustee, including expertise, independence, cost, continuity, family dynamics, and the complexity of the trust and its assets. You'll also learn why trustee selection should be based on the responsibilities involved rather than simply choosing the person the client trusts most, and how financial advisors and other professionals can help clients evaluate whether their current and successor trustees remain appropriate. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    11 mins
  • Minimizing Taxes Through Estate Planning

    Minimizing Taxes Through Estate Planning
    Sep 9 2026
    Episode 3 explores how proactive estate planning can help address potential tax exposure while balancing the client’s broader financial and family objectives. The episode examines lifetime gifting, trusts, charitable planning, business and real estate considerations, and the importance of evaluating income tax consequences alongside estate tax concerns. It also highlights how coordinated planning among legal, tax, and financial professionals can help clients avoid costly mistakes and implement strategies before time or circumstances limit their options. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    11 mins
  • Understanding Trusts: Which Type is Right for Your Clients

    Understanding Trusts: Which Type is Right for Your Clients
    Sep 2 2026
    Episode 2 breaks down the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, explains several common misconceptions about how trusts work, and explores why the right structure depends on the client’s specific goals, assets, family circumstances, and need for control. This episode also highlights the important role financial advisors and other professionals can play in identifying planning needs, coordinating with estate planning counsel, and making sure a trust is properly implemented after the documents are signed. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    16 mins
  • The Importance of Starting Estate Planning Early

    The Importance of Starting Estate Planning Early
    Aug 26 2026
    Estate planning is often postponed until retirement, a major financial event, or a health concern makes it feel urgent. In the debut episode of Wise Counsel: Effective Financial and Estate Planning, we explain why starting earlier can give individuals and families more choices, greater flexibility, and more time to coordinate the legal, financial, tax, and personal aspects of a comprehensive estate plan. We also explore the risks of waiting until a crisis limits the options available. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
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    13 mins
  • Trailer: Wise Counsel: Effective Financial and Estate Planning

    Trailer: Wise Counsel: Effective Financial and Estate Planning
    Aug 4 2026
    Welcome to Wise Counsel: Effective Financial and Estate Planning, a podcast featuring insights based on the experience and perspective of estate planning attorney Jay Franz. Estate planning is often something people know they should address, but it is easy to delay. Thoughtful planning can make a meaningful difference for families, business owners, and the professionals who advise them. In this podcast, we explore practical topics related to estate planning, probate, trusts, elder care planning, and financial strategies. Each episode breaks down important concepts in a straightforward way, including tax considerations, family communication, and maintaining an effective estate plan over time. The goal is to make important planning concepts easy to understand and actionable for both individuals and financial professionals who guide them.
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    1 min