Episode 3

Guest: Jon Gay

The Probate Puzzle: Understanding Wills, Assets, and Legal Hurdles

In this episode of The Death Readiness Podcast, Jill is joined by podcast expert Jon Gay, who shares a personal probate challenge his family faced. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of probate, what happens when estates aren't settled properly, and why planning ahead is crucial. Jill provides practical advice on how to avoid probate pitfalls, including the importance of professional guidance, understanding asset ownership, and ensuring your wishes are properly documented. Whether you're just starting your estate planning journey or looking to refine it, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take meaningful steps toward securing your legacy.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • A real-life probate issue and why it’s more common than you think

  • What probate is and why it matters for your estate

  • The role of an executor and the challenges an executor may face

  • The importance of proper estate planning and using professionals

  • Common misconceptions about wills and probate court

  • How different assets pass through (or avoid) probate

  • Steps you can take today to make probate easier for your loved ones

Resources Mentioned:

Contact the host, Jill Mastroianni:

Contact today’s co-host, Jon Gay:

Practical Takeaway:
Start small—gather information about your assets and how they are titled. Even filling in partial details can make a big difference for your loved ones in the future.

Stay Connected:

  • Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listened to this episode.

  • Share this episode with someone you care about.

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Conversations We Avoid: Death, Money, and Planning Ahead

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Bringing Hidden Treasures to Light: Preserving Family Stories Today