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Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate PlanningAuthor: Elsa W. Smith
What if we created a safe space for women that demystified estate planning? What if we talked with professionals from various disciplines and shared their "not-so-straight" paths to creating wealth and lasting legacies? That's what the Wills, Women & Wealth podcast is all about. Hosted by award-winning Attorney Elsa W. Smith, owner of the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - each episode will give you the confidence and resources you need to make the next right move to protect your health, your family and your money. The goal is to move you from overwhelmed to empowered. Let's do this! Language: en-us Genres: Business Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 95: When Mom Needs Help: What Adult Children Need to Know About Estate Planning
Episode 95
Wednesday, 28 October, 2026
Episode 95 – Wills, Women & Wealth PodcastWhen Mom Needs Help: What Adult Children Need to Know About Estate PlanningIn this important and practical episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores a situation many families face: what happens when an aging parent needs help managing their finances, making important decisions, or preparing for the unexpected? Whether you've noticed changes in your mother's memory, have begun helping with everyday responsibilities, or are facing a sudden medical emergency, understanding the legal realities of estate planning can make a significant difference.One of the first questions adult children often ask is, “Can we get a Power of Attorney for Mom?” Elsa explains why the answer isn't always straightforward. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that a person must create voluntarily while they have the legal capacity to understand the document and the authority they are granting. If a parent has already lost that capacity, creating a Power of Attorney may no longer be an option, and the family may need to explore guardianship through the court.Elsa also explains the important difference between a parent's permission and legal authority. Even if your mother tells you that you can manage her finances or handle matters on her behalf, that conversation may not provide the legal authority a financial institution or another organization requires. Planning ahead can help families avoid discovering these limitations during an already stressful time.Just as importantly, this episode addresses how adult children can support a parent through estate planning without taking over the process. Concern for a loved one can be a powerful reason to start the conversation, but the parent whose wishes, finances, and healthcare decisions are involved must remain at the center of their own plan.In this episode, you'll learn:Why estate planning needs to happen before a medical crisisWhy you cannot simply obtain a Power of Attorney for your parentHow a parent's legal capacity affects their ability to create estate planning documentsWhen guardianship may become necessaryThe difference between having permission to help and having legal authority to actWhy adult children should support their parents without replacing their voices in the planning processHow to encourage an aging parent to begin estate planning while they can still express their wishesMost importantly, this episode reminds us that helping a parent plan is an act of care, but protecting their independence means allowing them to make their own decisions whenever they can. The right conversations, started at the right time, can help preserve their choices and give the family greater clarity when support is needed.Whether you're an adult child concerned about an aging parent or a parent ready to take control of your own future, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you understand the importance of planning.Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode.SUBSCRIBEFollow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information.STAY CONNECTED✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only)DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney.SPONSORThis podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.© 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.
