Offit Kurman

Estate Planning Wisdom: DIY and AI-Generated Documents

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley, estates and trusts attorneys, break down the risks of using AI tools and online services to prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Danielle, Herb, and Max walk through the execution formalities that vary by state, the trouble that surfaces when a will is not self-proving, and the court battles that can follow when questions of capacity or undue influence go unaddressed. They explain why business agreements, prenuptial agreements, divorce decrees, and beneficiary designations all take priority over a will, and share real examples of AI producing incorrect tax figures, hallucinated statutes, and advice that blends the law of multiple states together. The conversation closes with practical guidance on coordinating an estate plan with CPAs and financial advisors, choosing the right agents and fiduciaries, and reviewing documents every three to five years.

This has been a podcast of Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley and Herb Fineburg, attorneys with the law firm of Offit Kurman in its Philadelphia regional office. Attorneys Friedman, McCauley and Fineburg concentrate on matters of estates & trusts and business law matters including family and other closely held business succession planning.

We look forward to releasing another podcast next month. All podcasts can be found on the website of the law offices of Offit Kurman, which has offices from New York to Florida, and Texas to California with well over 300 lawyers to service all your legal needs.

If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

Love, Trusts, and Prenups: "Strangers: A Memoir of a Marriage"

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hosts Danielle Friedman and Herb Fineburg dig into the New York Times bestseller Strangers by Belle Burden, using the book's real-life inspired story to unpack how prenuptial agreements and trusts actually work when a marriage ends. The conversation centers on Belle's inheritance from her wealthy family, the prenup she signed under pressure from her husband James, and the costly decision to pull money from an irrevocable trust to buy real estate in joint names.

Danielle and Herb break down the critical difference between a prenup, which can be modified or waived by the couple, and a trust, which cannot be changed once established. They examine where Belle's trustees fell short, why titling inherited assets jointly can undo the protection a trust is designed to provide, and what a trustee should do instead when a beneficiary asks to withdraw significant funds.

The episode closes with practical lessons for anyone who is a trust beneficiary, a trustee, or entering a marriage with inherited wealth, including why independent counsel matters at every stage.

Dealing with Loss: Understanding Your Estate Planning Steps

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles Max McCauley walk through the essential first steps after the loss of a spouse. From handling funeral arrangements to locating assets, understanding Social Security benefits, and navigating probate, the hosts provide practical, compassionate guidance for surviving spouses. This episode emphasizes what truly matters in those early days—taking time to grieve, seeking trusted professional help, and knowing you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

How Much Estate Information Should You Share with Your Kids?

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of “Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom,” Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley explore one of the most common client questions: How much should parents tell their children about their estate plan? They break the issue into three levels—essentials, structure, and numbers—and discuss what to share, when to share it, and why timing and maturity matter. From identifying key documents to understanding trust structures and navigating sensitive family dynamics, this conversation offers practical guidance for families aiming to strike the right balance.

Balancing Your Estate for Harmony

Danielle Friedman, Herbert R. Fineburg, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of 'Trust Us,' Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss a complex estate planning scenario from a recent article. A father of three sons, two from his first marriage and one from a later relationship, grapples with the decision of whether to divide his estate equally among his children despite differences in their financial situations. The conversation delves into the potential problems with unequal distribution, the complexities of pot trusts, and the use of disclaimers. They highlight the importance of maintaining family harmony through equal treatment while addressing future wealth concerns. The team also emphasizes the necessity of updating estate plans regularly to reflect current wishes and relationships.

The Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Estate Planning

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the recent changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which raised the estate tax exemption level starting January 1, 2026. Despite the increased exemption, the hosts recommend continuing with estate planning and gifting during a person's lifetime due to potential future changes in the law and state inheritance taxes. They emphasize the advantages of lifetime gifting to irrevocable trusts, the importance of initiating the statute of limitations for gift tax returns, and strategies for minimizing state inheritance taxes. The episode concludes with advice to review current estate plans to maximize the benefits of the new exemption levels.

Choosing a Trustee: Navigating the Complexities and Key Considerations

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of 'Trust Us,' Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the critical aspects of selecting a trustee. They cover common client questions, including who should be named as a trustee, the benefits and drawbacks of having a corporate versus an individual trustee, and the specific limitations and responsibilities of beneficiary trustees. The discussion also delves into scenarios where independent trustees may be beneficial, trustee compensation, and the process for naming successor trustees. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help clients make informed decisions in their estate planning.

The Risks of Bad Advice

Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III, Danielle Friedman, Herbert R. Fineburg — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley tackle the pitfalls of common estate planning advice, highlighting the risks of adding children to bank accounts or deeds purely for convenience. They discuss the adverse tax implications, potential family conflicts, and legal issues that can arise from such actions. The hosts emphasize the importance of consulting with informed professionals and suggest alternative methods, such as living trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney, to achieve estate planning goals without unintended consequences.

Federal Estate Tax Exemption

Herbert R. Fineburg, Danielle Friedman, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley discuss the significant changes anticipated with the sunset of the Federal Estate Tax Exemption. They explain what the exemption is, how it impacts estates, and the strategic planning necessary to navigate potential changes post-2025. Topics include essential planning techniques, potential legislative changes, and advice on how to prepare for the uncertainties.

The Rules of Intestacy

Herbert R. Fineburg, Charles "Max" A. McCauley, III, Danielle Friedman — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Trust Us podcast, hosts Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Charles "Max" McCauley III dive into the complex world of intestacy—the laws that govern the distribution of assets when someone passes away without a will.

From common misconceptions about how assets pass to surviving spouses and children, to the unexpected complications of business succession and guardianship of minors, this episode unpacks the consequences of intestacy. Learn why not having a will can lead to costly legal battles, family disputes, and unintended tax burdens.

Whether you're married, have children, own a business, or simply want peace of mind about your legacy, this episode will make you rethink your estate planning—and why it’s never too early to start.