EP 190 - When Estate Plans Break: What Families Don’t See Until It’s Too Late | Mika Domingo

Most families believe that once the estate plan is signed… everything will be handled.The trust is drafted.The documents are in place.The attorney has done their job.And yet — after a parent passes, siblings stop speaking.Accusations surface.Probate court becomes reality.In this episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, I sit down with Mika Domingo, Founder and Managing Attorney of M.S. Domingo Law Group, to unpack what really happens when estate plans are tested in real life.Mika isn’t just an estate planner — she is a probate and trust litigator and certified mediator who sees firsthand what unfolds when documents collide with human emotion, long-standing sibling dynamics, unclear expectations, and unresolved family tension.In our conversation, we discuss:• Why having a trust does NOT automatically prevent conflict• The most common triggers behind probate and trust disputes• How unclear communication quietly fuels litigation• What probate and trust litigation actually looks like for families• When mediation works — and when it doesn’t• The emotional and financial cost of estate conflict• How families can reduce the likelihood of breakdown before a crisis hits• What professionals — including realtors, care managers, fiduciaries, and advisors — should understand about estate frictionThis is not a fear-based episode.It’s a clarity episode.Because estate plans don’t fail on paper — they fail in real life.If you are an adult child navigating aging parents, a professional supporting families through transitions, or someone who believes “we already have a trust so we’re fine,” this conversation matters.About Mika DomingoMika Domingo is the multiple-award-winning Managing Attorney of M.S. Domingo Law Group, representing clients throughout California in Probate and Trust Litigation, Probate Administration, Trust Administration, Estate Planning, Conservatorships, and Guardianships. A certified mediator with nearly two decades of mediation experience, Mika brings a unique depth of skill to resolving complex and emotionally charged disputes.With decades of advocacy and leadership, she is widely respected for her strategic litigation abilities and her unwavering commitment to protecting seniors, families, and their legacies.Her career spans both the public and private sectors. As a former Deputy Attorney General for the State of California, she handled complex constitutional, civil rights, and tort matters at the state, appellate, and federal levels. In private practice, she brings that depth of experience to high-stakes trust and estate disputes — pairing formidable courtroom advocacy with compassionate, client-centered counsel.Connect with Mika DomingoMika DomingoM.S. Domingo Law Group, P.C.📞 (925) 891-5006🌐 https://www.msdomingolawgroup.com📷 Instagram: @m.s.domingo_law_groupIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a sibling, parent, or colleague who supports families through transitions.📄 Show notes: https://simplifyseniortransitions.com/when-estate-plans-arent-enoughIf you’re navigating a senior transition right now and trying to figure out the next step for a parent, here are some resources designed to help.⸻Resources for FamiliesIf you’re navigating senior living decisions, downsizing, or trying to determine the next step for an aging parent, visit:→ http://www.simplifyseniortransitions.com/familiesThis page provides guidance and resources specifically designed for families navigating senior transitions.⸻Resources for Senior Care ProfessionalsAnd if you’re a senior care professional who wants stronger positioning, clearer referral ecosystems, and more scalable systems for serving families in today’s evoSupport the show