Promises Don’t Protect Estates — Why Second Marriages Require Real Planning

Todd Lutsky and Susan Powers break down two cautionary court cases that highlight what can go wrong when estate plans rely on verbal promises instead of written documents. From a Mississippi dispute over a law practice settlement to a second-marriage IRA fight involving powers of attorney and beneficiary changes, the cases illustrate how easily family relationships can unravel without proper structure in place.The conversation explores why trusts create obligations where “good intentions” do not, how to protect children in blended families, and why powers of attorney must be drafted carefully — especially when retirement accounts are involved. Todd also answers listener questions on leaving assets to charity, updating irrevocable trusts after the loss of a child, and how estate planning needs change across different stages of life.