The Hidden Costs of Dying Without a Will

If you die without a will, your estate will go through probate—and your will will become public information. But that's not the scariest part.Without an advance directive, the court can keep you alive and 'comfortable' even if you don't want to be intubated or have limbs removed. Your family can override your unspoken wishes.Angela Ross, an attorney with 31 years of experience and current probate judge in Orleans County, Vermont, shares what most people don't know about estate planning—and what it costs families when they avoid it.In this essential conversation:Why your will becomes public (and how to avoid probate)The difference between revocable and irrevocable trustsMedicaid planning and Enhanced Life Estate DeedsEstate and gift tax thresholds ($12 million—you're probably fine)What questions to ask prospective estate lawyersWhy advance directives are MORE important than willsHow to ensure your end-of-life wishes are legally honoredThis isn't just legal information—it's protection for you and peace of mind for your family.You may want to listen more than once.About the podcast: In Conversation with an End-of-Life Specialist is hosted by Patricia (Trish) Sears, an End-of-Life Navigator and founder of Graceful Transitions in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, serving globally. New episodes are recorded live on the third Wednesday of each month, 4p –5p ET, with a live Q&A for Graceful Lifers.Join the Graceful Lifers community at Substack for exclusive invitations to join live audience and Q&A sessions with guests and deeper conversations about navigating life's thresholds.You can find the hub of Graceful Transitions' work at Linktr.ee/pmsears