Legacy Lawyers

Roughly 1 in 4 Americans over 50 has no children. That translates to 22 million adults aged 60+ living alone without a traditional family support system—the highest rate in the world.Despite these numbers, the estate planning industry remains stuck in the past. Nearly every YouTube case study, law firm FAQ, and resource guide assumes you have children ready to step in. For Solo Agers—including never-married professionals, divorcees, widows, and those who simply chose not to have children—the standard playbook is broken.Redefining the Four Essential QuestionsWhen "my kids" isn't an option, the four pillars of an estate plan require entirely different strategies:Financial Management: Who oversees my assets if I cannot?Medical Advocacy: Who makes life-and-death healthcare decisions?Trustee Succession: Who ensures my final wishes are honored?Final Arrangements: Who manages my legacy and funeral?In this episode, we’re throwing out the generic templates and building a playbook from scratch specifically for Utah’s Solo Agers. Whether you are looking toward professional fiduciaries or trusted friends, it’s time to create a plan that reflects your actual life.

A family wakes up to smoke filling their home. They escape safely. The fire department saves part of the structure. They file an insurance claim expecting help rebuilding.Then the surprise: only their personal belongings are covered. The house itself is denied.Why? The home had been transferred into a trust, but the trust was never added to the insurance policy. The insurer argues the named individual no longer has an insurable interest in the structure, leaving the family caught in a technical gap with massive financial consequences.This happens more often than people think. After the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, more than 37,000 claims were filed, and trust and insurance mismatches became one of the most common dispute triggers.The trust was set up correctly. The deed was transferred. One simple step was missed: updating the insurance policy.In this episode, Nathan and Brian break down:• How this coverage gap happens• Why transferring your home to a trust can create unintended risk• What insurance companies look for when evaluating claims• The simple fix that can prevent a catastrophic denial• What to check today if your home is in a trustIf your home is in a trust or you’re considering one, this is a must-watch.

In this episode, Michael Haslam and Brian Edwards discuss why your legacy deserves the same level of professional coordination as a successful business or a championship sports team. For too long, families have suffered from a "fragmented team" approach, where CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors operate in silos, leading to missed opportunities and millions in overpaid taxes. Michael and Brian explain that the family office model is no longer only for the ultra-wealthy; by combining all of your tax and financial information under one roof, you ensure every professional is working from the same playbook. That’s why we introduced the Legacy Office—a strategy that has been very successful with our clients by providing the high-level synergy and CEO-style oversight needed to protect and grow a lasting legacy.

A new federal reporting rule is changing how some real estate transactions are reported to the government. But what does it actually mean for homeowners and estate planning?In this episode of the Legacy Lawyers Podcast, we break down FinCEN’s new real estate reporting requirements, why the rule exists, and which property transfers are typically exempt. We also explain how real estate owned through entities like LLCs may be treated differently.If you own property or are planning your estate, this episode will help you understand what to know moving forward.

Starting a nonprofit takes more than good intentions. In this episode, we break down what it really means to build a 501(c)(3) the right way, from clarifying the mission to setting up the proper structure and governance. We discuss why mission should always come first, how structure supports long term impact, and the common mistakes organizations make early on. If you are thinking about launching a nonprofit or serving on a board, this conversation will give you a practical foundation to build on.

Section 8 housing rules can be confusing, especially when an inheritance is involved. In this episode, Mike Haslam and Taylor Stone discuss how subsidized housing works, what changed under the new regulations, and why inheritances can create serious problems for people receiving government benefits. They walk through asset limits, income considerations, and how proper estate planning including special needs trusts can help protect housing, Medicaid, and other benefits. This is an important conversation for families planning ahead and for anyone with loved ones who rely on government assistance.

Retirement accounts don’t always go where you expect, especially when cognitive decline becomes an issue. Nathan and Brian discuss how beneficiary designations, tax rules, and retirement trusts intersect, and how the right planning can protect both the assets and the people relying on them.

In this podcast episode, hosts Michael Haslam and Brian Edwards discuss the recent changes to Utah's healthcare directive law, including the new standardized form and its implications for healthcare decision-making. They explore the importance of having a healthcare directive, the changes in the form's structure, and the introduction of surrogates for decision-making when no agent is available. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to review and update their healthcare directives, especially in light of the new law, and encourages listeners to take proactive steps in their healthcare planning.

In this episode, Nathan Croxford and Taylor Stone discuss the legacy of Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, and the implications of his estate planning decisions following his untimely death. They explore the discovery of a will five years after his passing, the complexities surrounding it, and the lessons that can be learned about estate planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early and thorough estate planning, involving family in discussions, and the potential pitfalls of neglecting these crucial decisions.

In a Halloween-themed discussion, Mike and Brian talk about the “scary” consequences of not properly maintaining an LLC, focusing on a real-life case where an owner lost personal liability protection.

🎙️ AI vs. Attorneys: Can ChatGPT Replace a Lawyer? Mike Haslam and Taylor Stone revisit their popular “Is AI Smarter Than a Lawyer?” challenge to see how far artificial intelligence has come since their first test in 2023. They quiz ChatGPT on Utah estate planning questions—trusts, small estate rules, and special needs planning—and uncover where AI gets it right, where it misses key legal details, and why a trusted attorney is still essential for protecting your family.

Family cabins carry deep memories but they can also create conflict if not planned for carefully. In this episode Mike Haslam and Connor Cottle share five key considerations to help families preserve their cabins, avoid disputes, and keep traditions alive for future generations.

In this episode of the Legacy Lawyers Podcast, Nathan Croxford and Brian Edwards look at the estate of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne to uncover valuable lessons in planning ahead. They talk about how Sharon Osbourne helped structure his assets and likeness, why it is important to keep an estate plan updated over time, and how trusts can provide for children without turning them into “trust fund babies.” Along the way, they compare Ozzy’s approach with other celebrity cases including Prince, Robin Williams, and Philip Seymour Hoffman to show both the mistakes and the successes that families can learn from to protect their own legacies.

In today’s episode, Nathan Croxford and Connor Cottle discuss the best way to handle your bank accounts when planning for the future. They explain why keeping your accounts in your name provides clarity, protection, and ease for your loved ones. Tune in to learn the proper approach and how it can simplify things for everyone involved.

In this episode, attorneys Brian Edwards and Nathan Croxford discuss a case where a man and his girlfriend bought a house together, but the deed didn’t specify joint tenancy or list a trust. Legally, that meant they likely held the property as tenants in common, each owning 50% without survivorship rights. When the girlfriend died intestate—without a will or trust—her share had to go through probate and be divided among her children. Brian and Nathan explain how failing to align your deed with a clear estate plan can create major legal and financial complications.

Today in this podcast we break down complex estate planning topics into clear, actionable insights. In today’s episode, we’re diving into 'The One, Big, Beautiful Bill' — what it is, how it could reshape the estate planning landscape, and most importantly, what it means for your taxes. Whether you're planning your legacy or helping clients plan theirs, you won’t want to miss this!

In this episode Nathan speaks with Taylor Stone, on unpacking the latest changes in the law around joint tenancy. If you co-own property with someone—whether it's your partner, a friend, or a business partner—these new rules could have a big impact on your rights and responsibilities. We break down what joint tenancy really means, how the new legal updates affect things like survivorship, ownership splits, and even what happens if one party wants out.

This episode consists of Brian Edwards introduction and who he is. We talk about his background and knowledge.

In this episode of Legacy Lawyers, Nathan and Mike explore the complexities of HIPAA laws and their effects on families coping with the loss of a loved one. They discuss a real-life case where parents sought medical information following their adult child's untimely death and the legal challenges they encountered due to HIPAA protections. With a blend of humor, insight, and practical advice, Nathan and Mike emphasize the importance of estate planning and HIPAA waivers in order to avoid unnecessary complications during emotionally difficult times.

In this episode, Nathan welcomes Tyler Moss, a new partner at Voyant Legal specializing in litigation, to discuss the significance of non-compete agreements for businesses. They explore the purpose of non-competes in safeguarding confidential information, client lists, and staff from being poached by former employees. The conversation highlights the historical use of non-competes, how courts evaluate their enforceability, and the importance of criteria like time duration and geographic scope. They also examine a recent legal battle where Ryan LLC successfully challenged an FTC rule to ban non-competes nationwide, supported by a Supreme Court decision limiting federal agencies’ rulemaking power. The episode underscores that while non-competes remain enforceable, they are subject to stringent judicial scrutiny to ensure fairness.

In this episode of Legacy Lawyers, we discuss the importance of a will or trust to protect your family. We hear a real Voyant Legal story about our client's experience of losing a loved one without a trust or will in place and how our team was able to step in and help navigate the steps forward to protecting the assets.

In the latest episode of the Legacy Lawyer podcast, the hosts share their humorous experiences with technical difficulties during recording. They delve into a detailed analysis of a questionable tax strategy involving Section 643B trusts, which claim to eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of assets by placing them in an irrevocable trust. The hosts caution listeners about this strategy's potential legal and financial risks, as the IRS has deemed it abusive. They advise conducting thorough research, seeking multiple professional opinions, and being cautious of tax avoidance schemes that seem too good to be true. The episode concludes with a reminder to consult qualified attorneys for personalized legal advice.

Do you run a small business with partners? In this episode, our team discusses a new Supreme Court ruling that could affect your buy-sell agreement and tips for protecting your family in case the worst happens.

In this podcast, we explore the background and history of our attorney, William Taylor Stone, at Voyant Legal.

Have You Ever Accidentally Laundered Money? In this episode, we talk about the different kinds of money laundering and how scammers can take advantage of innocents.

Nathan and Michael dive deep into the new Corporate Transparency Act. Learn more about this new reporting mandate for all businesses, what the steps are for your business, and the implications going forward.

In the latest episode, Nathan and Michael explore the advantages of Legacy IRA, particularly for individuals who have retired around the age of 70-71. They shed light on a beneficial option within the tax code that provides a tax-efficient strategy for retirees engaged in charitable giving.

In this new episode, Michael and Nathan discuss a potential estate fraud of a wealthy man with no living heirs. This episode walks you through the situation and how to avoid possible fraud by writing your estate plan.

Nathan and Micheal talk about Irrevocable trust. This episode clears up confusion some financial advisers and media sources shared about the recent interpretation sent out by the IRS for irrevocable trusts.

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss more about trusts, banks, and money. If you're looking to leave money to your family, you'll want to listen to this episode to discover how you can possibly get insurance on your bank account for free.

Nathan and Michael discuss an ongoing conservatorship case that has caught the attention of many. That's right, in this episode they talk about a recent filing from Michael Oher, whose story was shown in the popular movie "The Blind Side." Listen to this episode to learn more about the case and conservatorships.

In this new episode, Michael and Nathan discuss the ins and outs of protecting your estate plan. From who you tell about your plan, to who you should or shouldn't cut out, this episode covers it all. Learn more about who you should have your estate plan written by, where you should keep it, and more.

Handwriting your living will may seem like a good idea. However, without the assistance of a trusted legal advisor, it could cause more trouble for your family. In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss the handwritten wills of Aretha Franklin, which led to an extensive court case over many years. It is always smart to consult a lawyer regarding your will.

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which can allow business owners to sell their company in a way that saves on taxes. An ESOP is a very articulate plan that can have benefits for your future generations. Learn more about employee stock ownership plans in this educational and entertaining episode.

Nathan and Michael dive deeper into the Richins case in this fascinating episode. Learn more about prenups, wills, and the slayer statute through this ongoing case.

The actual cost of litigation of inheritance is revealed in the episode Nathan and Micheal discuss what you should know before you sue a sibling. Learn more about how proper estate planning can prevent ugly litigation from happening and how to determine if litigation is necessary.

In this new episode, Nathan and Michael discuss a case where a power of attorney went wrong. It's important to be cautious with who you choose as your power of attorney and be educated on your options. However, a power of attorney is a great tool you are able to use. Learn all about this case and power of attorneys in this educational episode.

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss a few recent cases they have learned about. Learn more about how waiting for retirement may benefit you, how to protect yourself and your family from elder fraud, and new legislature regarding assisted suicide in this all-inclusive episode.

Elder abuse is becoming more prominent in today's world, which is a concern for all of us. In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss a new way that parents and grandparents can be protected from elder abuse and undue influence. Listen to this episode to learn more!

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss a recent trial that occurred in Park City, Utah involving actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Accidents can occur at any time, and being prepared is the best thing to do. This case highlights why it is important to discuss estate planning with a trusted legal advisor. Listen to find out more!

Pricing is a very important part of will or trust planning. In this episode, Nathan and Michael explain why certain attorneys charge what they do and what you are receiving for that price. If you're looking into having a will or trust drafted up by an estate planning attorney, this is an episode you will want to hear first!

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss the trust of well known basketball player Kobe Bryant. While his trust was well executed for the most part, there was a mistake in his estate planning that his family had to correct after his death. This episode helps explain why it's important to always consult a trusted estate planning lawyer.

Entering a business partnership can be very beneficial, however, it can also hold you liable for your partners mistakes, including fraud. In this new episode, Michael and Nathan discuss a recent case where an individual attempted to claim bankruptcy but wasn't able to because their partner committed fraud. It's important to be careful who you do business with!

The internet and social media can be a scary place, especially for seniors and those vulnerable to scams. In this episode, Michael and Nathan discuss a few cases where individuals have fallen victim to online scamming and the effects it has had on numerous families. By making a plan with a trusted legal advisor, you and your loved ones can better shield yourself from the effects of frauds on the internet.

In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss a case in which the ownership of physical pieces of artwork is questioned. If you are an artist or have purchased original artwork, listen to this episode to learn more about what additional steps you need to take in your estate planning.

Lisa Marie shows us exactly why you should always consult a trusted legal advisor about amending your trust. Join Nathan and Michael in this episode as they discuss where Lisa Marie went wrong and why it is important to handle your trust correctly with an estate planning attorney.

A 529 is a great way to save money for your child's higher education. But, what happens if they choose not to go to college? In this episode, Michael and Nathan discuss more about the Secure Act 2.0 and some new laws regarding 529 accounts and Roth IRA's.

In today's episode, Nathan and Michael put Artificial Intelligence program ChatGPT to the test to see if AI can do what an Estate Planning Attorney does. While AI can be impressive, it may not know specifics. You should always consult a trusted attorney for legal advice on your specific situation.

The Secure Act 2.0 recently passed, and it may have an effect on how you handle your finances. In this episode, Nathan and Michael discuss the Secure Act 2.0 in depth to help listeners have a better understanding of what this act is and how they may benefit from it. Always talk to trusted legal and financial advisors to learn more about how this act may impact you individually.