PODCAST · business
The Elder Law Coach
by Todd Whatley
Todd Whatley is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, practicing attorney and now the Elder Law Coach. His passion is to help attorneys become proficient Elder Law Attorneys. He still practices law with over 22 years of experience with offices in two states. He is the Past President of the National Elder Law Foundation, the ABA accredited certifying organization for the ABA. He LOVES working with new and experienced attorneys to help them have the best job in the world and help a great population. Visit him at www.TheElderLawCoach.com. This podcast was formally known as Elder Law in a Box.
Episodes
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Getting Resistant Elder Law Clients To Say Yes
Send us Fan Mail When an older adult insists they’re “fine” while the stove keeps getting left on, meds are missed, and falls are piling up, families often want one thing from their lawyer: make this happen. I share how I handle that moment, step by step, without jumping straight to guardianship...
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How A Law School Elder Law Clinic Trains Practice Ready Attorneys (Plus other good stuff)
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Rima Nathan of Florida State University’s Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic about training law students to serve older adults with skill, care, and clear ethics. We dig into financial exploitation, crypto scams, and dementia related capacity so we protect clients…
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Rule 1.14 And Dementia Clients
Send us Fan Mail We break down the 2026 update to Rule 1.14 and why a dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a client loses the right to sign legal documents. We share real stories from nursing homes and hospitals, then translate the rule comments into practical steps that help clients…
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Trusts Elder Law Attorneys Actually (Should) Use
Send us Fan Mail Most lawyers can draft a trust. Far fewer can explain which trust actually solves a client’s elder law problem when dementia, long-term care costs, or Medicaid eligibility show up at the worst possible time. We get practical about what each major trust is designed to do, where…
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Ep. 63 Seven Steps To Run A High‑Closing Medicaid Meeting
Send us Fan Mail We share a seven-step intake method that turns stressed family stories into a clear Medicaid plan, backed by simple tools that raise trust and close rates. From appreciation to a confident close, we show how to ask, verify, and present value with precision. • leading with…
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Ep 62 How Smart Homes, AI, And Telehealth Help Seniors Stay Independent
Send us Fan Mail We map the biggest 2025 trends helping older adults stay independent, from smart homes and AI wearables to telehealth, holistic wellness, and memory care training. Practical takeaways show how families and attorneys can plan for safer, calmer aging at home. • smart home controls...
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Ep 61 Predatory Marriages Explained
Send us Fan Mail We unpack how predatory marriages target vulnerable seniors and why marriage rights can override estate plans. We share practical steps for attorneys and families to spot red flags, fortify documents, and protect assets before litigation becomes the only option. • definition and...
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Ep 60 AI Changed Search; Your Marketing Must Too
Send us Fan Mail We map how AI and zero-click search are changing legal marketing, and we show a clear path from traditional SEO to answer engine optimization. We share practical steps to build Q&A content, apply FAQ schema, and earn citations that turn AI answers into paying clients. • why...
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Ep 59 Building the correct Avatar, Not Guesswork: Targeted Elder Law Growth
Send us Fan Mail Most elder law firms try to speak to everyone and end up convincing no one. We take you inside a practical, field-tested approach to defining three high-value audiences—seniors, adult children, and caregivers—and crafting messages and channels that meet each where they already…
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Ep 58 Elder Law Myths, Debunked
Send us Fan Mail We lay out the biggest myths about elder law and show how a compassionate, human-centered practice can protect families from crushing care costs while giving attorneys more control and purpose. From Medicaid and VA benefits to avoiding guardianship and probate, we share practical...
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Ep 57 Learn The Essentials To Build, Price, And Market A Sustainable Elder Law Practice
Send us Fan Mail We share a step‑by‑step path to launch and grow an elder law practice, from education and mentorship to marketing that actually reaches seniors and their families. Along the way, we explain flat fees, specialization, and why calm counseling wins more trust than courtroom swagger.…
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Ep 56 How Elder Law Attorneys Guide Smart Long-Term Care Decisions
Send us Fan Mail We unpack long-term care insurance through an elder law lens, from traditional policies and hybrid designs to short-term coverage that pairs with Medicaid timing. Clear frameworks help you advise clients on affordability, underwriting, and when a trust outperforms a premium. •…
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Epi 55 Shorten Your Elder Law Learning Curve from Five Years to One Weekend
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if there's a faster way to master elder law without years of costly mistakes? In this episode, Todd Whatley unveils his groundbreaking Transformational Weekend Summit, a revolutionary program designed to compress what typically takes years to learn into just one...
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Epi 54: Breaking Silos: How Attorneys and Financial Advisors Can Transform Client Experience
Send us Fan Mail Todd Whatley reveals the transformative power of attorneys and financial advisors working side-by-side to provide comprehensive elder law services that truly meet clients' needs. Drawing from 25 years of experience and recent success implementing this collaborative approach, Todd...
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Epi 53: Business Valuation Surprises: The $15 Million Estate Tax Oversight
Send us Fan Mail Analyzing a real client case reveals how proper business valuation prevented millions in estate tax liability for a family business succession plan. • Late 70s couple with three children (one running the family business) needed trust updates • Initial assumption: $6 million…
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Epi 51: When To Use (And When NOT To Use) Irrevocable Trusts For Your Clients
Send us Fan Mail Todd Whatley tackles the complex topic of irrevocable trusts in elder law practice, focusing primarily on Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and when they're appropriate for clients. He draws on personal experience to provide practical guidance on implementing these powerful legal...
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Epi 50: Navigating Dementia: Legal Rights and Client Capacity
Send us Fan Mail Elder law attorneys regularly encounter clients with dementia, yet many misunderstand that a diagnosis doesn't automatically prevent someone from signing legal documents. Todd Whatley explains when and how individuals with dementia can execute valid legal documents and avoid...
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Epi 49: The Trustee Dilemma: Family vs Commercial Fiduciaries
Send us Fan Mail Todd Whatley continues his trust-focused discussion by exploring the critical yet often overlooked process of trustee selection. He examines why this decision deserves more attention than the typical "oldest child" default approach, emphasizing that being a trustee is a demanding...
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Ep. 48 Uncovering Elder Abuse: Insights and Solutions with Leslie Albrecht
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to identify and combat elder abuse effectively? Join us as we sit down with Leslie Albrecht, a leading authority on elder abuse, who shares her transformative journey from her early days with the San Diego Police Department to establishing the…
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Ep. 47 Simplifying Family Document Chaos with Trustworthy CEO Nathaniel Robinson
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to managing your client's family's essential information with the transformative insights from our special guest, Nat Robinson, creator of Trustworthy. Discover how this groundbreaking platform acts as a "family operating system," providing a secure and…
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Ep. 46 Preserving Your Digital Legacy: Navigating Digital Assets in Modern Estate Planning with Todd Whatley
Send us Fan Mail Digital assets are becoming an essential component of estate planning, yet many clients do not realize their significance. This episode discusses practical steps and legal considerations for addressing digital assets in elder law. • Importance of planning for digital assets •...
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Ep. 45 Balancing Autonomy and Protection: Navigating Elder Law and Guardianship
Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the delicate balance between protecting the rights of elderly clients and preserving their autonomy in light of diminished capacity. Todd emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of elder law attorneys to advocate for their clients and the importance of…
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Ep. 44 Mastering Probate Avoidance: Expert Strategies for Elder Law Practices
Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of probate avoidance and explores various strategies to ensure smoother transitions of assets upon death. Todd Whatley discusses ethical estate planning practices, focusing on revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and...
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Ep. 43 Expanding Your Practice with Special Needs Trusts
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the vital role of special needs trusts in elder law, discussing their importance for families and how attorneys can incorporate them into their practices. With practical marketing strategies and insights, listeners learn how to serve this unique...
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Ep. 42 Insights from Todd on the 2025 Potential Shifts
Send us Fan Mail Discover the intricate world of estate and gift tax exemptions with Todd Whatley, the Elder Law Coach. What could the re-election of President Trump mean for your financial future? As Todd guides us through the potential shifts in estate planning, he delves into the looming...
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Ep. 41 Mastering OKRs: Revolutionize Goal-Setting in Your Elder Law Practice
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secret to revolutionizing your elder law practice's goal-setting strategy with Todd Whatley as your guide. Traditional methods often leave us short of our targets, but what if your objectives were not only clear but quantifiable as well? Through the power of Objectives...
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Ep. 40 Turning Mistakes Into Mastery: The $6850 Letter
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a small oversight turns into a $6,850 lesson? Join me, Todd Whatley, on a journey through the complexities of elder law, as I recount an unforgettable personal story that underscores the critical importance of communication and documentation in the Medicaid...
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Ep. 39. Spotting Trust Mistakes: Identifying Two Key Errors That Convert Clients
Send us Fan Mail Do you have trouble getting people to hire you to amend their trust done by another attorney? Are you creating trusts with terms that are not in your client's best interest? Unlock the secrets to effective trust management and protect your clients' interests with insights from…
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Ep. 38 The Future of Elder Law Part 2 - One Solution, Financial Planning
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to effective elder law and estate planning as we host Ian Weiner, a Certified Financial Planner, who shares his expertise on the critical risks of using templated legal documents and "do it yourself" financial advice. Discover why DIY and advisor-mediated…
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Ep. 37 Trends in Elder Law - What is Coming?
Send us Fan Mail Discover the evolving world of estate planning and financial advising in our latest episode, featuring insightful contributions from Todd Whatley, the Elder Law Coach, and certified financial planner Ian Weiner. You won't want to miss Todd's candid apology for the delay in new...
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Ep 36 Maintaining Autonomy in Dementia: Navigating Guardianships and Powers of Attorney
Send us Fan Mail Discover the keys to safeguarding autonomy in the face of dementia and the intricate legal decisions that follow. As your Elder Law Coach, I, Todd Whatley, guide you through the murky waters of guardianships and powers of attorney, revealing how a dementia diagnosis impacts legal...
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Ep 35 Insights on Trustee Selection and Beneficiary Care with Samantha Shepherd
Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey with me, Todd Whatley, as I sit down with the exceptional Samantha Shepherd, a beacon in the world of elder law and founder of Assured Trust. Our latest Elder Law Coach podcast episode promises to unveil the complexities of trust management through the lens of...
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Ep 34 Mastering Elder Law: The Role of Irrevocable Trusts in Asset Protection and Medicaid Planning
Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey through the complex landscape of Elder Law with me, Todd Whatley, as your guide. Together we'll uncover the benefits and drawbacks of Irrevocable Trusts, a critical tool in asset protection. This episode promises to illuminate the path for safeguarding your...
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Ep 33 Navigating the Complexities of Long-Term Care Policies for Estate Protection
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the mysteries of long-term care insurance and its pivotal role in estate planning as I, Todd Whatley, alongside expert Bill Mathews, traverse the intricate terrain of safeguarding one's future. We tackle the big questions: What's the likelihood of needing long-term care…
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Ep 32 Exposing the Truth About Financial Planning and Investment Strategies
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to smarter financial decisions with Todd Whatley and our special guest, financial planner Ian Weiner. We're peeling back the layers of the financial industry to reveal the truth behind becoming a financial advisor and how this can impact the advice you…
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Ep 31 Building a Sellable Law Practice: Even if you are not selling.
Send us Fan Mail Ready to unlock the potential of your law practice and navigate the complexities of elder law? Join me, Todd Whatley, as I sit down with financial gurus Joel Houser and Ian Winer to demystify the process. We examine the value of building a lucrative wealth team, delegating tasks...
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Epi 28 An Interview with Ashley Sharek: How Coaching Changed and Grew Her Office
Send us Fan Mail Curious about the intricacies of elder law and estate planning? Meet Ashley Sharek, an accomplished attorney from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who skillfully navigates this complex terrain. Get rare insights into her captivating journey—from her early interest in estate planning to...
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Ep 30 Advancing your Legal Career: The Certified Elder Law Attorney Path. Todd Interviews CELAs
Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to unlock the secrets to becoming a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and gain a unique edge in your profession? We promise you'll find just that in our enriching conversation with the accomplished elder law attorneys Keith Miles, Teresa Bowman, Tye Cressman, Bob...
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Ep 29 Finding Fulfillment as an Attorney: Elder Law - Personal Anecdotes and Insights. Todd interviews CELAs
Send us Fan Mail You're an attorney, fresh out of law school or a seasoned veteran. Do you love your job? If not, you should consider elder law. Today, you'll hear the raw, real, and riveting stories of other attorneys, just like you, who have found a unique passion in this field. That's exactly...
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Epi 27 Michael Wall from DocuBank
Send us Fan Mail Today we have a guest, Michael Wall. He is with Docubank. This company provides many benefits to your clients for very little money. Mainly, they make the client's medical documents available to them with online access with a card for their wallet. They will also make sure the...
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Epi 28 Introduction to InterActive Legal Estate Planning Software
Send us Fan Mail Today Todd has a special guest, Teresa Bush from InterActive Legal. Todd uses ILS and he talks with Teresa about the benefits of 1) using software to draft documents and why you should and 2) Why InterActive Legal is the software you should be using. Teresa is super interesting…
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Epi 26 Revenue Ruling 2023-2 DON'T PANIC, It's OK.
Send us Fan Mail Today Todd and Sara talk about a new IRS Ruling that would indicate that the real estate in an Irrevocable Trust would not get a step up in basis. That is true if you do a trust that is not intentionally defective. We as Elder Law Attorneys know to do the trust with language that...
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Epi 25 The Importance of the Healthcare Directive
Send us Fan Mail Many times over looked, if done at all, is the Advanced Directive or Healthcare Directive. This is a crucial document for the elderly client and their family to make sure the end of life care is done as they want. Today, Todd and Sara discuss this very important document and why…
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Epi 24 The Importance of the Advanced Directive
Send us Fan Mail Todd and Sara today talk about an often overlooked and ignored document that really pretty important, The Advanced Directive, sometimes known as the Living Will. This document is a necessary document in the senior's estate planning documents. Listen to this episode to learn the...
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Epi 23 Interview Techniques for a Client with Dementia.
Send us Fan Mail Today, Todd and Sara talk about how to interview a client (potential client) who has dementia. These are tough meetings if you don't know the brain process and how to work with that issue. Sara, as a Social Worker and Nursing Home Administrator, has lots of experience with this...
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Epi 22 The Disabled Child Exemption to Gifting Penalties
Send us Fan Mail Having a disabled child is tragic. The Medicaid rules allow us to plan a parents estate to help protect that child allowing us to protect a very large amount of the estate from transfer penalties. However, there are some intricacies that you must be aware of when discovering this...
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Epi 21 Four Words to Help Get Your Client the Care They Need
Send us Fan Mail Today, Todd pulls from his PT career to help you when your client's family calls you to say that their loved one is being discharged from rehab when they are not where they should be. The therapy people have a special code and language they use that most others don't know about....
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Epi 20 Presenting the Single Medicaid (Half-a-Loaf Explained)
Send us Fan Mail Working with the family who is needing Medicaid for the Single Person can be a challenge. It's also really exciting since most families really believe they are going to lose everything now that care is needed. In today's episode, Todd explains the rules for the single person and...
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Epi 19 How To Present the Married Medicaid Crisis Plan
Send us Fan Mail This is probably the most beneficial presentation to clients you can give. The spouse and the kids come in having just put their loved one into the nursing home thinking they are going to spend thousands of dollars every month for a really long time. You can help these people but...
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Episode 18. Doing the Correct Power of Attorney for Your Clients
Send us Fan Mail I tell clients and during public speaking events that the Power of Attorney is THE most important document a senior can do. Therefore, you as an elder law attorney need to provide the best POA document you can to your clients. Your clients NEED this document. Today, Todd and Sara...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Todd Whatley is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, practicing attorney and now the Elder Law Coach. His passion is to help attorneys become proficient Elder Law Attorneys. He still practices law with over 22 years of experience with offices in two states. He is the Past President of the National Elder Law Foundation, the ABA accredited certifying organization for the ABA. He LOVES working with new and experienced attorneys to help them have the best job in the world and help a great population. Visit him at www.TheElderLawCoach.com. This podcast was formally known as Elder Law in a Box.
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Todd Whatley
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Elder Law Coach have?
The Elder Law Coach currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Elder Law Coach about?
Todd Whatley is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, practicing attorney and now the Elder Law Coach. His passion is to help attorneys become proficient Elder Law Attorneys. He still practices law with over 22 years of experience with offices in two states. He is the Past President of the National Elder...
How often does The Elder Law Coach release new episodes?
The Elder Law Coach has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Elder Law Coach?
You can listen to The Elder Law Coach on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Elder Law Coach?
The Elder Law Coach is created and hosted by Todd Whatley.
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