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When you hear the term estate planning, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably picture wealthy families with mansions, trust funds, and vacation homes. But here’s the truth:

Estate planning isn’t just for the rich—it’s for everyone.

Whether you own a modest home, have young children, or are entering retirement, a personalized estate plan is one of the most important ways to protect what matters most: your family.

🎙️ Straight Talk from Our Attorneys

On this week’s Elder Law Report podcast, Attorneys Jordan McIntyre and Haley Matson break down why estate planning is not about your net worth—it’s about planning ahead for life’s “what ifs.”

“Estate planning is not just for millionaires,” says Attorney Jordan McIntyre. “If you own a home, have a bank account, or love your family—you have an estate worth protecting.”

🏠 You Already Have an Estate

You may not think you have an “estate,” but if you own a home, car, savings account, or even personal items—you do.

Without a plan, state law decides what happens to your assets, not you.

That could mean:

• Your property goes to someone you didn’t intend
• Your loved ones must endure lengthy court processes
• Your assets are depleted by probate costs and medical bills

❤️ Estate Planning Is About Protecting Your Family

“A good estate plan doesn’t just protect your assets—it protects your people,” says Attorney Haley Matson.

With proper planning, you can:

✔️ Appoint a guardian for your children
✔️ Designate who inherits what
✔️ Assign someone to make healthcare or financial decisions on your behalf
✔️ Clarify your wishes for end-of-life care
✔️ Ensure your home stays in the family

These are deeply personal decisions—and without a plan, the courts will make them for you.

⚖️ What Happens If You Don’t Plan?

If you pass away without a plan in place:

• Your assets go through intestate probate (a court-controlled process)
• Creditors can collect from your estate
• Your home may be sold to pay outstanding debts
• Your family may wait months—or longer—for resolution

This is how many families unintentionally lose the home, land, or savings that took a lifetime to build.

🛡️ Protecting Assets and Accessing Long-Term Care

At McIntyre Elder Law, we not only help clients qualify for long-term care Medicaid—we help them protect those assets from Medicaid Estate Recovery afterward.

That means using smart legal tools like:

• Lady Bird Deeds (to keep your home out of probate)
• Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (to shield savings and property)

📅 Planning Isn’t About Fear—It’s About Readiness

“Planning doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means being prepared,” says Matson. “It’s easier to do now than it is later.”

Whether you’re:

• Starting a family
• Nearing retirement
• Recovering from a health scare
• Or simply want peace of mind

It’s never too early—or too late—to build a plan that protects your future.

Thank you for reading our e-newsletter dedicated to protecting your assets and planning for long-term care. We look forward to assisting you with strategic legal solutions that ensure your peace of mind.

Greg McIntyre

Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney 

P.S. Sharing is caring! Forward this newsletter to someone who may benefit from understanding the power of Revocable Living Trusts.