Legacy Lawyers

The moment your child turns 18, you lose all legal access to their medical records, school records, and financial accounts — not some access, all of it. Most parents find this out in a hospital waiting room, when it's too late to fix. In this episode, Nathan Croxford and Brian Edwards break down exactly what changes the day a child becomes a legal adult, and the three documents that restore a pare...

Selling a highly appreciated business, property, or investment usually means writing a big check to the IRS — but the tax code offers legitimate ways to reduce or eliminate that bill. Most people either don't know these strategies exist, or assume they're only for the ultra-wealthy. In this episode, Michael Haslam and Nathan Croxford break down six legal levers for reducing your taxes — from struc...

Most people assume asset protection is for the ultra-wealthy — offshore trusts, Cayman Islands, $50,000 to set up. It's not. And for Utah residents, there's a tool right at home that delivers the same core protection at a fraction of the cost. In this episode, Nathan Croxford and Brian Edwards break down the Utah Domestic Asset Protection Trust — what it is, how it works, and why fewer than half o...

A living trust that was never funded doesn't avoid probate — it just delays it. Most Utah families who go through probate anyway had a trust sitting in a filing cabinet the whole time. The document isn't the plan. The funding is. In this episode, Nathan Croxford and Taylor Stone walk through exactly why 7 out of 10 living trusts fail at the worst possible moment, and give you a step-by-step checkl...

Leaving everything to your spouse and "trusting them to do right by your kids" isn't a plan—it's a wish. In a blended family, a standard will is a ticking time bomb. Under Utah law, a surviving spouse who inherits outright has full legal ownership and can completely disinherit your biological children, intentionally or not. In this episode, Michael Haslam and Taylor Stone break down the exact tool...

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 n...

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 indi...

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...

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 throug...

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...

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 spe...

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. Th...

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 earl...

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,...

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...

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 proba...

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, ownershi...

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, Natha...