SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES

The All About Estates Blog
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All About Estates has launched SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES, a new podcast examining the intersection between estate planning and lifestyle planning. The podcast is co-hosted by Justin de Vries, a lawyer, founder of All About Estates and principal of de VRIES LITIGATION LLP, together with Susan Hyatt, Chair and CEO, Co-founder of Silver Sherpa .  de VRIES LITIGATION LLP specializes in estate, trust and capacity litigation, as well as estate administration. Silver Sherpa Inc. is a professional services company that is unique in the elder management space. Estate planning and elder management ordinarily operate as separate disciplines. SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES brings both perspectives into a single discussion, providing listeners with a more complete view of smart ageing and successful succession planning, including the benefits and potential pitfalls. The discussions are lively and interactive.

Episodes

  1. Sep 25

    Episode 2: Wills & Estate Planning

    SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES continues with a discussion about wills, estate planning and the broader considerations that shape a comprehensive estate plan. The podcast connects legal planning, financial planning, and ageing considerations into a single planning framework.  The podcast is co-hosted by Justin de Vries, founder of All About Estates and principal of de VRIES LITIGATION LLP, together with Susan Hyatt, Chair, CEO and Co-Founder of Silver Sherpa Inc. Estate planning and elder care management ordinarily operate as separate disciplines. SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES brings both perspectives into a single discussion, providing listeners with a more complete view of smart ageing and successful succession planning, including the benefits and potential pitfalls. The discussions are lively and interactive.  Episode 2: Wills & Estate Planning Episode 2 examines the modern estate plan. A will directs the distribution of assets following death, but today’s planning often extends far beyond the will itself. Financial planning, tax planning, business succession, philanthropy and long-term lifestyle considerations all form part of a comprehensive approach.  The discussion addresses some of the most common sources of estate conflict, including blended families, family cottages and sentimental personal property. As Justin de Vries observes, “The family cottage is the poison ivy of estate planning.”  The episode also introduces a central theme of the series: the distinction between lifespan and health span. Estate planning is not simply about what happens after death. It is also about planning for how you intend to live during retirement and later life. As Susan Hyatt notes, “It might be that our health span does not equal our lifespan.”  Outdated documents, poor communication and isolated professional advice are not mere planning oversights. They are conditions from which estate disputes commonly arise. Accordingly, individuals should maintain current planning documents, communicate openly with family members and ensure that legal, financial and tax advisors are working in a coordinated manner.  Episode 2 also addresses the growing use of boilerplate and AI-generated wills. As Justin de Vries notes: “You get what you pay for.” Professional advice remains an important part of creating a plan that reflects individual circumstances and family dynamics.

  2. Sep 14

    Episode 1: Powers of Attorney

    Episode 1 of the SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES podcast examines powers of attorney. A power of attorney for property grants someone you choose the authority to manage your money and financial affairs when you can’t, an arrangement that can sometimes lead to conflict, strained relationships, or even litigation.  A power of attorney for personal care addresses six distinct domains: housing, nutrition, safety, personal hygiene, health care and clothing. Many clients assume that a power of attorney for personal care concerns only medical decisions. That assumption can leave gaps that become apparent during a crisis, when the scope of the appointment is tested. Outdated documents, an unsuitable appointment or a failure to communicate effectively with family are not mere administrative oversights. They are conditions from which power of attorney conflicts commonly arise. Accordingly, every adult should maintain current powers of attorney, each naming an alternate and supported by discussions with those affected. Episode 1 also considers the increasing pressure from financial institutions to execute bank-specific forms, an issue many clients encounter without adequate guidance. As Justin notes: “Resist the temptation to have a separate power of attorney for your personal finances. You can present your general power of attorney to the bank. That should be good enough.”

  • 2 Episodes

About

All About Estates has launched SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES, a new podcast examining the intersection between estate planning and lifestyle planning. The podcast is co-hosted by Justin de Vries, a lawyer, founder of All About Estates and principal of de VRIES LITIGATION LLP, together with Susan Hyatt, Chair and CEO, Co-founder of Silver Sherpa .  de VRIES LITIGATION LLP specializes in estate, trust and capacity litigation, as well as estate administration. Silver Sherpa Inc. is a professional services company that is unique in the elder management space. Estate planning and elder management ordinarily operate as separate disciplines. SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES brings both perspectives into a single discussion, providing listeners with a more complete view of smart ageing and successful succession planning, including the benefits and potential pitfalls. The discussions are lively and interactive.

Information

  • Creator
    The All About Estates Blog
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES
  • Show Website
    SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES

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