Plan on It

planonit

5.0 (2)
Business

Plan on It is an ongoing educational podcast series hosted by Christopher E. Botti, Esq., a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Each episode breaks down essential topics including living trusts, probate, Medi-Cal planning, long-term care, tax considerations, and real-world questions from clients and listeners.

23h ago

How Married Couples Protect Assets Under Medi-Cal Rules

Episode Summary: In this episode of Plan On It, Chris Botti delves into the intricacies of Medi-Cal rules for married couples. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning, Chris explains the importance of understanding spousal impoverishment rules, which are designed to protect families from financial ruin when one spouse requires long-term care. They discuss the community spousal resource allowance and how it helps preserve assets, as well as the common misconceptions about asset limits and eligibility. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a Medi-Cal compliant estate plan to avoid costly mistakes and ensure financial security. Listeners will gain valuable insights into protecting their assets and planning effectively for potential long-term care needs. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:29 – Medi-Cal Rules for Married Couples 00:57 – Spousal Impoverishment Rules Explained 01:33 – Community Spousal Resource Allowance 02:19 – Asset Protection Strategies 03:32 – Joint Assets and Medi-Cal Eligibility 04:18 – Common Misconceptions About Asset Limits 05:31 – Importance of Proper Estate Planning 06:00 – Primary Residence and Medi-Cal Eligibility 06:41 – Income Rules for Married Couples 07:48 – Mistakes in Medi-Cal Planning 09:01 – When to Start Planning for Medi-Cal 10:17 – Concrete Steps for Estate Planning About the Show: Plan On It is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, trust, and probate law. Hosted by Attorney Chris Botti, the show offers expert insights into long-term care planning, asset protection, and legal strategies to safeguard your family's future. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, Plan On It empowers listeners to make informed decisions about their estate planning needs, ensuring peace of mind and financial security.

13 min
May 27

Estate Planning FAQs: Part 2

Episode Summary: In this episode of Plan On It, Chris Botti dives into critical estate planning questions submitted by listeners. They explore why estate planning is crucial at any age, especially when children are involved, and the common pitfall of procrastination. Chris explains the importance of properly funding a trust and selecting the right trustee, offering insights into potential pitfalls like co-trustee disagreements. The discussion also covers the risks of naming beneficiaries directly on accounts versus using a trust, and the complications of conservatorship if one becomes incapacitated without a plan. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on maintaining and updating estate plans, even when moving across state lines, ensuring peace of mind and protection for their assets and loved ones. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:10 – Importance of Estate Planning at Any Age 01:24 – Procrastination in Estate Planning 02:04 – When to Start Planning 03:09 – Funding a Trust 03:50 – Choosing a Trustee 04:41 – Downsides of Co-Trustees 06:47 – Beneficiaries vs. Trusts 08:40 – Incapacity Without Documents 09:49 – Responsibilities After Signing Documents 10:33 – Moving Out of State 11:49 – Updating an Estate Plan About the Show: Plan On It is a podcast dedicated to demystifying estate planning for individuals and families. Hosted by attorney Chris Botti, a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, the show provides listeners with practical advice and insights into protecting their assets and ensuring their long-term care. Through engaging discussions and expert guidance, the podcast aims to empower listeners to take control of their estate planning process, offering clarity and peace of mind. Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to refine your existing plan, Plan On It delivers valuable information in an accessible and informative format.

13 min
May 13

The Cost of a Comprehensive Estate Plan

Episode Summary: In this episode of Plan On It, Attorney Christopher Botti, a board-certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, joins host Sean O'Connor to discuss the intricacies of estate planning costs. Chris breaks down the components of a comprehensive estate plan, explaining how careful planning can prevent larger expenses in the future. He emphasizes the value of hiring a specialized attorney over using online templates, highlighting the importance of personalized advice and life experience in crafting effective plans. The conversation also touches on the differences between basic and comprehensive plans, the potential pitfalls of DIY approaches, and the long-term benefits of establishing a relationship with a dedicated law firm. Listeners will gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about estate planning, ensuring peace of mind and financial security for their families. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:17 – Importance of Comprehensive Estate Planning 00:47 – Factors Affecting Estate Planning Costs 01:18 – Certification and Experience in Estate Planning 02:00 – Value of Full-Service Law Firms 03:02 – Understanding Client Needs and Life Experience 04:12 – Essential Estate Planning Documents 05:06 – Differences Between Basic and Comprehensive Plans 06:50 – Real-Life Success Stories in Estate Planning 08:06 – Cost Comparison: Probate vs. Estate Planning 09:51 – Factors Influencing Trust Costs 11:08 – Long-Term Client Relationships 13:48 – Risks of DIY Estate Planning About the Show: Plan On It is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, trust, and probate law. Hosted by Attorney Christopher Botti, the show offers expert insights and practical advice on protecting assets, planning for long-term care, and ensuring a smooth transition of wealth. With over 30 years of experience, Chris provides listeners with valuable information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial futures. Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to refine your existing strategy, Plan On It delivers clarity and confidence in every episode.

20 min
Apr 29

Estate Planning FAQs: Part 1

Episode Summary: In this inaugural episode of the "Ask Chris Anything" Chris Botti tackles common questions about estate planning and living trusts. Chris, a board-certified specialist with over 30 years of experience, clarifies the differences between a will and a living trust, emphasizing the importance of avoiding probate in California. He discusses the appropriate age to create a trust, the process of updating it, and the timeline for establishing one. Chris also explains the significance of transferring assets like real estate into a trust and the role of a power of attorney. This episode provides listeners with practical insights into managing their estate effectively, ensuring their assets are protected and efficiently transferred to heirs. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:18 – Launching the Ask Chris Anything Series 01:17 – Do You Need a Living Trust or a Will? 02:39 – Determining Estate Size for Probate 03:04 – When to Create a Living Trust 04:05 – Updating a Living Trust Over Time 05:44 – Timeline for Creating a Trust 07:29 – Frequency of Updating Estate Plans 08:17 – Control Over Assets in a Trust 09:18 – Transferring Real Estate into a Trust 11:03 – Importance of Vehicle Title Transfers 11:36 – Role of Power of Attorney 13:42 – Understanding EIN for Trusts 14:52 – Steps to Take After a Parent's Death About the Show: Plan on It is a podcast dedicated to providing clear and actionable insights into estate planning, trust management, and probate law. Hosted by seasoned attorney Chris Botti, the series aims to demystify complex legal concepts for individuals and families looking to secure their financial future. Each episode features in-depth discussions, expert advice, and practical tips to help listeners navigate the intricacies of estate planning with confidence. Whether you're planning for long-term care or looking to protect your assets, Plan on It offers valuable guidance for every stage of life.

17 min
Apr 15

Our Approach to Estate Planning

Episode Summary: In this episode, Attorney Christopher Botti discusses the importance of a comprehensive estate plan for California families. He emphasizes the synergy of key documents like living trusts, powers of attorney, and the impact of procrastination on estate planning. The conversation delves into simplifying the process for clients and focusing on critical components to ensure a smooth estate planning journey. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Components of a comprehensive estate plan 04:15 – Starting the estate planning process 06:45 – Understanding the essence of estate planning documents 08:30 – Influence of California laws on estate planning 11:00 – Ensuring trust funding and plan maintenance 13:45 – Long-term client relationships for successful planning 16:20 – Blended family planning considerations 18:45 – Addressing surprises in estate planning coordination 20:30 – Choosing a qualified attorney for estate planning guidance About the Show: *Plan on it* is a podcast series featuring Attorney Christopher Botti, a board-certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. The show offers practical insights and guidance on estate planning for individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of structured planning for long-term security and peace of mind.

12 min
Apr 1

Incapacity, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Plan On It*, Attorney Christopher Botti delves into the crucial topic of incapacity planning in estate law. He explains the significance of powers of attorney and advanced directives in ensuring families can manage affairs when a loved one is unable to do so. From defining incapacity in the estate planning context to detailing the legal authority behind power of attorney and advanced healthcare directives, Chris sheds light on the essential components of a comprehensive estate plan. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Importance of Planning for Incapacity 04:15 – Legal Authority of Power of Attorney 07:20 – Role of Advanced Healthcare Directives 10:45 – Real-World Examples of Proper Incapacity Planning 14:30 – Interaction between Power of Attorney and Living Trust 17:50 – Common Confusions in Incapacity Planning 20:10 – Avoiding Conservatorship with Proper Documents 23:45 – Addressing Fears of Giving Up Authority 26:20 – Ensuring Comprehensive Power of Attorney Documents 29:15 – Final Advice on Updating Powers of Attorney About the Show: *Plan On It* Attorney Christopher Botti provides expert guidance on estate planning, trust, and probate law. Whether planning for death or incapacity, Christopher Botti offers actionable insights to empower families to protect their assets and make informed decisions.

14 min
Mar 18

What is a Revocable Living Trust and How to Fund It

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Plan on It* Chris Botti explains the concept of a revocable living trust, emphasizing its flexibility and control while alive. He clarifies the key differences between a trust and a will, highlighting the significant advantage of avoiding probate through proper estate planning. Chris also discusses the importance of funding the trust correctly to ensure its effectiveness in asset distribution. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Explaining a Revocable Living Trust 03:30 – Contrasting Trusts and Wills 05:45 – Benefits of Avoiding Probate 07:20 – Control Over Trust Assets 09:30 – Assets Included in a Living Trust 11:45 – Assets Excluded from the Trust 13:20 – Transferring Real Estate to the Trust 15:00 – Addressing Lender Concerns 16:45 – Significance of Proper Trust Funding 18:30 – Risks of Improper Funding About the Show: *Plan on It* provides valuable insights into estate planning, trust, and probate law, offering practical guidance for individuals and families looking to secure their assets and legacy. With over 30 years of experience, Chris Botti shares expertise in creating effective estate plans and navigating the complexities of trust administration.

12 min
Mar 4

What Should I Do Now That the New Medi-Cal Rules Are in Place?

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris Botti discusses the recent changes in the Medi-Cal rules and their impact on long-term care planning. He explains the return of asset limits and the reintroduction of look back rules, emphasizing the need for careful planning and self-assessment to maintain eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Overview of the failed Medi-Cal experiment 03:45 – Impact of asset test reintroduction 05:20 – Importance of self-assessment for existing applicants 07:10 – Planning options for individuals over asset limits 08:45 – Understanding exempt and non-exempt assets 10:30 – Effect of look back rules on asset transfers 12:15 – Seeking professional assistance for navigating Medi-Cal changes 14:00 – Conclusion and advice for listeners About the Show: *Plan On It* is a podcast series hosted by Mike Leon, featuring Chris Botti, a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. The show provides clear, practical guidance on estate planning, long-term care, and Medi-Cal eligibility. For more information and resources, visit bottilaw.com.

15 min
Feb 18

The Rules of Joint Tenancy in the State of California

Episode Summary: Chris Botti discusses the intricacies of joint tenancy in California, highlighting its benefits, pitfalls, and potential complications for families. He explains how joint tenancy functions, its tax and estate planning implications, and the importance of proper planning to avoid probate and protect assets. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Explanation of Joint Tenancy 04:30 – Tax and Estate Planning Issues 07:45 – Community Property vs. Joint Tenancy 09:20 – Handling Incapacity of Joint Tenants 11:55 – Risks of Adding a Child to Deed or Bank Account 14:30 – Medical Rules and Joint Ownership 16:40 – Alternatives to Joint Tenancy 18:50 – Reviewing Property Titles for Necessary Changes 21:10 – Importance of Revocable Living Trusts About the Show: *Plan On It* is a comprehensive estate planning podcast hosted by an experienced attorney, offering valuable insights and guidance on protecting assets and creating effective plans for the future. Tune in for expert advice on estate planning strategies tailored to your family's needs.

12 min
Feb 3

Avoiding Probate in California

Episode Summary: In this episode, attorney Chris Botti discusses the critical reasons Californians opt to create trusts to sidestep the costly, time-consuming, and public nature of probate proceedings. He delves into the intricacies of probate, its detrimental aspects, misconceptions around wills, and the advantages of establishing a revocable living trust to avoid probate while ensuring family control and privacy. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Understanding Probate in California 05:45 – Reasons to Avoid Probate 09:20 – Costs and Expenses of Probate 12:10 – Will Misconceptions and Probate Triggers 16:40 – Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust 20:15 – Importance of Proper Trust Funding 24:00 – Addressing Mistakes in Trust Funding 27:35 – Community Property System in California 30:10 – Advantages of Avoiding Probate 34:00 – Handling Trust Funding Confirmation About the Show: *Plan on It* offers invaluable insights into estate planning, trust creation, and probate avoidance in California. Join attorney Chris Botti as he simplifies complex legal concepts, providing actionable strategies for safeguarding assets and securing family legacies.

16 min
12/10/2025

What Is Long-Term Care Estate Planning and Why Is It Important

Episode Summary: In this episode, attorney Chris Botti delves into the crucial aspects of long-term care estate planning, emphasizing its significance for California families. He highlights the integration of long-term care provisions into traditional estate plans and the importance of planning for incapacity alongside end-of-life arrangements. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Defining Long-Term Care Estate Planning 05:15 – Incorporating Incapacity Planning into Estate Plans 08:45 – Triggers for Considering Long-Term Care Planning 11:20 – Misconceptions Surrounding Long-Term Care Eligibility 14:55 – Essential Documents for Long-Term Care Planning 18:10 – Addressing Medical Compliance in Estate Plans 21:40 – Designing Comprehensive Estate Plans for Long-Term Care 24:30 – Coordination with Community Property Rules 27:10 – Assessing Existing Estate Plans for Long-Term Care Preparedness 30:05 – Core Documents for Long-Term Care Estate Planning About the Show: *Plan On It* is a podcast series hosted by a board-certified estate planning attorney, Christ Botti, focusing on educating individuals about estate planning, asset protection, and long-term care considerations. The show aims to empower listeners with essential knowledge to secure their and their families' futures.

20 min
11/26/2025

Medi-Cal Changes for 2026: What California Families Need to Know Now

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris Botti discusses the significant Medi-Cal changes set to take effect in 2026 and their impact on California families planning for long-term care. He delves into the asset assessment, asset test, look back period, and how these changes will affect eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the discussion on Medi-Cal changes 01:30 – Botti's background in estate planning and Medi-Cal law 04:45 – Reinstatement of the asset test and look back period from January 1st, 2026 08:15 – Impact on new applicants and existing Medi-Cal recipients 10:30 – Potential consequences for those exceeding asset limits 12:45 – Exempt vs. non-exempt assets under Medi-Cal rules 15:20 – Protections for married couples under the new standards 17:50 – Utilizing irrevocable Medi-Cal asset preservation trusts 20:10 – Importance of starting conversations about long-term care planning 23:00 – Closing remarks and resources for further assistance About the Show: Plan on It is an ongoing educational podcast series hosted by Christopher E. Botti, Esq., a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Each episode breaks down essential topics including living trusts, probate, Medi-Cal planning, long-term care, tax considerations, and real-world questions from clients and listeners.

22 min

12 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Plan on It is an ongoing educational podcast series hosted by Christopher E. Botti, Esq., a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Each episode breaks down essential topics including living trusts, probate, Medi-Cal planning, long-term care, tax considerations, and real-world questions from clients and listeners.

Creator

planonit
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Show Website

Plan on It