Probate Problems and Practical Solutions

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Probate Problems and Practical Solutions is a podcast from Copper Wren Law that helps Arizona families navigate probate, guardianship, and conservatorship with confidence. Hosted by firm founder Carly Whiteside, the show breaks down complex legal topics into practical, plain-English guidance. Each episode shares real-world insights, helpful checklists, and compassionate strategies for managing life’s toughest transitions. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the middle of a probate case, this show gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Episodes

  1. Avoiding Probate Litigation: Tips from the Frontlines of Arizona Courtrooms

    JAN 7

    Avoiding Probate Litigation: Tips from the Frontlines of Arizona Courtrooms

    Summary: In this episode of Probate Problems and Practical Solutions, Carly Whiteside of Copper Wren Law explains how to avoid probate disputes through better planning, communication, and trust in the right professionals. Carly shares the most common causes of probate lawsuits, what actions families can take to minimize conflict, and why having a clear, well-prepared estate plan is critical. She also outlines the importance of communication during probate, the benefits of mediation, and how to make smart financial decisions during emotional times. Timestamps: 00:00 – Common causes of probate lawsuits 02:00 – Steps families can take to reduce conflict 05:00 – Why partial planning often creates bigger problems 07:00 – Key deadlines during the probate process 10:00 – Using mediation and dispute resolution in probate cases 12:00 – Challenges when one side is unrepresented 15:00 – How courts handle uncooperative parties 17:00 – Deciding what’s worth fighting for 19:00 – Balancing emotion, principle, and practicality Show Description: Probate disputes often start with missing information, miscommunication, or poor planning. In this episode, Carly Whiteside discusses how to prevent probate litigation, why clear disclosure and realistic expectations matter, and how mediation can save families time, money, and heartache.

    20 min
  2. Family Feuds & Probate Battles: What Happens When Emotions Collide with Inheritance

    12/24/2025

    Family Feuds & Probate Battles: What Happens When Emotions Collide with Inheritance

    Summary: In this episode of Probate Problems and Practical Solutions, Carly Whiteside of Copper Wren Law, LLC discusses why inheritance disputes occur so frequently, what red flags to look for when conflict arises, and how to handle an executor who isn’t doing their job. Carly also explains what families can do when they suspect undue influence and offers practical advice for managing emotions while navigating probate. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why inheritance disputes happen so often 02:30 – Red flags for probate disputes 05:00 – Powers and limits of a personal representative 07:30 – Understanding undue influence 10:00 – Legal recourse for mismanagement 12:30 – Balancing emotion and legal strategy 15:00 – What courts really care about 17:30 – Options if you don’t want to serve as executor 18:30 – Final advice for families in conflict Show Description: Family conflict after loss is never easy. In this episode, Carly Whiteside shares how to recognize early signs of inheritance disputes, how to respond to executor misconduct, and why timing and communication are key in resolving probate challenges.

    20 min
  3. Conservatorship vs. Guardianship: What Arizona Families Need to Know

    12/10/2025

    Conservatorship vs. Guardianship: What Arizona Families Need to Know

    Episode Summary In this episode of Probate Problems and Practical Solutions, Carly Whiteside, founder of Copper Wren Law, breaks down one of the most confusing topics in Arizona probate law — the difference between guardianship and conservatorship. Joined by her partner, Liz Cole, Carly explains when each applies, what families should look out for, and how to avoid costly mistakes when managing a loved one’s care or finances. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The clear difference between guardianship and conservatorship in Arizona Who can serve in these roles and what their legal responsibilities are Signs that a family may need to step in for a loved one What happens when family members disagree about appointments Why “DIY” filings often backfire — and how to avoid them How to protect family assets and avoid unnecessary court intervention Key Timestamps 00:00 – 01:00 Introduction to guardianship and conservatorship 01:10 – 02:30 The key differences between managing a person’s care and finances 02:40 – 04:10 Who can serve and how Arizona determines appointment priority 04:20 – 06:00 Common signs a family may need to step in for aging parents 06:10 – 07:30 How to handle family disagreements over who should serve 07:40 – 09:00 The risks of DIY filings and common mistakes people make 09:10 – 10:00 Why consulting an attorney early can save time and money 10:10 – 11:30 Final advice on avoiding unnecessary guardianships or conservatorships About the Show Probate Problems and Practical Solutions is a podcast from Copper Wren Law that helps Arizona families navigate probate, guardianship, and conservatorship with confidence. Hosted by firm founder Carly Whiteside, the show breaks down complex legal topics into practical, plain-English guidance. Each episode shares real-world insights, helpful checklists, and compassionate strategies for managing life’s toughest transitions. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the middle of a probate case, this show gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Learn more at CopperwrenLaw.com.

    12 min
  4. Why I Started an ABS Law Firm: A New Model for Arizona Probate

    11/26/2025

    Why I Started an ABS Law Firm: A New Model for Arizona Probate

    Episode Summary In this debut episode, Carly shares the story behind launching Copper Wren Law—the first woman-owned ABS law firm in the U.S. She talks about her journey from a paralegal at the State of Arizona to becoming a law firm owner, why she chose the Alternative Business Structure model, and how she’s changing the way probate and guardianship services are delivered in Arizona. Carly also opens up about the lessons learned in her first few years of business and her mission to bring a client-first, human approach to legal services. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) law firm is and why Arizona pioneered it. Why Carly decided to start her own firm and what makes Copper Ren different. The challenges of launching a law firm as a non-lawyer owner. How Carly and her team structure client care, communication, and collaboration. The types of cases Copper Ren handles and why the firm focuses on accessibility. Why client experience and empathy are at the core of her business model. Key Timestamps 00:00 – How Carly got started in the legal field 02:30 – Discovering Arizona’s ABS program and taking the leap to start Copper Ren 04:40 – Lessons learned in the first year of running a law firm 06:30 – Building systems, hiring the right people, and improving client intake 08:00 – The value of reminder systems and client communication 09:30 – How Copper Ren manages collaboration between team members 11:00 – The type of clients Copper Ren serves and why accessibility matters 13:00 – Why Carly chose not to offer estate planning services 14:00 – What makes ABS firms different and how Carly brings customer service into law About the Show Probate Problems and Practical Solutions is a podcast from Copper Wren Law that helps Arizona families navigate probate, guardianship, and conservatorship with confidence. Hosted by firm founder Carly Whiteside, the show breaks down complex legal topics into practical, plain-English guidance. Each episode shares real-world insights, helpful checklists, and compassionate strategies for managing life’s toughest transitions. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the middle of a probate case, this show gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

    16 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Probate Problems and Practical Solutions is a podcast from Copper Wren Law that helps Arizona families navigate probate, guardianship, and conservatorship with confidence. Hosted by firm founder Carly Whiteside, the show breaks down complex legal topics into practical, plain-English guidance. Each episode shares real-world insights, helpful checklists, and compassionate strategies for managing life’s toughest transitions. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the middle of a probate case, this show gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

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