Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder
Estate Planning Beyond the Binder breaks down essential information about protecting your loved ones and assets through effective estate planning. The show makes estate planning simple and doable for married couples, homeowners, business owners, and anyone thinking about their future. Featuring Brian Chew, founder of OC Wills and Trust Attorneys.
Episodes

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* Brian Chew, a renowned estate planning attorney, delves into the complexities faced by the sandwich generation—individuals caring for aging parents and children simultaneously. He highlights the importance of robust estate planning to safeguard retirement savings, manage assets effectively, and avoid costly legal proceedings.
Key Timestamps:- 00:00 – Introduction- 01:30 – Balancing financial obligations for the sandwich generation- 03:45 – Qualifying for long-term care without estate recovery claims- 06:20 – Impact of Proposition 19 on property tax assessments- 09:10 – Managing digital footprints and legal access for caregivers- 12:15 – Ensuring immediate powers in power of attorney documents for cognitive decline scenarios
About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* guides listeners through the intricate world of estate planning, offering expert insights and practical advice to secure family legacies and ensure peace of mind.

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* Brian Chew, a renowned estate planning attorney, delves into the complexities faced by the sandwich generation—individuals caring for aging parents and children simultaneously. He highlights the importance of robust estate planning to safeguard retirement savings, manage assets effectively, and avoid costly legal proceedings.
Key Timestamps:- 00:00 – Introduction- 01:30 – Balancing financial obligations for the sandwich generation- 03:45 – Qualifying for long-term care without estate recovery claims- 06:20 – Impact of Proposition 19 on property tax assessments- 09:10 – Managing digital footprints and legal access for caregivers- 12:15 – Ensuring immediate powers in power of attorney documents for cognitive decline scenarios
About the Show: *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* guides listeners through the intricate world of estate planning, offering expert insights and practical advice to secure family legacies and ensure peace of mind.

Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary:Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes, as attorney Brian Chew explains in this episode. From overlooking crucial legal advice to failing to fund trusts properly, DIY approaches can turn into nightmares for Californians. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding goals and concerns to create effective estate plans.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Risks of DIY estate planning03:15 – Importance of legal advice in estate planning05:40 – Funding living trusts correctly07:20 – Addressing complexities like second marriages and stepchildren09:45 – Potential consequences of unequal distribution in estate planning
About the Show:*Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* provides valuable insights into estate planning strategies and pitfalls to avoid. With over 25 years of experience, Brian Chew offers expert guidance on navigating the complexities of estate planning to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary:Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes, as attorney Brian Chew explains in this episode. From overlooking crucial legal advice to failing to fund trusts properly, DIY approaches can turn into nightmares for Californians. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding goals and concerns to create effective estate plans.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Risks of DIY estate planning03:15 – Importance of legal advice in estate planning05:40 – Funding living trusts correctly07:20 – Addressing complexities like second marriages and stepchildren09:45 – Potential consequences of unequal distribution in estate planning
About the Show:*Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* provides valuable insights into estate planning strategies and pitfalls to avoid. With over 25 years of experience, Brian Chew offers expert guidance on navigating the complexities of estate planning to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Apr 1, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
13 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder*, Brian Chew, a seasoned estate planning attorney, delves into the critical aspects of estate planning for unmarried partners in California. He highlights the significant legal and financial implications that arise when individuals fail to establish proper estate plans for their partners, offering valuable insights for safeguarding assets and decision-making rights.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Legal Rights of Unmarried Partners in Estate Planning04:15 – Implications of Improper Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples07:20 – Challenges Faced by Unmarried Partners in Medical Emergencies10:45 – Consequences of Passing Away Without a Will for Unmarried Partners13:10 – Tax Considerations for Gifts Among Unmarried Partners15:50 – Importance of Updating Beneficiary Forms Alongside the Will18:30 – Role of Cohabitation Agreements in Preventing Legal Disputes21:05 – Implementing No Contest Clauses to Protect Partner's Assets24:40 – Essential Estate Planning Documents for Unmarried Partners
About the Show:*Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by leading estate planning attorney Brian Chew, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of estate planning effectively. Tune in to explore expert guidance on securing your assets and ensuring your loved ones are protected.

Apr 1, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
13 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of *Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder*, Brian Chew, a seasoned estate planning attorney, delves into the critical aspects of estate planning for unmarried partners in California. He highlights the significant legal and financial implications that arise when individuals fail to establish proper estate plans for their partners, offering valuable insights for safeguarding assets and decision-making rights.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Legal Rights of Unmarried Partners in Estate Planning04:15 – Implications of Improper Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples07:20 – Challenges Faced by Unmarried Partners in Medical Emergencies10:45 – Consequences of Passing Away Without a Will for Unmarried Partners13:10 – Tax Considerations for Gifts Among Unmarried Partners15:50 – Importance of Updating Beneficiary Forms Alongside the Will18:30 – Role of Cohabitation Agreements in Preventing Legal Disputes21:05 – Implementing No Contest Clauses to Protect Partner's Assets24:40 – Essential Estate Planning Documents for Unmarried Partners
About the Show:*Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder* is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by leading estate planning attorney Brian Chew, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of estate planning effectively. Tune in to explore expert guidance on securing your assets and ensuring your loved ones are protected.

Mar 18, 2026
Mar 18, 2026
11 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Brian Chew, a leading estate planning attorney, discusses the crucial estate planning legal checklist every parent needs before their child heads to college. From understanding the impact of turning 18 to the necessity of documents like power of attorney and health care directives, Brian offers practical insights to ensure parents are prepared for any unforeseen emergencies.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:17 – Impact of turning 18 on parental rights
03:45 – Importance of power of attorney and health care directives
06:22 – Dealing with incapacitation and access to accounts
08:58 – Explaining the purpose of these documents to students
11:30 – Dispelling myths about automatic parental rights
14:45 – Best time to establish these documents
16:50 – Encouraging proactive discussions with children
19:10 – Ensuring a strong estate plan with trusted individuals
About the Show:
*Estate Planning Beyond the Binder* delves into essential legal considerations for families, guiding listeners through the complexities of estate planning to secure their loved ones' futures. Tune in for expert advice on navigating legal processes and protecting your assets.

Mar 4, 2026
Mar 4, 2026
17 min
Episode Summary:In this episode, Brian Chew, the managing partner at OC Wills and Trust Attorneys, delves into the crucial role of life insurance within an estate plan. He emphasizes the significance of life insurance in replacing lost income, supporting surviving family members, and providing liquidity for various expenses. Brian also highlights the common mistakes people make when not integrating life insurance with their estate plan and the importance of regularly reviewing and updating policies to align with changing circumstances.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Importance of life insurance in an estate plan03:45 – Mistakes when not connecting life insurance to the estate plan06:20 – Naming the correct beneficiaries to avoid legal issues08:15 – Benefits of naming a trust as a life insurance beneficiary10:00 – Providing liquidity through life insurance for estate expenses12:45 – Safeguarding both new spouses and children from prior marriages14:30 – Adapting life insurance needs as families grow and circumstances change16:50 – Importance of reviewing and adjusting life insurance policies19:10 – Ensuring life insurance aligns with the overall estate plan
About the Show:*Estate Planning Beyond the Binder* is a podcast series dedicated to educating families on comprehensive estate planning strategies. Hosted by industry experts, each episode provides valuable insights and actionable advice on securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones.

Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
18 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trust, delves into the complexities of estate planning with a focus on retirement accounts like IRAs and 401Ks. He highlights the importance of strategic planning to avoid tax pitfalls and ensure a seamless transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Tax Implications of Traditional IRAs and 401Ks
- 04:15 – Impact of Secure Act on Inherited Retirement Accounts
- 06:45 – Changes in Rules for Inheriting Retirement Accounts
- 09:20 – Ten-Year Rule for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries
- 11:45 – Considerations for Leaving Retirement Accounts to Children
- 14:00 – Spousal vs. Children Beneficiaries: Decision Factors
- 16:30 – Common Mistakes in Estate Planning with Retirement Accounts
- 19:00 – Benefits of Using Trusts as Retirement Account Beneficiaries
- 22:10 – Anticipating Future Changes in Retirement Account Rules
- 24:30 – Practical Steps for Protecting Retirement Accounts
About the Show:
*Estate Planning Beyond the Binder with Brian Chew* offers expert insights into estate management, guiding families through the intricacies of legacy planning to secure their financial futures.

Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
18 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trust, delves into the complexities of estate planning with a focus on retirement accounts like IRAs and 401Ks. He highlights the importance of strategic planning to avoid tax pitfalls and ensure a seamless transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Tax Implications of Traditional IRAs and 401Ks
- 04:15 – Impact of Secure Act on Inherited Retirement Accounts
- 06:45 – Changes in Rules for Inheriting Retirement Accounts
- 09:20 – Ten-Year Rule for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries
- 11:45 – Considerations for Leaving Retirement Accounts to Children
- 14:00 – Spousal vs. Children Beneficiaries: Decision Factors
- 16:30 – Common Mistakes in Estate Planning with Retirement Accounts
- 19:00 – Benefits of Using Trusts as Retirement Account Beneficiaries
- 22:10 – Anticipating Future Changes in Retirement Account Rules
- 24:30 – Practical Steps for Protecting Retirement Accounts
About the Show:
*Estate Planning Beyond the Binder with Brian Chew* offers expert insights into estate management, guiding families through the intricacies of legacy planning to secure their financial futures.








