In today’s episode, I sit down with Leslie Sultan of Sammartino & Sultan Law Group to explore one of the most important, but often overlooked, estate planning documents: The Power of Attorney, and how it fits into a broader, well-structured estate plan. Leslie explains why having a properly drafted Power of Attorney is critical for protecting families during incapacity, avoiding unnecessary court involvement, and ensuring trusted individuals can act when decisions need to be made.Throughout our conversation, Leslie breaks down common misconceptions around Power of Attorney, including why spouses and family members don’t automatically have legal authority, why outdated or online forms frequently fail, and how the absence of proper documents can force families into guardianship. We also discuss the importance of organization, trust funding, ethical billing practices, and why estate planning isn’t just about documents, but about education, follow-through, and thoughtful guidance. This episode offers practical insights for families who want to plan proactively and avoid costly mistakes.Timeline Summary01:10 Introduction and Leslie Sultan’s estate planning philosophy03:40 What Power of Attorney really is and when it becomes essential06:00 Power of Attorney vs. guardianship: cost, timing, and court involvement09:10 Common misconceptions about spouses and decision-making authority12:30 Why online and outdated Power of Attorney forms often fail16:00 Real-life examples of families forced into guardianship18:45 Medical decision-making, healthcare proxies, and personal autonomy22:10 Why financial institutions reject improperly executed documents25:30 Power of Attorney limitations and what happens at death28:40 How Power of Attorney fits into a complete estate plan31:20 The importance of organizing and updating legal documents34:10 Trust funding mistakes and why follow-through matters38:00 Time vs. money: deciding what to handle yourself vs. hiring help41:30 Ethical billing practices and transparency in estate planning45:10 Planning for protection, clarity, and family harmony48:30 How to contact Leslie and the Sammartino & Sultan Law Group5 Key TakeawaysPower of Attorney Is a Cornerstone of Estate Planning: It allows trusted individuals to act on your behalf and prevents court intervention during incapacity.Marriage Does Not Grant Automatic Authority: Without proper documents, even spouses may be unable to make financial or medical decisions.Generic Forms Often Create Bigger Problems: Online or outdated Powers of Attorney are frequently rejected when they’re needed most.Documents Must Be Supported by Follow-Through: Trusts, asset lists, and Power of Attorney only work if they’re properly executed and maintained.Ethical Guidance Makes a Difference: Transparent fees, education, and client-focused planning help families avoid stress and costly mistakesLinks & ResourcesSammartino & Sultan Law Group:Website: www.ss-lawgroup.comPhone: (631) 505-1086Email: Info@sslawgroup.com Social Media: @sslawgroup Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service at:Leave The Key HomebuyersPhone Number: (631) 381-4783 LeaveThe Key Homebuyers Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniorsFinal ThoughtsEstate planning is ultimately about protecting people, not just paperwork. Leslie Sultan’s insights highlight how a Power of Attorney, when combined with proper organization and ethical guidance, can reduce stress, preserve family harmony, and provide clarity during uncertain times. If this episode helped you better understand estate planning or challenged assumptions you may have held, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could benefit. These are conversations every family should have before a crisis forces them to.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Beth Weeks, RN, co-founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York, to discuss how families can navigate senior living decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Beth shares her journey from working in senior living communities to becoming a registered nurse and trusted senior care advisor. We explore why choosing the right assisted living or senior housing option requires far more than an online search, and how a personalized, nurse-led approach helps families make informed, human-centered decisions. Throughout our conversation, Beth explains the importance of understanding the whole person—medical needs, lifestyle preferences, emotional well-being, and family dynamics—when planning senior care in New York.

Timeline Summary

00:40 Introduction to Beth Weeks, RN

01:55 What Senior Living Consultants of New York does

03:30 Beth’s early career in senior living

05:10 Discovering a passion for working with seniors

06:45 Becoming a CNA and learning hands-on care

08:20 Why Beth chose to become a registered nurse

10:30 The value of clinical leadership in senior living

12:15 Moving to New York and meeting co-founder Paul Corvino

14:10 Identifying gaps in senior placement services

16:25 Creating a holistic senior living consulting model

18:40 What “human-centered” senior care really means

21:05 Beyond safety and cost: lifestyle and dignity

23:45 Common mistakes families make when choosing senior living

26:30 How in-person guidance improves outcomes

29:15 Supporting families through difficult transitions

32:10 The emotional side of senior care decisions

35:20 Why trust and advocacy matter in elder care

38:10 Final thoughts and advice for families planning senior care

5 Key Takeaways

Senior Living Decisions Are Complex: Choosing assisted living or senior housing requires more than online research—it demands professional guidance and personal understanding.

Clinical Experience Matters: Beth’s nursing background provides families with medically informed insight that many senior placement services lack.

A Holistic Approach Is Essential: Successful senior care planning considers medical, emotional, social, and lifestyle needs—not just availability and pricing.

Human-Centered Care Makes the Difference: Understanding a senior’s values, preferences, and life story leads to better placement and long-term satisfaction.

Advocacy Builds Trust: Families benefit most when they have a knowledgeable advocate guiding them through the senior living landscape.

Links & Resources

Website

Senior Living Consultants of New York: https://www.slcofny.com

Contact details

https://www.slcofny.com/contact-us

Phone Number

(646) 406-2327

Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service at:

Leave The Key Homebuyers:

(631) 381-4783

Leave The Key Homebuyers Website:

https://leavethekey.com/seniors

Final Thoughts

If you found this conversation with Beth Weeks helpful, please consider subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the podcast. Beth’s experience as a registered nurse and senior living consultant highlights how thoughtful guidance can reduce stress and bring peace of mind to families navigating elder care decisions. Her human-centered approach reminds us that senior living is not just about placement—it’s about dignity, trust, and quality of life. I’m grateful for this insightful discussion and look forward to continuing conversations that empower families to make confident senior care choices.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Ettinger of Ettinger Law Firm, an experienced estate planning attorney, to unpack some of the most misunderstood aspects of long-term planning, Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs), and inheritance protection. Michael shares his client-first philosophy and explains why estate planning is not about “one-size-fits-all” documents, but about thoughtful, ethical strategies that protect families, preserve dignity, and create lasting legacies.

Throughout our conversation, Michael breaks down common misconceptions around irrevocable trusts, explains how proper planning can safeguard assets while maintaining flexibility, and emphasizes the importance of transparency and education in the estate planning process. This episode offers practical insights for families who want to plan proactively—rather than reactively—while avoiding costly mistakes.

Timeline Summary

01:10 Introduction and Michael Ettinger’s estate planning philosophy

03:25 Common misconceptions about estate planning and trusts

06:40 What Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs) really are

10:15 Irrevocable vs. revocable trusts explained clearly

14:30 Why “control” is often misunderstood in irrevocable planning

18:45 Timing considerations and the Medicaid lookback period

22:10 Ethical planning vs. fear-based sales tactics

26:30 How inheritance protection trusts work

30:55 Protecting beneficiaries from creditors, divorce, and lawsuits

34:20 The importance of education and client-centered planning

38:40 Long-term advisor relationships and ongoing trust management

42:15 Planning for legacy, not just asset transfer

45:30 Final advice from Michael for families considering estate planning

5 Key Takeaways

- Estate Planning Is About Strategy, Not Documents: Michael emphasizes that effective planning is driven by goals, values, and long-term needs—not just paperwork.

- Irrevocable Does Not Mean Inflexible: When structured properly, irrevocable trusts can still provide adaptability while offering strong asset protection.

- Medicaid Planning Requires Early Action: MAPTs are powerful tools, but families must plan ahead due to strict lookback periods and eligibility rules.

- Inheritance Protection Safeguards the Next Generation: Trusts can protect beneficiaries from creditors, divorce, lawsuits, and poor financial decisions.

- Ethical Guidance Makes the Difference: Michael stresses the importance of working with advisors who educate clients and build long-term relationships rather than using fear-based tactics.

Links & Resources

Ettinger Law Firm

Website: https://www.trustlaw.com/

Leave The Key – Senior Transition Experts

Website: leavethekey.com/seniors

Phone: (631) 388-7771

Final Thoughts

Estate planning is ultimately about protecting people—not just assets. Michael Ettinger’s insights reinforce how proactive, ethical planning can reduce stress, prevent conflict, and create clarity for families across generations. If this episode helped you better understand estate planning or challenged assumptions you may have held, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could benefit. These are conversations every family should have before a crisis forces them to.