What’s more costly—paying for proper estate planning today, or leaving your family to fight it out in court tomorrow?

In this episode of The Mortgage Athlete Podcast, Tracy Hayes and Tom Reber welcome estate and tax attorney Robert Daugustinis joins Tracy Hayes and Tom Reber on the Mortgage Athlete Podcast to demystify the world of estate planning. They dive into the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how to protect your home and assets, and why even first-time homebuyers should start thinking about succession. With engaging stories of family disputes, quirky wills, and the costly consequences of skipping planning, Rob explains why having a plan in place isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy.

This episode also unpacks the hidden tax advantages of strategic gifting, how to use tools like Lady Bird deeds, and why collaboration between mortgage advisors and estate attorneys can save clients money and heartache. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or planning for future generations, this conversation delivers practical insights on protecting wealth, reducing taxes, and avoiding unintended consequences.

Don’t wait for a crisis—start your estate planning today. Share this episode with a friend or client who needs to hear it, and subscribe to the Mortgage Athlete Podcast for more strategies to protect and grow your financial future.

Highlights:

00:00 – 06:00 Estate Planning Basics

• ·        Introduction of guest Robert Daugustinis
• ·        Revocable vs irrevocable trusts explained
• ·        Why homeowners need a plan early
• ·        Common misconceptions about wills and trusts
• ·        Who makes an ideal estate planning client

06:00 – 12:30 Avoiding Family Feuds

• ·        Stories of family disputes over estates
• ·        The hidden cost of probate in Florida
• ·        Planning to reduce stress and conflict
• ·        Role of communication with heirs
• ·        Importance of upfront planning vs. litigation

12:30 – 18:00 Protecting Homes and Titles

• ·        Risks of improper title transfers
• ·        Lady Bird deeds and homestead quirks
• ·        Costs of probate vs. upfront planning
• ·        Horror stories of title defects
• ·        How trusts and LLCs can protect property

18:00 – 24:00 Holistic Estate Planning

• ·        Power of attorney and healthcare decisions
• ·        Blended families and unintended consequences
• ·        Customized planning for unique situations
• ·        Intake process and client questionnaires
• ·        Why every plan must cover incapacity

24:00 – 30:00 Unique Trusts and Guardrails

• ·        Creative legacy trusts and incentive provisions
• ·        Guardrails vs. ruling from the grave
• ·        Building succession for family businesses
• ·        Humor and eccentric client stories
• ·        Importance of peeling back layers with clients

30:00 – 38:37 Taxes, Gifting, and Strategy

• ·        Annual vs lifetime gift exemptions
• ·        Strategic gifting to reduce estate tax
• ·        College funds and seed money for kids
• ·        How appreciation outside the estate saves taxes
• ·        Closing thoughts from Tom and Tracy

Quotes:

“Having a good plan in place can save you ten times the cost and stress compared to fighting it out after someone passes.” – Robert Daugustinis

“Probate in Florida is expensive—it’s a percentage of the value of assets. A few thousand upfront can save tens of thousands later.” – Robert Daugustinis

“You can pay me a little now to do it right, or a lot later to fix it.” – Robert Daugustinis

“If you can dream it up, I can usually put it on paper for you.” – Robert Daugustinis

To contact Robert Daugustinis, learn more about his business, and make him a part of your network, make sure to follow him on their website and LinkedIn.

Connect with Robert Daugustinis!

Website: https://ivanlawgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-daugustinis-b1394083

Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com  

Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com 

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