In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam welcomes trust and estates litigator Terrence Franklin for a powerful conversation that blends probate law, history, and personal discovery. Terrence shares that, decades into his legal career, he uncovered a 19th-century will contest that directly shaped his family's freedom and reshaped his understanding of the law's role in justice.

The discussion traces Terrence's path from Harvard Law School to trust and estates litigation, before turning to the remarkable story of his fourth great-grandmother, Lucy, who was enslaved in the 1840s. Through a meticulously drafted will and a contested probate proceeding in Florida, Lucy and her family were ultimately freed and transported to Illinois. What began as family lore evolved into a documented legal record, including trial transcripts, probate inventories, and judicial rulings, all of which remain available today.

Sam and Terrence explore the legal mechanics of emancipation through probate, including bond requirements, jurisdictional differences across states, the role of estate-planning attorneys, and the real consequences of probate litigation. The episode also reflects on legacy—how lawyers, clients, and courts shape outcomes that can echo for generations—and what it means to "bend the arc of history toward justice" through intentional action.

This episode offers a rare look at probate law not just as a technical process, but as a force capable of protecting freedom, preserving truth, and shaping the future.

In this episode, you will hear:

• A 19th-century will that emancipated an enslaved family through probate
• How a contested estate preserved freedom and a family legacy
• The role of estate planning attorneys in navigating emancipation laws
• Probate court records that survived fire, time, and near erasure
• Executor duties that extended far beyond asset distribution
• Lessons modern probate practitioners can draw from historic cases
• How one estate plan shaped generations to come

Resources from this Episode

https://www.trustlitigation.la/attorney/franklin-terrence-m

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrencefranklin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWgKIv1nTto

https://lucysutton.com

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/terry-franklin

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam flips the script and brings listeners inside his own law firm to explore a part of probate practice that often gets overlooked: the first phone call. That initial conversation sets the tone for the entire attorney-client relationship, shaping expectations around cost, timeline, communication, and trust. Sam explains why attorneys are often not the best people to handle these early conversations and how a well-trained intake professional can improve both client experience and firm efficiency.

Joining Sam is Brandie Cooper, a client care specialist at Price Law Firm, who shares her perspective from the front lines of probate intake. Drawing on her background in banking, sales, and client service, Brandie explains how she gathers essential information, guides conversations with empathy, and helps families feel supported during an emotionally difficult time. Together, Sam and Brandie discuss how structure, compassion, and clear boundaries can lead to better outcomes for both clients and law firms.

This conversation offers insight for probate attorneys considering whether to delegate initial consultations and for professionals who want to understand what it takes to excel in a client-facing intake role.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why initial probate consultations often work better when handled by a non-attorney
• How intake professionals gather key information without giving legal advice
• Setting clear expectations around probate timelines, costs, and communication
• Managing emotionally charged calls with empathy while guiding the conversation
• Common objections and challenges families raise during probate intake
• The importance of finding the right personality for a client care role
• How effective intake systems support client retention and firm growth

Resources from this Episode

https://pricelawfirm.com/about-us/

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam welcomes Sharon Vidano, a former criminal defense attorney turned certified life coach, for a conversation about mindset, energy, and intentional living in the legal profession.

Drawing on her own experience practicing law, Sharon explains why so many attorneys find themselves living on autopilot, pushing through long hours, high stress, and constant demands without ever stopping to ask whether the life they're building actually feels fulfilling. Sharon introduces the idea of "living by default" versus "living by design," emphasizing that change starts with awareness. By noticing thought patterns, emotional reactions, and areas of dissatisfaction, attorneys can begin to make intentional choices about how they show up at work and at home. She shares examples of how mindset shifts can transform difficult client interactions, reduce emotional exhaustion, and improve professional outcomes without requiring a career change.

A major theme of the discussion is energy preservation. Sharon explains how unmanaged stress and constant reactivity drain mental and emotional reserves, making even routine tasks feel overwhelming. She offers simple tools such as pausing, reframing thoughts, and intentional breathing to help regulate the nervous system in high-pressure moments, whether in court, client meetings, or negotiations.

The episode also explores why growth is difficult to sustain on its own. Sharon discusses the value of coaching, accountability, and structured support, especially for attorneys who are used to self-reliance. Rather than adding more to an already full plate, coaching helps attorneys work more intentionally with the time, energy, and resources they already have, leading to greater clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Living by default vs. living by design
• Why attorneys are prone to burnout and autopilot thinking
• Awareness as the foundation for change
• Mindset shifts that improve client interactions
• Energy preservation in high-stress environments
• Breathing techniques to reset during tense moments
• Visioning exercises to clarify what you truly want
• The role of coaching and accountability in sustainable growth

Resources from this Episode

lifecoachsharon.com

sharonvidano.systeme.io/get-your-free-burnout-toolkit

tidycal.com/sharonnvidano/breakthroughsession

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Family disputes over trusts and estates don't just involve legal questions. They carry decades of emotional history, misunderstandings, and tension that money alone can't resolve.

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with veteran trust-and-estate mediator Daniel I. Spector to explore how mediation offers an effective, human-centered alternative to years of bruising litigation.

Dan walks through what mediation actually looks like inside probate disputes — how neutral fact-framing works, why listening for understanding (not rebuttal) changes negotiations, and how collaborative compromise gives families far more control over outcomes than courtroom battles ever can.

Daniel I. Spector is a partner at Hanson Bridgett and a neutral with Judicate West, with over 30 years of experience litigating and mediating complex trust, estate, financial elder abuse, and conservatorship disputes throughout California.

If you've ever wondered how some of the most emotionally charged legal cases resolve without trials, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the process.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The practical differences between litigation and mediation in trust and estate disputes

• Why most probate conflicts resolve through settlement rather than trial

• How neutral fact statements guide productive negotiations

• The importance of listening for understanding instead of rebuttal

• How mediation addresses both financial issues and family dynamics

• A step-by-step walkthrough of a realistic probate mediation scenario

• Key traits and experience needed to become an effective mediator

Resources from this Episode

www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-i-spector-a0bb441b

www.hansonbridgett.com/Our-Attorneys/daniel-spector

www.judicatewest.com/adr/daniel-spector

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Probate bonds play a critical role in California probate cases, yet many practitioners still find the process confusing.

In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with attorney and surety-bond specialist Paul Shakarian to clarify how bonds work, how applicants get approved, and the factors that influence underwriting.

Paul shares his transition from practicing law to running a bond agency, along with practical guidance on premiums, renewals, bond riders, and exoneration. His insights help attorneys, fiduciaries, and administrators avoid common bonding pitfalls that stall probate cases.

Sam and Paul take listeners through the lifecycle of a probate bond, from application to exoneration, so every professional involved in probate can move through the process with greater confidence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• A clear breakdown of surety bonds and how they differ from insurance
• The criteria underwriters use when reviewing bond applications
• How bond amounts change during administration and the role of riders
• Renewal timelines, premium calculations, and refund practices
• Joint liability concerns for co-administrators and safer bonding options
• Challenges self-represented administrators face when seeking approval
• The final steps needed for bond exoneration at the close of a case

Resources from this Episode

https://dlrbond.com/

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever felt bogged down by the endless paperwork in the legal field?

On this episode of Probate Notes, Chris Floyd from EDEX Information Systems shares how his company is revolutionizing the way legal professionals handle their mail. Chris shares how EDEX transitioned from aiding the California State Workers' Compensation System to becoming an essential partner for attorneys, especially during the pandemic's shift to remote work. Learn how the challenges of managing extensive mailings in probate law can be effortlessly overcome with EDEX's innovative print and mail service.

Imagine if sending physical mail were as simple and secure as sending a DocuSign document. In this conversation, Sam and Chris explore EDEX's certified mailing solutions that ensure secure, trackable delivery of legal documents, providing verification akin to that found in electronic document handling. They highlight the advantage of tracking first-class mail, which is typically not tracked by the postal service, and its seamless integration with case management platforms like Clio. This discussion reveals the precision and reliability of EDEX's services, which help meet court requirements and maintain effective client communications.

For those weary of mailing mishaps, the episode also uncovers EDEX's check printing and mailing solutions designed for efficiency and reliability. From time-sensitive mailings to flawless check signing processes, Chris explains how these solutions address businesses with fluctuating mailing needs. With features like automatic expense tracking and digital signatures, EDEX offers user-friendly services that streamline operations without the burden of setup or monthly fees, making it an ideal partner for any firm looking to enhance its mailing logistics.

Tune in to learn how EDEX can transform your legal document handling with ease and precision.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Evolution of EDEX Information Systems from serving the California State Workers' Compensation System to legal professionals
• Comparison of EDEX's certified mailing service to DocuSign for physical mail
• Integration of mailing solutions with case management platforms like Clio
• Benefits of EDEX's check printing and mailing solutions for law firms
• Efficiency and reliability in managing large volumes of legal mail
• Immediate credit for first-time users to test EDEX's mailing system

Resources from this Episode

EDEXis.com

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Probate Notes, Aaron Feldman from Feldman Law Group shares his remarkable journey from the world of music to the corridors of law, offering listeners a narrative rich with unexpected turns and insights.

You'll hear about Aaron's educational experiences at UC Santa Barbara and Southwestern University and how his passion for the music industry was redirected towards a rewarding career in civil litigation and municipal law. His roles with the Department of Water and Power and the City of Thousand Oaks exemplify the resilience needed to navigate a shifting legal landscape and the unique challenges that can redirect one's professional path.

Sam and Aaron also illuminate the complexities of estate law, focusing on the nuances of community property issues that arise in both probate and non-probate contexts. They provide insights on the importance of community within the trust and estates sector and the value of courageous networking. Sam and Aaron delve into the legal ramifications of transferring assets without a surviving spouse's consent, highlighting the essential knowledge needed to navigate these challenges. This conversation is crucial for professionals keen to understand the significance of unauthorized non-probate transfers and the legal pathways available to address these situations.

Sam and Aaron further explore the intricacies of estate planning in blended families, emphasizing the need for spousal consent documents to ensure a seamless distribution of assets. By sharing real-life scenarios, they underline the importance of well-crafted estate plans to prevent familial conflicts and ensure client satisfaction. Finally, Sam encourages professionals, from attorneys to real estate agents, to embrace the probate process with confidence, enhancing their expertise through our podcast.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Aaron Feldman's career transition from the music industry to law, focusing on civil litigation and municipal law
• His educational background at UC Santa Barbara and Southwestern University, and early career experiences with the Department of Water and Power and the City of Thousand Oaks
• Estate law complexities, particularly community property issues in probate and non-probate contexts
• Importance of community and networking within the trust and estates legal sector
• Legal challenges of unauthorized non-probate asset transfers and the necessity of spousal consent in estate planning
• Navigating estate planning in blended families to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable asset distribution
• Approaching probate with confidence and expanding their expertise

Resources from this Episode

www.feldmanlawgroup.com

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Probate Notes, Catalina Castaneda, a seasoned real estate agent from Riverside, California, unfolds her incredible journey.

From her roots in Colombia to her thriving niche in probate real estate, Catalina brings a wealth of experience shaped by her international business and logistics background. Her story exemplifies the power of relationship-building and marketing, as she shares how these skills have been instrumental over her 15-year career in real estate. Catalina's approach, especially her ability to connect with Hispanic clients through language and empathy, offers insightful lessons for those navigating the real estate landscape.

Transitioning from an immigrant with a foreign degree to a successful real estate professional in Southern California was no small feat for Catalina. She recounts how a Craigslist opportunity as an assistant and Spanish translator became the foundation for her flourishing career. With determination and a genuine passion for connecting with clients, Catalina went from navigating a post-crash real estate market to building a strong network and securing her real estate license. The enduring relationships she cultivated are a cornerstone of her success, marked by continuous engagement and mutual respect long after deals are closed.

Probate real estate is complex, filled with emotional and legal challenges that Catalina knows all too well. She shares poignant stories from her career, illustrating the importance of empathy and understanding when families face the difficult task of managing estate properties. Her personal experiences, coupled with her professional insights, provide valuable guidance for agents considering this niche. Catalina's heartfelt narratives about clients underscore the profound connections tied to family homes, offering a compelling look at the human side of real estate.

Join us for an episode that combines expertise with compassion, featuring stories that are both inspiring and instructive.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Catalina Castaneda's journey from Colombia to becoming a probate real estate expert in California
• Transition from a foreign degree to a successful real estate career in Southern California
• Building a career from a Craigslist opportunity as an assistant and translator
• The importance of relationship-building and marketing in real estate success
• Navigating the emotional and legal complexities of probate real estate with empathy
• Personal stories and challenges that families dealing with inherited properties face
• Strategies for agents considering a niche in probate real estate, emphasizing compassion and understanding

Resources from this Episode

www.CatalinaCastaneda.com

www.instagram.com/_catalinacastaneda_

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.