Estate Problems After Death: Deeds, Divorce & Liquidity with Co-Host Fred Long | Season 2 Episode 8

In this episode of *Death and Dirt*, Jenn and Jay turn the tables on co-host Fred Long. Fred shares how he found his way into the practice of law, reflects on his career and experiences as an attorney, and reveals a few things about his life that listeners may not know. Then, the conversation turns to three issues Fred has encountered repeatedly in his estate practice—issues that may seem relatively harmless during life but can create unexpected problems after someone dies. What happens when a parent co-signs a child's mortgage and ends up on the deed? What happens when divorced spouses never fully separate their property or update how assets are titled? And what happens when someone dies with substantial assets, but leaves the estate without enough liquidity to pay taxes, expenses, and the costs of administration? Drawing from real-world situations, Fred discusses how these problems surface, the complications they can create after death, and some practical considerations for attorneys and clients who want to avoid them. Along the way, Jenn and Jay get to know the person behind the microphone—and find out how a would-be journalist ended up talking about death, deeds, and taxes for a living. \~~~ Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure. Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania. Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness. \*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠⁠⁠