E57: Estate Planning Simplified: Protecting Your Family, Your Legacy, and Your Peace of Mind with Eric Bean, FBFK Law
Discover simple, strategic steps to protect your wealth, secure your legacy, and prevent family conflict through smart estate planning with expert insights from attorney Eric Bean.
Estate Planning Made Easy: Protect Your Legacy and Family Peace of Mind
Most people think estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. In this episode, Eric Bean, attorney at FBFK Law, breaks down how families under the $15M exemption can protect their assets, avoid conflict, and plan for both death and incapacity. From handwritten wills to guardianship nightmares, this conversation makes estate planning simple, relatable, and essential. If you care about your loved ones and want peace of mind, this is the episode to listen to.
About Our Guest: Eric Bean, Attorney at FBFK Law
After graduating from South Texas College of Law Houston, Eric Bean served for 2 years as a briefing attorney at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas. After his clerkship, Eric joined a boutique estate planning and probate litigation firm, eventually becoming a partner. Eric focuses his practice on estate planning and probate law with an emphasis on trust and estate administration, guardianship administration, and trust, estate, and fiduciary litigation. He represents fiduciaries, family members, and beneficiaries in will contests and all manner of disputes and controversies involving estates and trusts. Eric is certified and eligible for court appointments, serving as an attorney for guardianship applicants or as a court-appointed attorney in guardianship proceedings, including as an attorney ad litem. Eric has also served as a court-appointed attorney ad litem in heirship cases and as a court-appointed administrator, helping clients navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence.
Outside of his legal practice, Eric is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He writes about emerging legal issues and developments in estate planning and probate law, providing practical guidance to both clients and colleagues. Known for his attention to detail and dedication to his clients, he is a trusted advisor in navigating the intricacies of estate and probate law.
Connect with Eric Bean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bean-57136130/
Top Takeaways
-You already have a plan—just not your own.
-The state decides who gets your assets if you don’t.
-“Leave it to Beaver” planning keeps things simple.
-For non-taxable estates under $15M, structure your plan around fairness, clarity, and family harmony.
-Avoid the big three litigation triggers:
-Handwritten wills, last-minute changes, and naming one sibling as trustee.
-Plan for incapacity, not just death.
-Include powers of attorney, HIPAA releases, and directives to physicians to avoid costly guardianships.
-Guardianship is the legal removal of rights.
-Avoid it through proactive documentation and family transparency.
-Peace of mind comes from preparation.
-Once your plan is in place, you—and your family—sleep better.
-Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
-Spending on estate planning today prevents family turmoil tomorrow.
Chapters with Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction
01:00 – What estate planning attorneys actually do
03:00 – The handwritten “napkin will” and other real-world disputes
05:00 – Understanding the $15M exemption and non-taxable estates
07:00 – “Leave it to Beaver” estate planning explained
10:00 – Why everyone needs a will—even if you “don’t have much”
12:00 – What happens when you don’t plan
14:00 – Guardianship for minors and adults
20:00 – Planning for incapacity: powers of attorney & directives
25:00 – Avoiding guardianships through smart documents
29:00 – Real-life examples and court experiences
34:00 – The emotional side of planning and family conflict
37:00 – Why helping people plan is deeply rewarding
39:00 – Closing thoughts: death, taxes, and peace of mind
Credits
Sponsored by Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas
If you are interested in being a guest, please email us.
Video and Podcast Production by Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas
https://redsuncreative.studio
Disclaimers
“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”
“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”
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