We’ve all been around long enough to know that life can throw us curveballs. Having an estate plan—which typically includes a will, healthcare directive, financial power of attorney, and often a revocable trust—can ensure that your family is protected if something happens to you. If you’ve been putting off creating an estate plan, or you’re not sure whether your family needs one, you’ll love this conversation with estate and wealth planning attorney Jennifer Belmont Jennings.
Jennifer fills you in on everything you need to know, including:
- What a trust is, why you probably need one, and why it’s a bad idea to procrastinate
- The various players you need to choose for your trust, and what to look for in each of these individuals
- How to decide on a trustee, as well as guardians for your children—and how to avoid conflicts among them
- The advanced medical directives and other paperwork that should be included in your estate plan
- How to set up special provisions for dependents with special needs
- What corporate trust companies are and when you should consider using one
- Additional trust provisions that can help to protect your family
- How often you need to update your trust, and what happens when you move
Plus—because Jen is not only brilliant but funny—we talk about celebrity estate fiascos and what we can learn from them, and what Taylor Swift recently got wrong when writing song lyrics about her will!
Be sure to tune in to this important conversation.
Please note that this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace professional legal advice.
Jennifer Belmont Jennings’ practice includes estate and wealth planning for individuals and families looking to build and protect their legacies. This includes the basic estate plan comprising of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, complex estate and tax planning, and post-death administration. Jennifer began her legal career practicing estate planning, probate and family law. In 2013, she transitioned to financial services and spent nearly 10 years working with high-net-worth individuals and families to develop and implement financial plans that complement their estate planning and tax objectives. She worked closely with estate planning attorneys and tax professionals to ensure estate and tax planning was properly executed. Jennifer received her JD, AM, and AB from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed the General Course Program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Jennifer has had several media appearances discussing estate planning and finances on KMOV News 4 and KSDK News 5, and has been quoted in U.S. News Money, USA Today, ThinkAdvisor, AARP’s Senior Planet, and Town & Style Magazine. She has spoken at the Beverly Hills Bar Association, The U.S. Center for Women and Law at the University of Texas, The Military Spouse JD Network and the Washington University School of Law, and been a guest on several podcasts. Jennifer also co-authored the book Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success; her article, “The $83,583.20 Latte: Tips for Building Wealth,” was featured in the ABA Young Lawyers Division Magazine in 2021.
Jen serves on the board of directors of Fathers and Families Support Center St. Louis, YouthBridge Community Foundation, and Rooted Sisters. She was recognized as a St. Louis Business Journal “40 Under 40,” and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of St. Louis. Jennifer, her husband Brent, and their son, Liam, enjoy family volunteer activities, golf and travel. They also enjoy spending time with their Maltipoo, Peter Jennings.
Jennifer may be found on LinkedIn and Instagram @money.tea.legacy.
