What actually happens when a family has to go through probate in Texas?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Linda Ham, estate planning and probate attorney at Glast, Phillips, Murray & Zopolsky, to talk through the probate process, wills, trusts, inherited property, and the common mistakes that can make an estate much harder to settle.

Linda explains what probate is, when it is required, how long it can take, and why having a will is only one part of the planning process. She also breaks down what happens when someone dies without a will, why a trust must actually be funded to work, and how real estate can create complications when title was never properly transferred.

This conversation also covers letters testamentary, muniment of title, affidavits of heirship, transfer-on-death planning, executor responsibilities, probate timelines, lost wills, intestacy, and why organizing documents before death can save families time, money, and stress.

Whether you are preparing your own estate plan, helping aging parents get organized, or dealing with inherited property after a death, this episode offers a practical look at what families need to understand about probate and estate planning in Texas.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Linda Ham at Glast Phillips Murray Zopolsky:

📞 972-419-7132

🌐 www.gpmz-law.com

📧 LHam@gpmz-law.com

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:03] Why the Original Will Matters and What Happens If It Is Lost

[00:05] Why a Surviving Spouse May Not Fully Own the House Without Probate

[00:07] What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Probate a Will

[00:08] Payable-on-Death Accounts and Beneficiary Designations Can Override the Estate Plan

[00:11] The Basic Probate Process in Texas

[00:18] What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will

[00:21] You May Not Need the Estate Planning Tool You Think You Need

[00:23] Common Misconceptions About Trusts, Probate, and Property Ownership

[00:27] Muniment of Title Explained

[00:29] How Texas Determines Heirs When There Is No Will

[00:31] Affidavits of Heirship

[00:34] Probate Timelines and What Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Process

[00:38] What an Executor Is Responsible For

[00:44] What to Bring to an Attorney After a Death

[00:46] Why Organization, Passwords, Account Lists, and Original Documents Matter

[00:47] Final Advice: Get the Will Done, Fund the Trust, and Use a Texas Probate Professional

What happens when a business owner knows they need to transition someday, but hasn’t figured out who should take over, what should happen next, or how to protect the relationships involved?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Elizabeth Ledoux, founder of The Transition Strategists, and Laura Chiesman, Managing Partner and Financial Advisor at Savant Wealth, to talk about business succession, family enterprise planning, and the people side of transition.

Elizabeth and Laura explain why successful transitions require more than legal documents, financial projections, or a sale price. They require clarity around why the transition matters, what is being transferred, who should be involved, when different responsibilities should move, and how the next chapter should be funded and structured.

This conversation also covers Transition 3.0, successor readiness, family business communities, spouses and children in the transition process, family offices, charitable planning, liquidity events, and why business owners should make time their friend long before they are ready to exit.

Whether you own a family business, manage a family enterprise, are preparing the next generation, or are simply trying to understand what life after the business could look like, this episode offers a practical look at how to build a transition roadmap that protects both wealth and relationships.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Laura Chiesman & Savant Wealth

📧 lchiesman@savantwealth.com

📞 (321) 773-7773

🌐 SavantWealth.com

Connect with Elizabeth Ledoux & The Transition Strategists

📧 elizabeth@transitionstrategists.com

🌐 TransitionStrategists.com

Elizabeth is offering listeners a free electronic copy of the second edition of It’s A Journey: The MUST-HAVE Roadmap to Successful Succession Planning. Click HERE to request YOUR FREE DIGITAL COPY.

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] Why Business Transition Planning Is About More Than Selling or Stepping Away

[00:05] Transition 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0: Why Successors Need a Voice in the Process

[00:07] How to Protect Relationships During a Business Transition

[00:08] The Objectives Matrix and Finding the Family’s Collective “Why”

[00:12] What Happens When the Next Generation Has a Different Vision for the Business

[00:15] What It Means to Be a “100 Percenter” in Succession Planning

[00:17] Why Financial Clarity Helps Owners Become More Generous and Open-Minded

[00:20] The Relationships Business Owners Must Consider: Family, Team, Clients, Community, and Self

[00:24] How Early Business Owners Should Start Planning Their Transition

[00:27] Common Mistakes Owners Make When Planning in a Vacuum

[00:30] The Big Six Questions Every Owner Should Ask Before Transitioning

[00:35] Charitable Giving, Foundations, and Donor-Advised Funds in Planning

[00:38] Family Business Community vs. Family Community

[00:48] Planning for Transitions When There Is No Family Successor

[00:50] Why the Planning Process Matters as Much as the Plan

[00:55] How Practice Runs Can Prepare Heirs Before a Major Liquidity Event

[00:58] Final Advice: Start Early, Be Intentional, and Make Time Your Friend

What if your estate plan is technically complete, but still leaves your family confused, frustrated, or fighting after you’re gone?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Aubrey Boswell, estate planning attorney and founder of Boswell PLLC, to talk about wills, trusts, probate, family conflict, legacy planning, and how to create an estate plan that actually works when your family needs it most.

Aubrey explains why estate planning is about more than documents. It is about making clear decisions, protecting your family from unnecessary court involvement, avoiding preventable conflict, and giving the next generation clarity around both your assets and your values.

This conversation also covers revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, family loans, co-executors, no-contest clauses, professional trustees, transfer-on-death deeds, and why family meetings can be one of the most valuable parts of the planning process.

Whether you are creating your first estate plan, updating an old one, helping aging parents think through their next steps, or trying to prevent future conflict among heirs, this episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful estate planning can protect both wealth and relationships.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Aubrey Boswell & Boswell PLLC

📞 469.518.9299

📧 aubrey@boswellpllc.com

🌐 www.boswellpllc.com

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:04] What Goes Into a Core Estate Plan Beyond Just a Will

[00:05] Legacy Planning: Passing Down Values, Not Just Assets

[00:08] How Inheritance Can Help or Hurt the Next Generation

[00:13] Why Families Fight After Death and How to Plan Ahead

[00:14] Why Family Loans Should Be Documented Clearly

[00:16] The Problem With Naming All Children as Co-Executors or Co-Trustees

[00:24] Revocable Trusts Explained and Why Probate Takes Longer Than Many People Expect

[00:28] Transfer-on-Death Deeds and When They May or May Not Be Enough

[00:30] Irrevocable Trusts, Asset Protection, and Legacy Gift Trusts

[00:36] Why No-Contest Clauses May Not Prevent Family Fights

[00:42] Family Meetings and the Value of Discussing the Plan Before Death

[00:55] Conservation Easements, Ag Exemptions, and Planning for Large Land Assets

[00:56] When It May Make Sense to Use a Professional Executor or Trustee

[01:00] Why the Right Advisor Matters More Than Just Having Documents

What if retirement is not just about having enough money, but knowing what the money is actually for?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Dan Langworthy, founder of Fortress Financial Group, to talk about retirement planning, tax strategy, wealth transfer, and finding purpose in the next chapter of life.

Dan explains why many retirees struggle to spend after decades of saving, how fear of running out of money can keep people from living fully, and why a strong financial plan should help answer both practical and personal questions: Will I be okay? Can I afford to do the things I’ve dreamed about? What do I want this next chapter to look like?

This conversation also covers Roth conversions, Social Security timing, donor-advised funds, step-up in basis, estate tax planning, and why liquidity can be one of the greatest gifts families leave behind.

Whether you are approaching retirement, helping aging parents plan, or thinking about how to transfer wealth with less stress and more clarity, this episode offers a practical and meaningful look at how to plan for both financial security and a fulfilled life.

*Fortress Financial Group is a registered investment advisor. The opinions expressed are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Dan Langworthy & Fortress Financial Group

📞 507-529-1400

📧 https://www.youtube.com/@Fortress-Financial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortressFinancialGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortress_financial_group/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortressfinancialgroup

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:04] Helping Retirees Think About Purpose, Freedom, and the Next Chapter

[00:07] Why Many People Lose Their Identity After Leaving Work

[00:09] The Fear of Running Out of Money vs. the Risk of Waiting Too Long to Live

[00:10] Tax Planning Strategies for Retirement

[00:12] Why Roth IRAs Can Reduce Future Tax Uncertainty

[00:15] How Roth Conversions Work and When They May Make Sense

[00:19] Social Security Timing: When to Take It and When to Wait

[00:25] Donor-Advised Funds and Tax-Efficient Charitable Giving

[00:28] Mistakes Families Make in The Wealth Transfer Process

[00:31] State Estate Tax Issues and Why Planning Depends on Where You Live

[00:33] Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan, Not Just High-Net-Worth Families

[00:36] How Liquidity Can Prevent Family Conflict After Death

[00:42] Planning for a Meaningful Retirement Using Goals, Purpose, and the Four C’s

Most people have heard of oil and gas royalties, but very few understand how mineral rights actually work.

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Tim Pawul, President of Minerals & Royalties Authority LLC and Partner at Tokenized Energy, to unpack the world of oil and gas minerals, royalties, non-operating interests, and energy investing.

Tim explains why mineral rights are often described as “underground real estate,” how they can produce passive income, and why they have become increasingly institutionalized over the last decade. He also breaks down how investors may be able to use 1031 exchanges, DSTs, royalty trusts, and IDC funds to diversify into oil and gas-related assets.

Whether you inherited mineral rights, are considering selling royalty interests, or are looking for tax-efficient ways to diversify beyond traditional real estate, this conversation offers a practical look inside one of the most specialized asset classes in wealth transfer.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Tim Pawul & Minerals & Royalties Authority:

📧 https://www.mineralsauthority.com/

Tune in to the Minerals and Royalties Podcast for deeper conversations on mineral rights, royalties, non-op interests, deal trends, and energy investing.

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:04] Mineral Rights Explained as “Underground Real Estate”

[00:07] How 1031 Exchanges Can Move Real Estate Wealth Into Minerals

[00:08] Four Ways to Access Oil & Gas Exposure: DSTs, IDC Funds, Royalty Trusts, and Direct Ownership

[00:17] Why IDC Funds May Appeal to High-Income Earners

[00:23] Publicly Traded Mineral and Royalty Companies

[00:28] Mineral Interests vs. Non-Operated Working Interests

[00:34] Why Mineral Rights Are Harder to Value Than Traditional Real Estate

[00:36] How Experts Evaluate Production, Geology, Infrastructure, and Future Development

[00:42] How Mineral Interests Can Hedge Against Energy Costs

[00:43] Common Mistakes Families Make When Inheriting Mineral Rights

[00:45] Suspense Funds, Lease Negotiations, and Hidden Value

[00:47] When Selling Mineral Rights May Make Sense

What happens when a family inherits mineral rights, oil and gas royalties, farmland, or ranch assets, but no one knows how to manage them?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Chace Daley, Director of Energy at Farmers National Company, to talk about the complexity of specialty land assets and how families can steward them well across generations.

Chase explains how mineral interests, oil and gas royalties, working interests, farms, ranches, hunting leases, and forestry assets require a different level of management than traditional financial assets. These assets can create incredible value, but they can also become a burden if families don’t plan ahead.

Whether you already own mineral rights, expect to inherit land, serve as a trustee, or are trying to prevent future family conflict, this conversation offers a practical look at how to organize, manage, and preserve land-based wealth.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Chace Daley & Farmers National Company

📧 CDaley@farmersnational.com

📞 (918) 895-8026

FarmersNational.com

Explore additional insights and resources on the Energy and Mineral Management page!

Subscribe to the Farm & Ranch Scene for publications, upcoming events, and company news.

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:07] You Need a Plan - For Your Peace, & the Next Generation's Good

[00:15] Why One-Time Consultations Often Fail to Solve Long-Term Mineral and Land Management Problems

[00:23] How Farmers National Works with Banks, Trust Companies, Trustees, and Fiduciaries

[00:27] How Experts Evaluate Mineral Assets

[00:30] Understanding the Asset Determines Whether You Should Hold, Sell, or Restructure

[00:39] The Oil Market, Geopolitical Risk, and How Physical Supply Constraints Impact Pricing

[00:43] Natural Gas Demand is Growing

What does it actually look like to give wealth away wisely?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Jeri Chambers, Deputy Director at Communities Foundation of Texas, to talk about charitable giving, donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, family philanthropy, and how families can turn generosity into a lasting legacy.

Jeri explains how Communities Foundation of Texas helps donors think through their values, identify causes they care about, and give in a way that is more intentional, more efficient, and more connected to real community needs.

Whether you are considering a donor-advised fund, trying to involve your children in charitable giving, wanting to support a specific cause, or thinking about how your estate can continue giving after you’re gone, this conversation offers a practical look at how philanthropy can become part of your wealth transfer plan.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Jeri Chambers & Communities Foundation of Texas!

📧 jchambers@cftexas.org

📞 (214) 750-4117

https://www.cftexas.org/

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:01] How CFT helps donors clarify their charitable goals and support the causes they care about

[00:04] The main charitable vehicles available through a community foundation, including donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, designated funds, and cause-based funds

[00:06] When a donor-advised fund makes sense and how it differs from other giving platforms

[00:07] How the Give Wisely process helps families identify their values, passions, and charitable priorities

[00:10] Why appreciated assets may be a more tax-efficient gift than cash

[00:11] How estate-funded donor-advised funds can continue a family’s charitable legacy after death

[00:15] How scholarship funds can be customized

[00:19] Moving from reactive giving to strategic grant-making

[00:21] How community foundations connect donors with urgent local needs

[00:24] The role community foundations play in disaster response and long-term recovery

[00:27] How families can involve children and grandchildren in charitable giving decisions

[00:30] Why donor-advised funds can make charitable giving easier, more efficient, and less overwhelming

What do wealthy real estate investors do when they’re tired of managing properties… but don’t want to lose millions to taxes?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Jon Taylor of JRW Investments to explore advanced real estate planning strategies used by high-net-worth investors to preserve wealth, simplify estates, and create passive income.

Jon breaks down how Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), 1031 exchanges, and REIT strategies work—and why more aging investors are using them to transition away from active property management without triggering massive capital gains taxes.

They also discuss:

• Why many investors unknowingly become “land rich and cash poor”
• How real estate portfolios evolve as investors age
• The emotional side of letting go of long-held properties
• Estate planning benefits of fractionalized real estate ownership
• The biggest mistakes families make with inherited real estate

If you own investment real estate—or expect to inherit it someday—this episode offers a rare look into the sophisticated planning strategies used by wealthy families and advisors behind the scenes.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Jon Taylor & JRW Investments!

📧 jTaylor@jrw.com

📞 (440) 463-0128 https://www.jrw.com

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

How wealthy investors begin rethinking real estate ownership later in life

What Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) actually are—and why they’ve become so popular

The difference between active real estate ownership and passive institutional ownership

How 1031 exchanges can help investors avoid large capital gains taxes

The emotional challenge of selling long-held family properties

What sophisticated investors look for when repositioning real estate portfolios

Why some investors are transitioning from landlord headaches into passive income streams

The role DSTs can play in estate planning and simplifying inheritance

How real estate concentration risk affects aging investors

The “real estate planner” mindset: viewing assets through tax, family, and legacy lenses

How family communication affects successful wealth transfer

Common mistakes investors make when trying to “hold forever”

How advisors collaborate across legal, tax, and financial planning disciplines