Find Your “Why”: The Heart Behind Your Estate Plan

Welcome back to Law Days and Lattes, where we blend legal know-how with real life. In today’s episode, host Sidney Wheelan dives into the real reason behind every good estate plan: your “why.”

🧠 This episode isn’t about legal jargon—it’s about the people and values you’re protecting. Whether it’s your kids, your partner, your business, or your peace of mind, your motivations matter. And when you lead with that clarity, the logistics get a whole lot easier.

We cover:

✅ Why estate planning is more about life than death

✅ How life events—good or bad—can become the catalyst for planning

✅ The importance of protecting blended families

✅ What business owners risk without a continuity plan

✅ How to turn your personal “why” into a legal plan that works

💡 Your story is your strategy. You don’t have to go it alone—we’ll build the “how” together.

📄 Free Resource: Download our Estate Planning Starter Checklist to help you take that first step.

📞 Book a Consultation: Visit wheelanlaw.com to get started with your plan today.

☕ If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone you care about. Because the conversation you start today might be the one that changes everything.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Subscribe to Law Days and Lattes wherever you get your podcasts!

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕



This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Episode 55: Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts — Which One Best Protects Your Legacy?

Host: Sidney Wheelan, Attorney at Wheelan Law Firm in Moberly, Missouri

☕ Episode Summary

In this episode, Sidney dives into one of the most common questions she gets from clients: What's the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust? Whether you're legacy planning, protecting assets, or trying to avoid probate, understanding these trusts is essential.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

• What a trust actually is (hint: it’s like a legal container for your assets)
• Key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts
• The pros and cons of each type
• How trusts affect things like probate, taxes, creditors, and Medicaid eligibility
• Why some estate plans use both types for maximum protection

✅ Revocable Trusts

• You stay in control
• Flexible and private
• Avoids probate
• But: Doesn’t protect against creditors, doesn’t reduce taxes, and is still counted for Medicaid planning.

🔒 Irrevocable Trusts

• Great for asset protection, tax savings, and Medicaid planning
• Ideal for disabled individuals under age 65 receiving inheritances or settlements
• But: You give up control, it’s hard to change, and the 5-year Medicaid look-back period can be a risk.

⚖️ How to Choose?

Choose a Revocable Trust if you:

• Want control and flexibility
• Need to avoid probate

Choose an Irrevocable Trust if you:

• Need strong asset protection
• Are planning for long-term care
• Have a high-net-worth estate

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t have to choose just one. Many estate plans use a combination for comprehensive coverage.

📥 Free Resource

Download our free guide: 👉 The Financially Fearless Family Checklist

🧭 Ready to go from overwhelmed to empowered with your legal strategy? Visit WheelanLaw.com or reach out when you're ready.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Subscribe to Law Days and Lattes wherever you get your podcasts!

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕



This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an...

🎙 Episode 54 – Your Uniqueness Is Your Superpower

Law Days and Lattes with Sidney Wheelan

Welcome back to Law Days and Lattes, the podcast where we talk about life, law, and everything in between—with a little caffeine and a lot of heart. In this episode, host Sidney Wheelan, owner of the Wheelan Law Firm in Moberly, Missouri, invites listeners to embrace what makes them different—and to build their legal lives around that truth.

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why your story is your strongest legal asset
• How to use your personal history to protect your future
• Why standard legal templates often fall short
• Real-life examples of clients creating unique, values-based legal strategies

Legal tips for:

• Blended families and long-term partnerships
• Cohabitation, prenups, and divorce updates
• Entrepreneurs with roots in culture, caregiving, or rural life

🛠 Download the Free Resource:

🎯 The Uniquely You Legal Checklist 👈👈👈

This actionable guide helps you reflect on your life, relationships, and business to make sure your legal documents truly fit. Use it to start important conversations—or take it with you to your next attorney meeting.

✅ Take Action:

• Ask: Does my current legal or business plan reflect who I am today?
• Use your lived experiences to guide your legal and financial decisions
• Don’t let “standard” plans define your future—build your own path

💬 Sidney Says:

"You are not too different for a legal plan. Your uniqueness isn’t something to work around—it’s what you build around."

📲 Connect + Share

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and share it with someone navigating life outside the mold. Better yet—send them the checklist!

🧭 Ready to go from overwhelmed to empowered with your legal strategy? Visit WheelanLaw.com or reach out when you're ready.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Subscribe to Law Days and Lattes wherever you get your podcasts!

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕



This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice...