When people think about estate planning, a will is often the first thing that comes to mind. But relying solely on a will might leave significant gaps in your financial plan, potentially putting your loved ones and your hard-earned assets at risk. Join Jeff as he breaks down the critical features of a will and why a will alone might not be enough to protect your assets and your family’s future.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) While a will directs the distribution of assets in your name alone, it does not control assets with joint owners or designated beneficiaries, like insurance policies or jointly held bank accounts.

(07:46) Most financial institutions won’t allow a testamentary trust (a trust established within a will) to be named as a beneficiary. This limits your ability to protect those assets after your death.

(09:26) Assets passed outright through a will can be exposed to risks like Medicaid repayment, creditor claims, financial mismanagement, and future spouses via death or divorce.

(11:11) Probate can be costly, with legal fees often ranging from 4-6% of the estate. While you can handle probate without a lawyer, the executor still bears significant personal liability to ensure everything is handled correctly.

(18:12) Relying on beneficiary designations to avoid probate can leave assets unprotected, potentially exposing them to creditors, lawsuits, and financial missteps.

(21:45) Unlike a will, a properly structured trust can help you avoid probate, reduce fees, and provide ongoing asset protection for your heirs.

(24:12) The absence of a will triggers the intestate succession process. State law will determine who receives the estate, or what is left of it. Most often, this is the closest living relative.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

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

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

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, our commitment to education extends beyond our clients. We learned long ago that professionals locally and across Pennsylvania can also benefit from practical education in estate planning and elder law.

Our free professional boot camps differentiate us from most other law firms. As Jeff describes the essential topics we cover—from basic concepts to advanced strategies—you'll see how the health care and financial planning professionals who attend can better support their clients.

Participants earn continuing education credits (CEUs) while learning and, afterward, enjoy a fun networking reception that’s great for strengthening community partnerships.

MULTI-PROFESSIONAL BOOT CAMP
17 Sep 2025 | York, PA | Learn free of charge | Earn 6 CEUs
Enroll at https://bellomoassociates.com/boot-camp/

ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW WORKSHOPS
Learn more at https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(05:09) Nearly 80 social workers enrolled in our first boot camp because of the need to better understand the legal issues their clients were facing.

(06:49) The success and popularity of the boot camps made it clear that a multi-professional boot camp was needed. Nurses, nurse practitioners, administrators, CPAs, CFPs, insurance agents, and others can earn six (6) CEUs.

(09:00) Participants learn the basics of estate planning and more advanced concepts such as taxation, asset protection, probate v. non-probate, beneficiaries, and much more. Afterward, attendees enjoy a fun networking event, which can be especially worthwhile given the range of professions in attendance.

(10:36) Our take-home binder is a valuable guide that attendees keep among their most frequently used professional resources.

(15:25) We are grateful for our sponsors who enable us to provide our boot camp free of charge. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

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

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

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/

At Bellomo & Associates, taking care of people—both colleagues and clients—is at the heart of everything we do. Our relationships give meaning to our work, making this conversation bittersweet. Jeff sits down with Jessica Delp, who has formed countless relationships as our community outreach coordinator over the past three years. As Jess moves on to her next professional adventure, Jeff reflects on the connections she has built, her impact, and how she has carried our mission forward. Thank you for everything, Jess. In a workplace built around shared values and genuine care, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

To learn more about Olivia’s House, call (717) 699-1133 or visit:

Website - https://www.oliviashouse.org/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OliviasHouse

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

(00:00) Episode introduction.

(03:20) Jess joined the firm in 2022 as community outreach coordinator.

(05:56) Although she was happy in her non-profit job, Jess accepted Jeff’s job offer because she liked the firm’s mission—to help families.

(09:00) Jess has loved coordinating fun and educational events and helping clients see the value of the firm’s work.

(10:57) Initially, her role was not clearly defined, but Jess shaped it into a successful position.

(13:43) Olivia’s House is a grief and loss center for children. Jess’s husband, K.C., and Jeff's wife, Whitney, have become good friends through their work with the organization.

(14:26) Jess worked at Olivia’s House while in grad school. The organization depends heavily on well-trained volunteers.

(15:55) Whitney’s ongoing involvement in Olivia’s House is based on her desire to give back.

(19:02) Olivia’s House is always looking for volunteers and donations. The programs are free, so funding is needed to continue to provide support.

ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES

Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master’s degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language.

Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn’t happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.

Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media

Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/

X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates

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

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

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates

WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/

Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/