We Build Wealth… But Don’t Protect It | Estate Planning for Our Community

What happens if you die without a will?

In this episode, we sit down with estate planning attorney Whitney Knox Lee, founder of Wills for the People, to break down everything you need to know about estate planning, wills, power of attorney, and protecting your family’s future.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their loved ones are protected, their wishes are honored, and their legacy is preserved.

Whitney shares real insight on:

✔️ What happens when someone dies without a will

✔️ The essential documents every adult should have (will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy)

✔️ Common estate planning mistakes families make

✔️ Why estate planning is critical for building and protecting generational wealth

✔️ How Black and underserved communities are impacted by a lack of planning

This conversation is about more than legal documents; it’s about responsibility, protection, and making sure your family doesn’t have to figure everything out in a moment of grief.

Who This Episode Is For

• Parents who want to protect their children

• Young professionals starting to build wealth

• Families who have never had the estate planning conversation

• Anyone who has been putting this off and needs a starting point

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 If You Died Without a Will… What Happens? (Estate Planning Intro)

00:12 Estate Planning Myths That Are Costing Families Thousands

22:22 What Is a Will? + How Probate Really Works

25:49 Executor vs Administrator: Who Handles Your Estate?

28:47 Estate Planning for Parents: Protecting Minor Children

30:35 Blended Families & Estate Planning: What You Need to Know

33:35 Do You Need a Trust? Estate Planning Explained

39:41 How Much Does Estate Planning Cost? (Real Breakdown)

47:49 Revocable vs Irrevocable Trusts (What’s the Difference?)

49:49 Irrevocable Trusts Explained (Pros & Cons)

55:03 How to Start Estate Planning (Step-by-Step)

1:00:59 Essential Estate Planning Documents Everyone Needs

1:09:40 How Estate Planning Builds Generational Wealth

1:12:30 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

1:15:12 Why Estate Planning Costs Vary (What You’re Paying For)

1:16:28 Breaking Down Estate Planning Fees (No Surprises)

1:18:03 Estate Planning & Taxes: What You Should Know

1:19:31 Planning for Future Generations (Legacy Strategy)

1:21:45 Overwhelmed? How to Simplify Estate Planning

1:22:45 Rapid Fire: Estate Planning Questions Answered

1:28:46 First Steps to Create Your Will & Plan Today

1:30:20 Why Estate Planning Education Matters

1:32:45 Whitney Knox Lee on Wills for the People & Her Mission

1:37:01 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Family & Your Legacy

Connect with Whitney Knox Lee

Learn more about *Wills for the People* at www.willsforthepeoplega.com or on Instagram @willsforthepeople

Follow Whitney for estate planning education and resources

Thank you for tapping into Roots 2 Realities, where we talk about the things that shape us, challenge us, and connect us.

If something in this episode made you pause, reflect, or feel seen, that’s the point.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs the conversation.
We’ll see you next time, same roots, realer conversations.

✨ Culture. Legacy. Real Talk. ✨