Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast
87. Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family
What happens to your family, home, finances, or business if you don't have an estate plan in place? On this episode of **Rock Solid: The Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast**, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with **Jeff Barnett of Barnett & Leuty** to break down estate planning in Texas—and some of the misconceptions that can create expensive problems for families. With more than 30 years of legal experience, Jeff explains why estate planning isn't only for wealthy families or older adults. In fact, he says every adult starting at age 18 should have certain essential documents in place. Bryan and Jeff discuss: * The **5 essential estate planning documents** many adults should consider * Why an **18-year-old may need a medical and durable power of attorney** * What can happen when someone **dies without a will in Texas** * Why being married doesn't automatically mean everything transfers the way you expect * When a **trust makes sense—and when it may not** * How a **Lady Bird deed** can be used in Texas estate planning * The potential problems with **DIY and online wills** * What adult children should ask their **aging parents** * Why an early dementia diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean it's too late to update estate documents * Common misconceptions surrounding Medicaid, assets, and long-term care planning * How families can build a network of trusted professionals as parents age * Why Texas probate can be different from probate in other states The conversation also goes beyond estate planning. Jeff shares his love for the arts in Round Rock, his appreciation for the city's long-term vision, and the lessons he's learned from completing **38 marathons** and coaching runners for more than 25 years. His running philosophy fits estate planning—and business—surprisingly well: success isn't always about speed. Sometimes the real superpower is stamina. If you've been putting off your will, haven't reviewed your estate plan in years, have aging parents, own a business, or have children who recently turned 18, this conversation is a great reminder to start asking the right questions. **Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency.** **Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social.** **Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.**
