Advertise on podcast: Off The Clock

In this episode of Off the Clock, host Meagan sits down with Danielle, PWW's Director of Elder Law, to talk about Miller Trusts. Delaware sets a long-term care Medicaid income cap, and it's lower than the cap in many other states, which means more families here run into this issue than they expect. Danielle explains what a Miller Trust is, who needs one, how it actually works once it's set up, and the common misconceptions that keep families from realizing they still have options. If you or a loved one is facing long-term care need and/or a long-term care Medicaid application, this episode walks through what to know before you get started.

In this episode of Off the Clock, our attorney Katie S. Heald unpacks two important updates to Delaware's incapacity planning landscape. First exploring the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act (UHCDA), which took effect September 30, 2025 and reshapes how incapacity is determined, reduces signing formalities, extends support for mental health care, and modernizes the list of default surrogates. Katie also addresses the End-of-Life Options Act, signed into law on May 20, 2025, which allows terminally ill Delaware residents with decision-making capacity to request medication to end their life under a carefully structured set of safeguards. Katie walks through the qualification requirements, the protections built into the law, and the questions clients are asking most often, including how this new law relates to an existing Advance Health Care Directive.

When someone you love can no longer make decisions for themselves, the question of who steps in, and how, matters more than most families realize. In this episode, Katie S. Heald, Esq. walks through two of the most important legal tools in that situation: Powers of Attorney and Adult Guardianship. Katie addresses one of the most common misconceptions the firm encounters, that a diagnosis of dementia or another cognitive condition means it's too late to create a Power of Attorney. The truth is that capacity at the time of signing is what matters, not the diagnosis itself. She also explains what happens when planning isn't possible and a court must step in, walking through the full guardianship process in Delaware, from filing a petition to the appointment of a guardian and the ongoing obligations that follow. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a crisis, this conversation will help you understand your options and why the time to act is always sooner than you think.

What happens when the doctor's visit ends and a senior goes home alone? In this episode, we sit down with Lori Smith, Program Director of WeCare Services in Milford, Delaware, to explore how their Personal Health Nurse model is quietly transforming the lives of older adults across Delaware. If you or someone you love is navigating the challenges of aging in place, this conversation is for you.

Delaware recently passed legislation allowing homeowners to add Transfer on Death (TOD) designations to their property deeds. While this new option promises a simple way to avoid probate, it comes with significant limitations that many residents don't realize until it's too late. In this episode, Director of Estate Planning, Mindi Cooper sits down with attorney Amber B. Woodland, Esq. to unpack the reality behind TOD deeds. Amber explains how these deeds work, who they might benefit, and more importantly, the major limitations that could impact your plan. Whether you've already filed a TOD deed or are considering your estate planning options, this conversation will help you understand the difference between a quick fix and comprehensive protection for your legacy.

George Schwendtner, owner of Property Tenders, LLC, joins us to discuss property maintenance, and the chores that get away from property owners as they age, experience changing health, relocate, and more. With a focus on preventative work, our time together outlines ways that this creative business is supporting local families.

Featuring Kyle Banks from PKS Investment Advisors, this episode discusses how Delaware grandparents can strategically save for their grandchildren's education. Key highlights include recent changes to FAFSA rules, strategic use of the five-year election, opportunities to roll unused savings to Roth IRAs, and consideration of other strategies like directly paying tuition bills. Thanks to Kyle for some great tips for grandparents - your generosity needs strategy!

From understanding the basics of funeral pre-planning to navigating the practical questions families face, this episode covers many things you need to know about planning ahead for end-of-life arrangements. We're joined by Kelly Andreason, VP of Legacy of Love, a company that provides an alternative approach to traditional funeral pre-planning. Throughout our discussion, Kelly compares Legacy of Love's approach with working directly through local funeral homes, helping listeners understand that both options have significant value—the right choice simply depends on your family's specific needs and circumstances. Whether you're curious about the basics or ready to take action, this conversation provides the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions about this important aspect of planning.

When young adults turn 18, parents and guardians lose their legal authority to act on their behalf—a reality that can create serious complications during emergencies or when support is needed. In this essential episode, attorneys Michele Procino-Wells, Esq. and Amber B. Woodland, Esq. guide young adults through the critical process of establishing a Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive. Michele and Amber break down the practical applications of each document, offer guidance on selecting the right representatives, and share best practices for secure document storage. While specifically designed for young adults navigating this important milestone, this episode provides valuable insights for parents, grandparents, guardians, and anyone involved in supporting young people as they transition to legal independence.

Repatriation isn't a process we'd considered before we attended a presentation made by a Parsell Funeral Homes team member. As it relates to funeral planning, the process of repatriation requires an expert, and Andrew Parsell was kind enough to join us for this episode to discuss the things that families should consider if they recognize the possibility of passing away in a country they don't call "home." Listen in to learn more about this unique process.

Jeanine O'Donnell, Agency Owner of the Lewes, DE State Farm, brings years of experience to our listeners about the importance of insurance. Jeanine defines estate liquidity, dispels several myths, and was a good sport through a fun but unexpected travel question. Enjoy this segment of great advice from a pro!

Jeff Montgomery is the Founder and President of Montgomery Financial, a fully independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. We value Jeff's attention to detail and thorough approach to planning, including his knowledge and interpretation of the SECURE Act. Jeff was one of our very first podcast guests and he's back to discuss the latest changes to this law. This is another example of how Jeff and his team bring complex topics to life in easy to understand terms.

Team Centered. It's one of our four firm pillars and Mindi Cooper, Estate Planning Coordinator, is our "guest" today to share her journey with the firm. She and our Firm Manager, Sherri Holder, shed a little more light on Mindi's personality - the things our clients don't always get to see during the estate planning process. This episode is sure to make our list of favorite segments ever. Caution: There's a fire engine in the background during a few seconds of this episode.

A lot of our clients express an interest in using their estate plan to fulfill their charitable giving wishes, but they aren't always confident in their knowledge of the options. Mike DiPaolo, Vice President with the Delaware Community Foundation, is our guest in this episode to discuss this topic. Our listeners will learn more about charitable giving options, and the use of Delaware Community Foundation and organizations like it to leave a lasting legacy.

It's a common question - should I create a Revocable Living Trust or an Irrevocable Asset Protection Trust? Answer: Maybe both! Michele Procino-Wells, Esq. and Amber B. Woodland, Esq. are together in this episode to dispel a few myths about the use of trusts in Delaware. Their conversation uses a case study to illustrate how for most families, creating a trust (sometimes two!) is the perfect solution to meet their estate planning goals.