006 Skip Court, Pay the Price: How “Self-Help” Backfires

What Happens When the Kids Jump the Gun Download Your Free Book: https://tinyurl.com/monahan-estate-book 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify In this episode of Estate Planning Confidence, we dig into one of the least understood—and most dangerous—pitfalls after a loved one’s death: self-help. No, we’re not talking about motivational books. In the estate planning world, “self-help” means family members take matters into their own hands—dividing assets, cleaning out the house, even transferring money—without going to court first. As Bob explains, this kind of shortcut can turn into a legal disaster. Even if everyone means well, acting without proper authority opens the door to lawsuits, debt collection, and painful family conflict. You’ll hear the true story of three adult children who started cleaning out their father’s house—only to be hauled into court weeks later by a creditor. They thought they were helping. Instead, they ended up having to pay money back out of their own pockets. Why? Because death isn’t just personal—it’s legal. And the law doesn't look kindly on unauthorized actions, even when done with good intentions. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever thought, “We’ll just handle it ourselves.” Learn why probate exists, how creditors can step in after 30 days, and how a simple estate plan can prevent chaos, conflict, and court battles. And don’t forget to grab your free copy of Estate Planning Confidence—your step-by-step guide to getting your documents, priorities, and wishes in order. About Robert Monahan Robert Monahan is an estate planning attorney licensed in Illinois and New York. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Virginia School of Law. Robert helps families plan with clarity and confidence from his office in Gurnee, Illinois. 📍 Office: 4229 Grove Ave, Gurnee, IL📞 Phone: [phone]📧 Email: [e-mail] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify