About this Event
The Probate Trap: What Families Often Learn Too Late
Most families believe they have more time.
More time to organize things.
More time to make decisions.
More time to “eventually” put a plan in place.
But when a crisis happens unexpectedly, families are often left dealing with confusion, court involvement, delays, financial stress, and conflict at the exact moment they are least prepared for it.
This workshop was created to help families better understand how estate planning actually works in the real world — not just in theory.
Drawing from real experiences and practical examples, Brent Helms will explain the issues families commonly face when no plan exists, when a plan is outdated, or when important decisions were never fully thought through.
What This Workshop Is Really About
Estate planning is not simply about preparing documents.
It is about maintaining control:
- Control over who makes decisions for you
- Control over what happens to your assets
- Control over how your family is protected
- Control over whether your loved ones face unnecessary court involvement, delay, or conflict
Many people are surprised to learn that a basic will alone may not accomplish what they think it does.
This workshop is designed to help you better understand your options so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
What You’ll Learn
Why So Many Families End Up in Probate
Many people assume a will avoids probate. In reality, a will is often the document that sends an estate through the probate process.
We’ll discuss:
- What probate actually involves
- Why probate can create delays, expense, and stress for families
- Situations where families are unable to immediately access assets
- Why planning ahead can make a significant difference
The Difference Between Wills and Trusts
There is a tremendous amount of confusion surrounding estate planning, especially when it comes to trusts.
This presentation will explain:
- The practical differences between wills and trusts
- Why some families choose trust-based planning
- Common misconceptions people hear online
- How different planning tools are used in different situations
The Mistakes Families Don’t See Coming
Some of the biggest estate planning problems come from issues families never anticipated.
We’ll discuss examples involving:
- Blended families
- Children struggling financially
- Special needs planning
- Incapacity and healthcare decisions
- Outdated plans that no longer fit the family’s circumstances
- “Simple” plans that created unintended consequences
Why One-Size-Fits-All Planning Often Fails
Every family has different goals, relationships, concerns, and dynamics.
What works well for one family may create major problems for another.
This workshop will help you understand why thoughtful planning should be tailored to your specific situation rather than treated as a generic set of documents.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop may be especially valuable for:
✅ Families who have been putting off estate planning
✅ Individuals who already have documents but are unsure whether their plan still works the way they think it does
✅ Parents and grandparents who want to better protect their family’s future
✅ Anyone who wants to better understand how probate, wills, and trusts actually work in Alabama
What Makes This Workshop Different?
This is not a high-pressure sales presentation.
The goal is education.
The presentation is designed to explain complex concepts in plain English using practical examples and real-world situations families commonly face.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of:
- The risks families often overlook
- The options available to them
- The questions they should be asking
- The next steps they may want to consider
What to Expect
⭐ Straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations
⭐ Real-world examples and practical insights
⭐ A live question-and-answer session
⭐ Complimentary lunch provided during the workshop
A Final Thought
Most people do not realize the gaps in their plan until a crisis exposes them.
This workshop is an opportunity to learn before that happens.
Join Brent Helms for an informative discussion focused on helping families better understand how to protect the people and future they care about most.
About Brent Helms
Brent Helms is the founding attorney of Helms Law Group, LLC in Fairhope, Alabama — a boutique estate planning and elder law firm serving Alabama families and individuals with something worth protecting.
He previously served as Special Probate Judge in Elmore County, Alabama, presiding over estate administrations, trust disputes, guardianships, and conservatorships. He was subsequently appointed by the Probate Judge to serve as county co-conservator and county co-administrator — managing the financial affairs of incapacitated individuals and administering estates under court supervision.
His current estate planning practice is informed by what he observed and administered in those roles. Every client he works with works directly with him — from the first consultation through the signing appointment.
www.helmslawgroup.com · 251-217-9900
This workshop provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice. Attendance does not create an attorney-client relationship. Advertising Material.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Helms Law Group Education Center, 559 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, United States
USD 0.00
