In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, host Elsa Elbert welcomes Natasha Carroll Ferrary, an estate planning, probate, and trust administration attorney based in Los Angeles. They discuss the importance of planning for incapacity and death to alleviate the burden on grieving families. Natasha explains the roles of a trust administration attorney, the functions of probate court, and the essential documents everyone should have, including financial and healthcare powers of attorney. They explore why proper estate planning is crucial, the differences between wills and trusts, and common pitfalls of online legal document providers. Natasha offers practical advice on avoiding probate court and ensuring that one's wishes are honored after death. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial peace of mind that comes from thorough estate planning.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:08 Meet Natasha Carroll Ferrary
01:03 The Importance of Estate Planning
04:16 Understanding Probate Court
09:45 Avoiding Probate with Trusts
10:33 Personal Experiences with Estate Planning
18:31 The Role of Attorneys in Estate Planning
25:23 Navigating Difficult Conversations
26:00 Eliminating Barriers to Estate Planning
29:21 The Importance of Power of Attorney
31:06 Understanding Trusts and Probate
37:15 Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan
45:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
To connect with Natasha, visit https://www.ncflawla.com
More about Natasha Carroll-Ferrary:
Natasha L. Carroll-Ferrary is an estate planning, probate, and trust administration attorney based in Los Angeles, California – and serving most of California. She is passionate about helping families think through some of the most complicated issues relating to incapacity and death, and helping people navigate the legal system while grieving.
Natasha grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, went to the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!) for undergrad, and New York Law School for law school. During law school she did volunteer work for the Innocence Project, a cause that she continues to support.
After graduating law school, Natasha worked as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Robert C. Chambers of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of West Virginia. She became a licensed California attorney in 2008, starting her career as a litigation attorney. In 2018, Natasha transitioned to estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She opened the Los Angeles office of a Northern California-based law firm. In 2022, she launched her own practice, NCF Law: www.NCFLawLA.com.
In addition to practicing law, Natasha spends her free time reading, tap dancing, and hanging out with her husband, Adam, and two kids, Jason and Ryan.