John Amos: Estate Lessons from a TV Dad’s Real Family Life – PT. 2 – EP. 195 – Life’s Third Act
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In Part 2 of our John Amos discussion, Joe and Sherry pick up in his later years and unpack the real estate planning questions that surfaced as his health declined. They walk through the reported family conflict, the Alzheimer’s diagnosis timeline, and why “legal capacity” is a moving target until a court rules otherwise. You will hear how allegations of undue influence, caregiver power, and limited assets can still create outsized turmoil.
Joe and Sherry also review the 2020 planning package attributed to Amos, including a pour-over will, a revocable living trust, and durable powers of attorney. They discuss why equal distributions to both children and adult grandchildren can be a thoughtful choice, and where things can go wrong when successor trustees and agents are siblings who later disagree. From there, they offer practical takeaways you can use, like appointing a neutral co-fiduciary, documenting capacity, and adding a trust protector to resolve stalemates before they become lawsuits.
This episode is a cautionary tale that feels closer to everyday families than tabloid celebrity drama. If you are caring for a parent or updating your own plan, you will learn how to prepare for the gray zone between full competence and legal incapacity, and how to preempt disputes with clear roles, backups, and documentation.
