How Probate Law Shapes (and Misses) Modern Families, Debt, and Digital Wills

Professor Allison Tait (University of Richmond School of Law) joins Inside Probate Court for a sweeping discussion of how inheritance law shapes - and exposes - the real divides in family wealth. Archively gives your family a place to find the documents, instructions and memories they may need when you can’t guide them yourself. Start your family archive. Upload your first document at no charge. https://archively.com/ From elite trusts to small estate reforms, Professor Tait shares stories and research from her new book, "The House That Money Built," exploring the ways probate both scrutinizes and perpetuates inequality. We talk creditor risk, modern family exclusions, digital wills, and why access to planning is everyone’s concern. What does the law reveal about who gets to create a legacy? This conversation will change how you think about family, fairness, and planning for your loved ones. Chapters 00:00 How does probate reveal hidden patterns of family wealth? 04:13 Why do both wealthy and low-income families try to avoid probate? 06:46 How does access to estate planning differ across family backgrounds? 10:37 What are the psychological and relational impacts of having a will? 19:02 How do laws about debt and trusts shape inheritances for different families? 25:24 What reforms can make probate more accessible and fair? 28:42 Why do intestacy laws and digital wills matter for today’s families? 35:49 How does the legal system actively create and maintain wealth inequality? Allison Tait’s newsletter: https://allisontait.substack.com/ Allison Tait · University of Richmond School of Law This podcast is for entertainment. Nothing should be construed as legal advice. #Archively #InsideProbateCourt #WealthInequality