Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy
Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, probate, and family law. Hosted by experienced Tennessee attorney Patti Garner, the show offers straightforward, practical advice on making informed decisions about the future. With a focus on clarity and thoughtful planning, each episode provides listeners with valuable insights into protecting their assets and ensuring their legacy. Whether you're dealing with divorce, planning your estate, or managing probate, this podcast is your guide to making sound legal choices.
Episodes

Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
15 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of Ties That Bind: Law, Family and Legacy, host Shameika Rhymes sits down with Tennessee attorney Patti Garner to delve into common estate planning mistakes that can lead to significant family issues. Patti, with over 20 years of legal experience, highlights the importance of regularly updating estate plans and communicating with family members about one's wishes. They discuss the pitfalls of neglecting beneficiary designations, the consequences of vague wills, and the complexities that arise when no estate plan is in place. Patti also shares real-life examples where small oversights caused major complications. This episode is essential for anyone looking to safeguard their family's future and ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction0:28 – Importance of Regular Estate Plan Updates1:09 – Common Mistakes with Beneficiary Designations2:25 – Communicating Estate Plans with Family3:20 – Planning for Those Without Heirs4:10 – Misconceptions About Transfer on Death Deeds5:04 – Consequences of No Estate Plan6:30 – Risks of Unnotarized Estate Documents7:18 – Issues with Outdated Wills8:02 – Problems with Beneficiary Designations8:41 – Dangers of Vague Estate Plans9:51 – Real-Life Example of Estate Planning Oversight12:25 – Family Conflicts Over Inheritance13:56 – Benefits of a Well-Structured Estate Plan
About the Show:Ties That Bind: Law, Family and Legacy is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning and probate. Hosted by Patti Garner, a seasoned attorney with a practical approach, the show covers a wide range of topics from common legal pitfalls to effective strategies for preserving family legacies. With a focus on clarity and actionable advice, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their future and avoid unnecessary legal complications.

May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
11 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy, host Shameika Rhymes is joined by Tennessee attorney Patti Garner to discuss the crucial steps in updating your estate plan following significant life events such as divorce, remarriage, or the acquisition of new assets. Patti shares insights on the common pitfalls of outdated estate plans and the potential legal complications that can arise if these documents are not revised in a timely manner. The conversation highlights the importance of revisiting estate plans after key life changes and the risks of neglecting beneficiary designations on accounts and insurance policies. Patti emphasizes the necessity of consulting with an estate planning attorney to ensure all documents are properly updated and aligned with your current wishes. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on safeguarding their assets and ensuring their loved ones are protected.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction0:09 – Importance of Updating Estate Plans0:45 – Common Life Events Requiring Updates1:25 – Risks of Not Updating After Divorce2:19 – Impact of Remarriage on Estate Planning3:39 – Challenges with Multiple Marriages5:14 – Mistakes in DIY Estate Planning6:11 – Importance of Proper Documentation7:16 – Issues with Beneficiary Designations8:52 – Ensuring No Gaps in Estate Documents9:54 – Role of Estate Planning Attorneys10:37 – Final Thoughts and Advice
About the Show:Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy delves into the intricate connections between law, family, and legacy. Hosted by seasoned professionals, the podcast offers insightful discussions on estate planning, probate, and family law. Designed for individuals and families seeking to make informed decisions about their future, the show provides practical advice and expert perspectives. With a focus on clarity and actionable guidance, Ties That Bind aims to empower listeners to navigate legal complexities and protect their loved ones.

May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
13 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy, host Shameika Rhymes is joined by Tennessee attorney Patti Garner to explore the critical differences between wills and trusts. With over 20 years of legal experience, Patti shares her personal journey into estate planning, emphasizing the peace of mind that comes with proactive planning. She explains how a will can lead to courtroom battles and family disputes, while a trust offers a more streamlined approach, allowing for immediate action and protection of assets. Patti provides practical examples, illustrating how trusts can prevent lengthy probate processes and protect generational wealth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into choosing the right estate planning tool for their unique circumstances, ensuring their assets are managed according to their wishes.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:28 – Patti Garner's Background in Estate Planning
1:48 – Defining Wills and Trusts
2:55 – Courtroom Challenges with Wills
3:37 – Advantages of Trusts
4:41 – Probate Process in Tennessee
5:24 – Trusts and Generational Wealth
6:33 – Common Misunderstandings About Wills and Trusts
7:51 – Importance of Regularly Updating Estate Plans
8:34 – Having Both a Will and a Trust
9:22 – Factors in Choosing Between a Will and a Trust
10:21 – Real-Life Example of Trust Benefits
11:51 – Conclusion of Discussion
About the Show:
Ties That Bind, Law, Family and Legacy is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, probate, and family law. Hosted by experienced Tennessee attorney Patti Garner, the show offers straightforward, practical advice on making informed decisions about the future. With a focus on clarity and thoughtful planning, each episode provides listeners with valuable insights into protecting their assets and ensuring their legacy. Whether you're dealing with divorce, planning your estate, or managing probate, this podcast is your guide to making sound legal choices.








