Judith Cope reveals why probate court in Missouri is a scam that drains families of their inheritance.
The episode opens with Judith announcing she will discuss probate court after taking a break yesterday. She states that in St. Louis and Missouri, you cannot represent yourself in probate court, even for small amounts like below $10,000. Judith argues that hiring an attorney, paying court costs, and giving a percentage to the attorney makes it non-beneficial for families, reducing $10,000 to about $5,000. She calls probate court a scam that only benefits banks. Judith advises putting loved ones as co-account holders or using transfer-on-death to avoid probate. She explains that banks want to keep money in accounts and use it for loans while giving low interest. Judith mentions Missouri allows a small claims affidavit for probate under $50,000, but over that amount triggers a six-month process she believes is to let banks use the money. She shares her brother's case with frozen accounts and her reluctance to pay his bills out of pocket. Judith criticizes that power of attorney ends at death, suggesting it should last at least 30 days to handle post-death transactions. She recalls her mother's account with $50 that the bank closed on its own. Judith then shifts to discussing the TV show 'The Pit', noting its portrayal of stressful jobs like medicine. She reveals she prayed daily to cope with seeing violent crimes in her past job, emphasizing prayer's transformative power. Judith comments on a plot point in 'The Pit' where a character blames a doctor for not saving someone. She concludes by mentioning her travel plans and potential podcast hiatus.
