In the latest episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with veteran Texas attorney Jeff Barnett of Barnett & Leuty to tackle a topic most families avoid until it's too late: estate planning. The episode, titled "Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family," published August 18, 2026, sheds light on the misconceptions that can cost families time, money, and peace of mind.
Barnett, who has over 30 years of legal experience, outlines the five essential documents every adult should have: a will, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney, directive to physicians, and agent for disposition of remains. He stresses that these documents are not just for the elderly, urging parents to ensure their 18-year-olds have medical and durable powers of attorney before heading off to college. "Once they turn 18, you no longer have legal authority to make medical decisions for them," Barnett explains, emphasizing the need for these documents to avoid legal hurdles in emergencies.
The conversation also addresses the complexities of Texas probate compared to states like California, Massachusetts, and New York. Barnett notes that Texas has its own unique rules, and what works in another state may not be valid here. He discusses when a Lady Bird deed or Medicaid asset protection trust might be beneficial, and when they are unnecessary, cautioning that these tools are not one-size-fits-all.
One of the biggest mistakes Barnett sees is the reliance on do-it-yourself documents pulled from the internet or generated by AI. "I would never do my own dental work. I'm not a trained dentist," he tells Eisenberg, comparing DIY estate planning to garage-based root canals. "Very, very intelligent people, doctors, engineers, architects, even CPAs, will miss nuances that need to be in a will in Texas. They'll leave out a word, and that word makes a huge difference in what probate looks like." He highlights that Barnett & Leuty offers free consultations, ensuring clients aren't charged from the outset.
Eisenberg, who runs a home care agency with his wife and is involved with the Parenting Aging Parents community founded by Austin natives Kim and Mike Barnes, joins Barnett in urging adult children to start uncomfortable conversations early. Key questions to ask parents include: Do you have a will? Who drafted it? When was it last updated? Where is it stored? Barnett warns that an early dementia diagnosis does not automatically disqualify someone from executing documents, but waiting is the single worst move. "The best time to plan was yesterday; the second best time is now," he advises.
The episode also touches on the growth of Round Rock, including the new art center and Music on Main, and the region's role as one of the country's largest senior communities alongside Georgetown's Sun City. This context underscores the importance of estate planning in an area with a rapidly aging population.
Barnett's insights serve as a critical reminder that estate planning is not a DIY project. The stakes are too high, and the nuances of Texas law too complex, to risk leaving your family with a costly legal mess. As Barnett puts it, "A little planning now can save your family a lot of heartache later."
