Chris Johnson of CBJ

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Chris Johnson

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with longtime estate planning and probate attorney Chris Johnson about the practical realities of planning, family dynamics, and why so many people still avoid creating an estate plan. Chris shares insights from decades in practice, including how working with his wife has shaped his business, why most litigation stems from preventable issues, and the increasing value of professional fiduciaries.

They also explore the overlap between estate law and financial services, including how tools like reverse mortgages and intra-family loans can support legacy planning, property tax protection, and equitable settlements. Chris makes a compelling case for taking action now—and dusting off that old plan before it’s too late.

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💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why only 30–35% of people actually complete an estate plan

• Common client roadblocks and how advisors can guide them forward

• Why naming co-trustees (especially siblings) often causes more harm than good

• The growing role and benefits of professional fiduciaries

• How contingency-based probate litigation is becoming a new legal industry

• Key tips for preserving Prop 13 and managing intergenerational property transfers

• How reverse mortgages and lending tools can help families retain real estate

• What it’s like to build a small, high-functioning law practice with your spouse

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⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Chris shares what he’s grateful for: family and working with his wife
[02:00] Overview of Chris’s practice: 50% estate planning, 50% probate litigation
[04:00] Why most people don’t plan—and how it costs families time, money, and peace
[06:30] How advisors can encourage clients to prioritize estate planning
[09:00] The emotional motivators behind finally taking action
[10:00] Family conflict: how poor trustee choices lead to expensive litigation
[12:00] What “no contest” clauses do (and don’t) protect
[13:30] Why professional fiduciaries are on the rise—and who they help
[16:00] Building a lean, lifestyle-focused legal practice
[20:00] Thoughts on longevity, phased retirement, and doing meaningful work
[22:00] Mortgage strategy in estate planning: reverse, settlement, and Prop 13
[24:00] Chris’s final advice: make a plan—or dust off the one you’ve got

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🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• California Prop 13 & Parent–Child Exclusion Rules

• Professional Fiduciary Association of California

• Basics of Wills, Trusts & “No Contest” Clauses

• Reverse Mortgages in Estate Planning

• Contact Chris Johnson, Esq., for estate and probate matters

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Chris with any questions or feedback. Contact Chris Here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time.