Thy Will Be Done

Re-Air of EP17 : America 250

Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe chats with Kayla Bed, the curator of the exhibit "Builders of Philadelphia," about the city's rich history and legacy. They explore how the Philadelphia Register of Wills is celebrating America's 250th anniversary by showcasing the stories of six influential Philadelphians, including Benjamin Franklin and Reverend Richard Allen. Through the exhibit, they highlight the importance of preserving history and legacy, and how the wills and records of these individuals reveal their values and contributions to the city.

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EP18 : Comfort and Clarity

Sat, 16 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, J. Roger Powe is joined by Reverend Doctor Ann Cole, D Smith, and Bill Fagin for a special panel discussion on Comfort and Clarity. The conversation delves into the emotional, practical, and planning realities families face after losing a loved one. The panelists share their expertise on grief support, emotional wellness, and financial planning, highlighting the importance of preparation and having open conversations about death and legacy. They discuss the need for a will, insurance, and trusts to ensure peace of mind and protect loved ones.

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EP17 : America 250

Sat, 09 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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EP16: The Comfort Giver

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:09:28 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe is joined by D. Smith, the founder of The Comfort Giver, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's most difficult transitions with care. They discuss the importance of planning for the unexpected, particularly when it comes to death and the grieving process. D shares personal experiences and insights on how to support families emotionally and practically, highlighting the need for counseling, mediation, and clear communication. This conversation emphasizes the value of preparation and the role of community in making a difficult process more manageable.

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EP15: Community Legal Services Part 2

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, J. Roger Powe is joined by Rachel Diego's from Community Legal Services. They continue the conversation on estate planning, diving deeper into the importance of wills versus trusts. Rachel shares her expertise on the benefits and drawbacks of trusts, including how they can protect assets from Medicaid recovery claims, but also notes the potential risks and complications. They discuss the importance of clarity in estate planning, especially for families with complex relationships and assets.

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EP14: Community Legal Services Part 1

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Poe welcomes Rachel Diagos from Community Legal Services to discuss the importance of estate planning and wills. Rachel shares her experience working with low-income Philadelphians and the common issues they face, including tangled titles and foreclosure prevention. They dive into the basics of estate planning, including power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and last wills and testaments. Rachel emphasizes the need for clarity and specificity in these documents, especially when it comes to digital assets and residuary clauses.

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EP13: Public Engagement Part 2

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Poe chats with Heather Miller, a community outreach specialist at the Philadelphia Register of Wills. They discuss the office's public engagement initiative, which brings government services directly to the community. Heather shares her experiences with the marriage record pop-ups, which provide certified copies of marriage records to residents, and the importance of having a will. They also talk about the probate process, tangled titles, and the role of the Register of Wills in protecting generational wealth. This conversation highlights the office's commitment to making government services accessible and user-friendly.

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EP#12: Myths & Truths Part 2

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, J. Roger Poe is joined by esteemed attorneys Ronald Presley and George Gossip to separate myths from truth when it comes to writing a will. They tackle common misconceptions, including the idea that only wealthy people need a will and that online templates are a reliable solution. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of estate planning and the potential risks of not having a will, including family fights and financial consequences.

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EP#11: Do I Need a Lawyer?

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, J. Roger Powe is joined by Devin Ukta, an experienced attorney from the Legis Group, to separate myths from truth about writing a will. They discuss common misconceptions, such as the idea that only wealthy people need a will, and the notion that a handwritten document or online template is sufficient.

Devin shares real-life examples of the consequences of not having a will, including intestacy and title issues. He emphasizes the importance of consulting a lawyer to ensure a will is tailored to an individual's specific situation and circumstances.

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EP#10: PROBATE PRESCRIPTIONS

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe is joined by Justin Graham, the Assistant Chief of Probate for the Philadelphia Register of Wills. They dive into the often misunderstood process of probate, discussing what it is, why it matters, and how families can navigate it with confidence.

From the role of the Register of Wills office to common misconceptions and mistakes, Justin shares valuable insights and practical advice. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the probate process and protect their loved ones' legacies.

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EP#9: FOREVER FAITH

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:14:30 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Poe explores the importance of planning for the future with faith-based leaders Pastor James Moore, funeral director Kevin Whiting, and Register of Wills Director Billy Thompson. They discuss how faith and planning go hand-in-hand, and how churches can play a critical role in helping families navigate the complexities of estate planning and probate. The conversation touches on common mistakes families make after a loved one passes, and the importance of having a will, especially in preventing tangled titles.

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EP#8: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:01:01 +0000

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EP #7: Love Meets Legal - The Marriage License

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

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Episode #6 : A WILL to Preserve Black Legacy - with Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe explores the importance of preserving Black legacy with a special event at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. Joining the conversation are Pastor Carolyn Cavaness, Councilman Nicholas O'Rourke, and Director of Interfaith Affairs Billy Thompson. They discuss how faith, civic leadership, and the law come together to protect and pass down generational wealth.

The conversation touches on the significance of Mother Bethel's historic property, the responsibility of faith leaders in estate planning, and the impact of tangled titles on community wealth.

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EPISODE #5: Title Clearance

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:02:29 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe is joined by Asia Williams, director of the Title Clearance Unit at the Philadelphia Register of Wills.

They discuss the importance of clearing tangled titles, which can prevent homeowners from accessing city programs and making repairs. Asia shares her team's process for helping citizens navigate the complex process, from searching for heirs to obtaining death certificates and clearing liens. With over 11,000 tangled titles in Philadelphia, this conversation highlights the need for education and assistance in preserving property rights and creating generational wealth.

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EPISODE #4 : "Love Meets Legal" - Getting a Marriage License

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe is joined by Pat Parkinson, the Director of the Clerk of Orphans Court. They dive into the often-misunderstood world of Orphans Court, exploring its history, responsibilities, and importance in protecting people and property.

From marriage licenses to minor estates and guardianships, Pat breaks down the complexities of the Clerk of Orphans Court's role in ensuring the smooth operation of the court. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of the court system, providing valuable insights for those navigating its processes.

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EPISODE #3 : Clerk of the Orphans Court - "The Gateway to the Orphans Court"

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Poe is joined by Andrew, an inheritance tax clerk at the Philadelphia Register of Wills. They discuss the Pennsylvania inheritance tax, a state tax on assets left behind when a loved one passes. Andrew explains that the tax applies to real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and other assets with monetary value. They also cover the nine-month deadline for filing and paying the tax, and the importance of understanding the tax rates and forms involved. This conversation provides valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of inheritance tax in Philadelphia.

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Episode #2 : To Have or Not Have a Will

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:47:04 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe is joined by John Sabatina, Esquire, of the Philadelphia Register of Wills , and Matt McIntyre, Esquire, his assistant solicitor. They tackle the importance of having a will and the common misconceptions surrounding it. The conversation delves into the myths and fears that prevent people from creating a will, including the idea that it's only for the wealthy. They discuss the benefits of having a will, including choosing an executor and specifying how to distribute assets. The hosts also address the process of probate and the importance of having a valid will to avoid disputes among family members.

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Episode #1 : WHO/WHAT is the Register of Wills

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:10:59 +0000

In this episode of Thy Will Be Done, host J. Roger Powe sits down with John Sabatina, the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court, to discuss the importance of having a will and the role of the Philadelphia Register of Wills office. They delve into the probate process, explaining how executors and administrators are appointed to manage estates, and how the office helps individuals navigate the process. John shares insights on the office's responsibilities, including issuing marriage licenses and maintaining archives of historical wills. This conversation provides valuable information for those looking to understand the role of the Register of Wills office and the importance of estate planning.

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