Q. My wife and I signed our estate planning documents quite some time ago. In view of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we wonder whether there are any revisions we should consider? A. Excellent question. The short answer is, “Yes”. Here are some specific suggestions relating to some important estate planning documents which you probably signed:… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 11
Is It A Good Idea To Bring Mom Home From the Nursing Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic?
Q. My mother resides in a nursing home where she receives the care that she needs. However, we worry about the risk of her getting ill from the Corona Virus. Should we bring her home? A. That is a difficult decision, but here are some thoughts: The number of coronavirus cases in nursing homes and… Read More »
How To Create Basic Estate Planning Documents During the COVID-19 Crisis, Without Witnesses or Notary
Q. My father is confined to his Assisted Living Facility (“ALF”) and is very anxious to sign a Will and other estate planning documents. However, the facility is on ‘lock-down’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his caregivers will not be able to serve as witnesses, and I cannot arrange for a mobile notary to enter… Read More »
Estate Planning When You Spend Time in Different States
Q. My wife and I spend a substantial amount of time each year living in two other states, so that we can spend time living near each of our two children and their own families. We have our California estate planning documents created some time ago, but wonder whether we should create new documents in… Read More »
Free Tax Filing Help Is Available to Seniors
Q. It’s tax time again and I hear that the IRS may offer free tax preparation services to seniors. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes. The IRS offers information on its site about free tax preparation software, fillable forms, and free taxpayer assistance, all available in an effort to make tax compliance easier,… Read More »
New Law Makes Big Changes to IRA’s & Other Retirement Plans
Q. I heard that there is a new law which makes major changes to IRA’s and other retirement plans. Can you comment? A. The new law, signed by President Trump on December 20, 2019, and effective January 1, 2020, is called the “SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP for RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT”, or the “SECURE ACT” for… Read More »
The 5 Parts of a Good Estate Plan
Q. My wife and I would like to set up a basic estate plan. What are the essentials? A. Many people believe that if they have a will, their estate planning is complete. But there is much more to a good estate plan. A good plan should be designed to avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, protect… Read More »
A Solution To The Tax Problem When Selling A Home Held in Joint Tenancy After The Death Of A Spouse
Q. My late husband and I bought our home 45 years ago for $50,000, and we were then advised to take title as Joint Tenants to avoid probate. When he died 3 years ago, I was told by a realtor that it was worth about $1.2 Million. I was recently told by our CPA that,… Read More »
Will Mom Lose Medicare Or Medi-Cal Coverage If She Leaves The Nursing Home To Visit Family?
Q. Mom has been receiving care in a nursing home. She is currently covered by Medicare, but soon will switch to Medi-Cal. She would really like to come to our home for a short visit during the holidays. However, I heard that she might lose her coverage if she does so. Is that true? A…. Read More »
Consider Tax Savvy Year-End Gifts
Q. My wife and I are considering making large gifts to our two children and four grandchildren, and we would like to do so in a way that is “tax wise”. Do you have any advice for us? A. Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that you cannot gift more than $15,000 per year without incurring… Read More »