News Flash! California Approves Medi-Cal for Same-Sex Couples and Registered Domestic Partners

In what may be the first state in the nation to do so, California has just approved Medi-Cal benefits for same-sex couples and Registered Domestic Partners  ( “RDP’s”).  Acting at the invitation of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”)  and  pursuant to  state Assembly Bill 641 (Feuer), the California Department Healthcare Services… Read More »

Personal Care Contracts: The Hidden Solution to the Elder Care Dilemma

Caring for an aging relative is difficult—and often underappreciated—work. Many people who serve as caregivers often feel as if they have two jobs—their full-time day job at the office and the part-to-full-time job of caregiver at home. As their parents age and decline, most of these caregivers end up not only giving up more and… Read More »

With $5 Million Gift Tax Exclusion About to Expire, Is Now the Time to Give To Your Children or Grandchildren?

When legislation in 2010 raised the lifetime gift tax exclusion amount from $1 million to $5 million many wealthy families rejoiced, expecting that they would now be able to give large gifts to children or grandchildren and be able to save millions in taxes at the same time. But for all the rejoicing, the unsteady… Read More »

Mediation Helps Preserve Family Harmony

Q.  My parents are aging and I find that they are in greater need of assistance for care, paying bills, shopping, and the like. The problem is that there are four of us children and we do not always agree on what is best for mom and dad. I am concerned that, as my parents’… Read More »

New Medi-Cal Protections For Same Sex Couples & RDP’s Coming

California has moved one step closer in treating same-sex couples and Registered Domestic Partners (“RDP’s”) the same as married couples in the context of Medi-Cal eligibility. The Medi-Cal Eligibility Division recently released a draft of instructions to California counties on how to implement legislation signed last year by Gov. Brown (AB 641, Feuer).  This legislation proposes new rules… Read More »

The Presidential Campaign & The Estate Tax

Curiosity and excitement are always to be expected in an election year—especially curiosity about taxes. We all know that each presidential candidate has very different philosophies about where the tax burden lies, how much should be paid, and by whom; but all most of us really want to know is how the implementation of each… Read More »