Q. My wife and I had our Living Trust prepared back in the year 2001. I hear there have been changes in tax law since then which might affect us. Is it time to have our trust reviewed? A. Yes, Indeed!. When you created your own trust, the estate tax exemption was much smaller than… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
The Reading of the Will
Q. My brother-in-law just died, and I expected the entire family to be invited to a formal reading of his will. So far, nothing has been set up. Does that sound right? A. Actually, yes it does. You have probably seen a number of old movies where, after a person’s death, his next of kin… Read More »
What Is a Life Estate Deed & When Might I Use One?
Q. My primary asset is my home, which I purchased about 35 years ago and now own free and clear. I would like to leave it to my son, but in a way that avoids the fuss of a probate or trust administration when I die. Is there some way to do this? A. Yes,… Read More »
Can Beneficiaries Be Changed After Death?
Q. My mother just died, and her will leaves her estate equally to us three children. I am fairly well-off, but my two brothers are not quite as fortunate. Is there a way that I can redirect some or all of my share to them in a tax efficient way? A. The answer may very… Read More »
New Medi-Cal Rules Make It Easier To Qualify for Financial Assistance
Q. My mother will need care in a Nursing Home, but the cost is beyond our reach. I understand that Medi-Cal can help subsidize that cost if she were eligible for that financial assistance. I also heard that there are new rules now in place that may make it easier for her to qualify. Can… Read More »
Understand Medi-Cal Recovery and Avoid an Unpleasant Surprise
Q. Mother recently died after spending two years in a nursing home on Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal just sent us a bill for about $150,000 and says it will file a claim against her home. Yikes! We thought her home was an exempt asset. What do we do about the bill? A. Your situation is all too… Read More »
Estate Planning for Surviving Spouses
Q. I recently had to lay my wife to rest after almost 50 years together. Our children keep saying that I should review our estate plan with an attorney to see if anything needs to be done and that all is in order. Do you have any suggestions as to things I should look for,… Read More »
Legal Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Q. My husband was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but still seems to be generally okay. Are there legal steps we should take by way of planning for the future? Yes. Once you or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important to take action to get your affairs in order. Here is my… Read More »
Can Beneficiaries Be Changed After Death? The Disclaimer
Q. My mother just died, and her Will leaves her estate equally to us three children. I am fairly well-off, but my two brothers are not quite as fortunate. Is there a way that I can redirect some or all of my share to them in a tax efficient way? A. The answer may very… Read More »
Do I Need To Update My Power of Attorney When Addresses Change?
Q. When I signed my Power Of Attorney a few years back, my primary and successor agents lived at different addresses and had different phone numbers than they do now. In order for it to remain valid, do I need to completely re-do it? A. I do receive this question from clients from time to… Read More »