Q. In talking with friends, I discovered a lot of misunderstanding about how the Medi-Cal program works if one needs help with the high cost of nursing home care. I wonder if you would clarify matters. A. Sure. I have also discovered much misunderstanding, even among care professionals. Here are the most common “myths” regarding the… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Trusts
The Current Pandemic and Your Estate Planning Documents
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 »
Does Your Trust Contain A ‘Poison Pill’?
Q. In past articles you have written about the option of seeking a Medi-Cal subsidy to help pay for the cost of nursing home care if that need arises. I have a Living Trust. Are there provisions that I should include, or some that I should avoid, in order to facilitate Medi-Cal qualification? A. Great… Read More »
Should I Name All of My Children As Co-Trustees of My Trust?
Q. I am setting up a “Living Trust” and considering name all three of my children, together, as successor co-trustees. Do you have any thoughts as to whether that makes sense? A. Yes, I do. Your desire to treat all of your children equally, or at least not to appear to favor one over the… Read More »
A Tax Savvy Alternative To Joint Tenancy: Community Property With Right of Survivorship
Q. My husband and I hold title to our home in joint tenancy. When we bought it years ago we were told that was the simplest way to avoid probate. However, I now hear that there may be tax advantages to holding title as community property. If so, is there a way to get the… Read More »
Don’t Unwind Your Trust by Mistake
Q. My father had a Living Trust which originally held title to his house. He recently died and when we went to handle his affairs, we discovered that the home was no longer in his trust. It seems that he took it out of his trust when he refinanced his home some years back. I… Read More »
If I Have a Trust, Do I Also Need a Will?
Q: I have a Living Trust, prepared some time ago. I recently heard that it was a good idea to also have a Will. However, I thought the trust took the place of a will. Can you clarify this? A. Sure. Attorneys who prepare trusts generally also prepare a backup will to coordinate with the… Read More »