by Christine | Feb 12, 2014 | Elder Law, End of Life Decisions, Estate Planning |
To avoid a crisis in your family, be sure your parent has the following documents. Some of the most important end-of-life planning should include making sure your loved ones have the legal right to take care of you later in life. Accordingly, there are some essential...
by Christine | Feb 11, 2014 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal Long Term Care, Medicaid |
The fear that the government could one day seize their homes is deterring some people from signing up [for Medi-cal]. Medi-Cal [Medicaid in all other states] comes with a lot of give and take. It is a safety net for those who need it, but it does come with its...
by Christine | Feb 10, 2014 | Estate Planning, Real Estate |
Emotionally, it's hard to let go of a home filled with memories. Moving is a hassle, and downsizing to a smaller home isn't always the cash bonanza some might expect. When entering your golden years of retirement, what is the ideal living arrangement for your...
by Christine | Feb 7, 2014 | Elder Law, Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal Long Term Care |
My mother gave me money in 2009. Now (2014) she is in a nursing home and needs to get Medi-Cal (Medicaid in all states, except California). Does that money need to go back in her account because of Medi-Cal's five-year lookback? Medi-Cal is...
by Christine | Feb 5, 2014 | Estate Law, Payable On Death Account, Trusts, Wills |
You might be a candidate for a trust that you never needed before. A trust is a great tool within an estate plan, one with unique goals depending upon the one making the plan. Some goals are very common, while others don't exactly follow the mainstream. A recent...
by Christine | Feb 4, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Giving back is about linking passion with action, and it does not have to be complex—but it does have to be well thought out to be effective. As many well-to-do but generous Americans can attest, your philanthropy can do more than just help the cause or causes...
by Christine | Feb 3, 2014 | Estate Law, Estate Planning, Inheritance, Probate, Real Estate, Wills |
The process of selling a relative’s home is likely going to be emotional, from the sorting of the personal belongings to the finalization of the sale at the closing table. Expect that. And surround yourself with professionals who will be empathetic and helpful. Many...
by Christine | Jan 31, 2014 | Elder Law |
If you or a family member land in the hospital as an observation patient and think you should be admitted, it’s better to act sooner than later. When it comes to whether or not care is covered by Medicare, the distinction between being "admitted" or just...
by Christine | Jan 30, 2014 | Estate Law, Gift Law, Portability |
Just when is the DSUE [Deceased Spouse Unused Exemption] available to a surviving spouse or the estate of a surviving spouse for use in determining the surviving spouse’s applicable exclusion amount? It can be very challenging to stay on top of federal estate tax law...
by Christine | Jan 28, 2014 | Digital Assets, Digital Estate Planning, Estate Planning |
Without a plan in place, you risk burying your family in red tape as they try to get access to and deal with your online accounts that may have sentimental, practical or monetary value. Just when you think you've covered all your bases when planning for your...
