by Christine Brown | Dec 20, 2022 | Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trusts
Individuals who have disabilities often require government assistance to cover the costs of professional support and care. However, programs such as Medicaid and Supplementary Security Income (SSI) are means-tested, so eligibility is determined based on an...
by Christine Brown | Dec 15, 2022 | Estate Planning
Outlining your final wishes is essential to ensure that your assets are passed to their intended recipients as smoothly as possible after you die. If you have done the diligent work of putting your estate plan into place, you may believe that you have completed all...
by Christine Brown | Dec 9, 2022 | Elder Care, Elder Law
As your parent grows older, you may wonder what would happen if they could no longer make sound decisions on their own. Often, gaining power of attorney for your parent is the most straightforward way to ensure their best interests are protected. Many older adults...
by Christine Brown | Nov 30, 2022 | Estate Planning, Estate Tax, Portability
Federal estate tax law includes a provision called portability. This provision only applies to married couples. It allows the surviving spouse to use any part of their deceased spouse’s unused estate and gift tax exemption. Including portability in an estate plan...
by Christine Brown | Nov 18, 2022 | Estate Planning, Marriage, Prenuptial Agreement, Trusts
Some seniors don’t expect to remarry after a divorce or the death of a spouse. However, life is full of surprises. You could meet someone at any age, even during your retirement years. Many older adults bring various assets and debts into a new relationship. They...
by Christine Brown | Nov 10, 2022 | Estate Planning, Trusts
When creating a trust with a Long Beach trust lawyer, it is important to understand the specific roles involved. The grantor is the person who establishes a trust. The designated beneficiary is the person who receives the assets held in trust when the grantor dies....
by Christine Brown | Oct 28, 2022 | Estate Planning, Trusts
For many decades, wealthy families relied on bypass trusts as critical aspects of their estate plans. However, in recent years, LA County trust attorneys have seen a shift away from the use of this type of trust. This is mainly due to the increase in gift and estate...
by Christine Brown | Oct 24, 2022 | Estate Planning, Wills
There are many reasons why some people might find the idea of a handwritten will attractive. Also known as holographic wills, handwritten wills might seem cheaper and simpler to execute than non-holographic wills. However, handwritten wills are not legally valid in...
by Christine Brown | Oct 14, 2022 | Dementia, Elder Care, Elder Law
Many people enjoy traveling for the sense of adventure, change in perspective, and sensory stimulation it can provide. These things are what help people feel so refreshed after returning from a vacation away from home. New research that appears in Tourism Management...
by Christine Brown | Oct 7, 2022 | Estate Planning
Writing your will, drafting financial and healthcare powers of attorney, and ensuring you have a living will in place are all steps that give you and your family the peace of mind that comes with careful estate planning. However, if you and your loved ones do not have...
