Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Estate Planning is often misunderstood. Some people think it only involves preparing a simple Will. Some think it only involves preparing a Will or a trust. How hard could that be? But it entails so much more than that. It involves coordinating all the various aspects of a person’s assets so they achieve the goals of the person. Typically, this involves a Will and / … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part I: Who
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Estate Planning considers many factors. But when most people think of Estate Planning, they just think it answers the question of who gets what. Certainly, it should answer that question. But it is so much more. This is the first in a series of articles on the Questions of Estate Planning.While Estate Planning is about more than just who gets what, it does include … [Read more...]
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates is Hosting a Coat Drive this Winter – Join Us!
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law is hosting a coat drive to collect clean, gently worn or new, warm coats November 18th-January 31st at our Campbell office located at 3425 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 240, Campbell, CA 95008. Area residents are invited to make a difference in our local community by donating to the coat drive and helping us reach their goal of collecting 50 coats and $200 dollars.There are 39 million Americans living in poverty and struggling to pay … [Read more...]
Income Tax Basis
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.When we think of income taxes, we think of how much we earn. But, another aspect of income tax is the gain or loss on assets. Income tax basis is central to how assets are taxed in the United States. This is the first of a series on income tax basis. This blog will examine income tax basis, how you get it, and how it gets adjusted. The next article will look at how … [Read more...]
Make Your Own Plan
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Some people plan their estates carefully. Some people don’t have an estate plan at all. That’s called dying intestate. In that situation, the state in which they live at their death has a default plan for them which determines who gets their assets. The state’s plan might suit them, or it might not suit them at all.For example, Fred was unmarried and had a … [Read more...]
THE TALK: Priorities, Preferences and Wishes
by Magdalena A. LaBranch-GonzalesLitherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at LawAt our recent client appreciation event, we recommended that our clients have “The Talk” with their kids or loved ones…I know what you’re thinking; but it’s not that Talk. It’s probably been years since you’ve had to sit through that uncomfortable talk about the birds and the bees only to find yourself facing a new level of uncomfortableness.How do you talk to your kids or loved ones about your … [Read more...]
Continuing Legal Education in San Diego
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Staying up-to-date is important, especially in Estate Planning and Elder Law. Many states have an annual Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) requirement of 12 hours. Though some states have no CLE requirement at all. Even in those states with a CLE requirement, it does not need to be focused in the attorney’s field of practice. By comparison, the American Academy of … [Read more...]
Thank You for Helping Team Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Reach Our 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Fundraising Goal
On Saturday, October 12th, and Sunday, October 13th, Team Litherland, Kennedy & Associates participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Our combined fundraising goal was $2,200, and we exceeded our goal by $505!Today, as many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s – and nearly 11 million more act as caregivers for a loved one with the disease. Your donation will help by advancing the Association’s efforts in Alzheimer care, support and research.Thank you again for your … [Read more...]
Planning for Education Expenses
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.This is the third in a series focusing on planning for children. The first article was focused on the importance of planning if you have step-children. The second article focused on the importance of planning if you have “special needs” children. This third article focuses on planning for education expenses.You want the most for your child. Above all you want to … [Read more...]
New California Law Impacts Caregivers Who Marry a Dependent Spouse
by Justin M. KennedyLitherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at LawOn June 26, 2019, the Governor signed into law AB 328 - this law is meant to protect dependent adults from being taken advantage of by their caregivers.A dependent adult is defined as a person who is 65 or older and either (1) is unable to provide properly for his or her personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter, or (2) due to one or more deficits in the mental functions the person had … [Read more...]
