The idea of estate planning for pets might initially seem like something reserved for the rich and famous. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey are rumored to have set aside millions for their pets. However, upon closer examination, pet planning is not only for the wealthy—it can be incredibly practical for everyday people as well. Companionship and Purpose As an estate planning and elder care law firm, we often assist clients who have lost loved ones and face isolation. … [Read more...] about Pet Ownership, Seniors, and Pet Planning
Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
Most Estate Planning attorneys will tell you that creating an Estate Plan helps prevent litigation after death. That statement needs a caveat. Most of the time, a properly created Estate Plan will prevent litigation. As this article demonstrates, sometimes, even with an Estate Plan, the family ends up in litigation. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
2024 Inherited IRA New Regulations (VIDEO)
In this vlog, LKA Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the impact of the final regulations issued on July 19, 2024, by the Department of the Treasury updating the required minimum distribution rules in response to the SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Acts. Transcript: Hello, I'm attorney Justin M. Kennedy with Litherland, Kennedy and Associates, a California estate planning and elder care law firm. On July 19, 2024, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued final regulations updating … [Read more...] about 2024 Inherited IRA New Regulations (VIDEO)
Avoiding an Audit
The Internal Revenue Service recently released its Strategic Operating Plan. In that plan, the Service indicated that it planned to conduct more audits, especially on the wealthiest taxpayers. Hearing that you are facing an audit is enough to strike fear into even the most stoic of individuals. No one is immune from audit; however, taxpayers following certain steps are less likely to be audited than those who don’t. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Avoiding an Audit
Is There a California Estate Tax?
A lot of people have questions about the taxes that enter the picture when someone dies. In this post, we will provide some answers to estate tax questions, starting with the California estate tax myth. State-Level Estate Taxes You may have heard about the families of high-profile celebrities who lived in California facing estate tax responsibility. This can lead to the assumption that there is a California estate tax, but this is simply untrue. There are 12 states in the union that have … [Read more...] about Is There a California Estate Tax?
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attend Exclusive Legal Conference in Minneapolis
Silicon Valley estate planning and elder care law firm Litherland, Kennedy & Associates attended one of the nation’s leading legal education conferences in Minneapolis, MI from May 2 to May 5. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys hosted their 31st annual Spring Summit which included top estate planning law firms from around the country. The American Academy is committed to helping its Member attorneys innovate the way they approach their law practice. The conference focused … [Read more...] about Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attend Exclusive Legal Conference in Minneapolis
What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
Regardless of your feelings about her music, her attendance at National Football League games, or anything else related to the popstar, it’s hard to argue that Taylor Swift isn’t a cultural phenomenon. In 2023, Taylor launched a multi-city tour that broke records for attendance, sales, merchandising, and gross revenue; the Federal Reserve credited her with boosting the country’s economy; and Time magazine named her Person of the Year. While interesting, these statistics only tell part of the … [Read more...] about What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
Attorney Justin M. Kennedy Selected as 2024 Super Lawyer
We are proud to announce that Attorney Justin M. Kennedy has been selected to the 2024 California Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections include a statewide … [Read more...] about Attorney Justin M. Kennedy Selected as 2024 Super Lawyer
Estate Planning 101: Navigating Your Future With Confidence
Estate planning, a crucial aspect of financial management, involves preparing for management of your assets should you become incapacitated and the transfer of assets after death. It is a process that ensures your hard-earned assets are overseen when you are unable to do so and distributed according to your wishes, potentially reducing legal complications, and minimizing taxes for your beneficiaries. The Importance of Estate Planning No matter the size of your estate, planning is essential. It … [Read more...] about Estate Planning 101: Navigating Your Future With Confidence
Estate Planning and the Rule of Three (VIDEO)
In this vlog, estate planning and elder care attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses Estate Planning and the Rule of Three. To learn more about the importance of comprehensive estate planning and applying the rule of three to your plan, attend one of our free living trust seminars by clicking here. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and the Rule of Three (VIDEO)
