Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc The star of multiple films, including the blockbuster superhero film “Black Panther,” died on August 28 of colon cancer. “Black Panther” by Marvel was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Chadwick Boseman became a role model for millions by playing Marvel Studio’s first Black superhero. Boseman also … [Read more...] about Chadwick Boseman Demonstrates the Importance of Planning
Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. In the United States alone, the pandemic has infected nearly 8.5 million people and has killed nearly 227,000 of them. In today’s pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make sure your estate planning documents are current. It’s especially important to ensure your documents relating to your health are up-to-date. Those documents are the Health Care Power of … [Read more...] about Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. In fact, maybe you grew up in a very impoverished, oppressed community. Now you (and your spouse if you’re married) have accumulated enough so you’re comfortable. Maybe you’re not a billionaire, but … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. In fact, maybe you grew up in a very impoverished, oppressed community. Now you (and your spouse if you’re married) have accumulated enough so you’re comfortable. Maybe you’re not a billionaire, but … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. Maybe you even grew up in a very impoverished, oppressed community. Now you (and your spouse if you’re married) have accumulated enough so you’re comfortable. Maybe you’re not a billionaire, but you … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
California’s Proposition 58 (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses California's Proposition 58. Proposition 58 is a California constitutional amendment approved by the voters which excludes from reassessment transfers of real property between parents and children that has been effective since November 6, 1986. Proposition 58 is codified by section 63.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning … [Read more...] about California’s Proposition 58 (VIDEO)
California’s Proposition 13 (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses California's Proposition 13. Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. If you would like to learn more about the importance of estate planning, we invite you to attend one of our free estate planning webinars. … [Read more...] about California’s Proposition 13 (VIDEO)
Five Reasons to Use a Living Trust
The most commonly held misconception about estate planning is the idea that trusts are only useful for a small percentage of people that have very complicated estate planning objectives. There are definitely trusts that are used by individuals that are in unusual situations. This being stated, the revocable living trust is an estate planning device that can be extremely useful for "the rest of us." If you have always thought that you would be using a simple will, you may change your mind … [Read more...] about Five Reasons to Use a Living Trust
Proactive Planning Can Prevent a Conservatorship
Estate planning attorneys often focus on elder law matters as well, because the two are inherently intertwined. Yes, it is important to state your final wishes to make sure that your financial assets are properly transferred to your family members after you are gone. At the same time, you should address potential end-of-life issues as well. With the above in mind, let’s look at one of these eventualities that a very significant percentage of seniors will face toward the end of their … [Read more...] about Proactive Planning Can Prevent a Conservatorship
A Living Trust Can Protect a Spendthrift
There are many different tools in the estate planning toolkit, so you should be aware of all of your options so that you can make the right choices. A lot of people assume that there are certain risks that must be taken, but for the most part, this is not the case at all. This dynamic can enter the picture when it comes to leaving an inheritance to a loved one that is not very good at managing money. If you leave a lump sum inheritance, the individual could burn through it very quickly, and … [Read more...] about A Living Trust Can Protect a Spendthrift
