In this video, Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales answers LGBTQ+ frequently asked estate planning questions. … [Read more...] about LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions (VIDEO)
Act in Advance to Prevent a Conservatorship
A lot of people think of estate planning as a purely financial endeavor. It is true that you have to facilitate the transfer of your monetary assets after you pass away. This is one important piece to the puzzle, but it is not the only one. In order to be comprehensively prepared for the inevitabilities that we will all face, you should consider end-of-life matters as well. With this in mind, we will share some information about incapacity planning in this post. Alzheimer’s Disease To fully … [Read more...] about Act in Advance to Prevent a Conservatorship
WHY We Walk – 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
by Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law I think most of us, by now, have had some connection with a person who has been affected by Alzheimer’s. I would wager it is becoming more common as we are living longer. We’ve seen it with our clients and their families. For me, it’s my grandmother. My grandmother, Jan Ely, died on December 26, 2019 at the age of 78, after surviving through all the stages of dementia and into the final stages of … [Read more...] about WHY We Walk – 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus: A Reminder to be Prepared
by Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law If you’ve heard me speak in our seminars or workshops, or you’ve had the pleasure of meeting with me at the office, I can imagine you hearing my voice right now (kindly) reminding you that we all die. (Way to be blunt, right, Maggie?) But, seriously, for me, the most important part of Estate Planning is not necessarily what happens when you’ve passed away, but whether you are adequately … [Read more...] about COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus: A Reminder to be Prepared
What Questions Should I Ask an Elder Care Attorney?
Elder care attorneys counsel people who are making preparations for their senior years. There are various different elder law issues on the table at the present time, and long-term care costs are at the top of the list. To read this report on elder care questions, follow this link: What Questions Should I Ask an Elder Care Attorney? … [Read more...] about What Questions Should I Ask an Elder Care Attorney?
Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Estate planning contemplates two different general time periods: During life and after your death. Estate planning needs also vary based on the goals you are trying to achieve. For example, after death, do you simply wish to transmit your assets, or do you wish to provide your loved ones with asset protection, tax protection, divorce protection, or other … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust
Living Trusts are an excellent vehicle of asset transfer. They assist you in avoiding probate and legal quagmires, and protect your privacy. It’s important to receive solid estate planning guidance before making final decisions regarding what estate planning documents are appropriate for you, and to carefully weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks. To assist you in learning more about revocable living trusts, we invite you to attend one of our free living trust seminars. Click here to view … [Read more...] about Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust
What is Division of Assets? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Division of Assets is the name commonly used for the Spousal Impoverishment provisions of the Medicare Catastrophic Act of 1988. It applies only to married couples. The intent of the law was to change the eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal in situations where one spouse needs nursing home care while the other spouse remains in the community (i.e. at home or in an assisted living facility). The law, in effect, recognizes that it makes little sense to impoverish both spouses when only one needs … [Read more...] about What is Division of Assets? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Free Living Trust Seminars January 18, 20, 24 and 27
Helping to keep our community informed is important to us. We regularly get out into the community to provide helpful information to people here in the greater Bay Area. To this end, we present an ongoing series of informational workshops covering various elder care and estate planning topics. Our workshops and seminars are free of charge and open to the public. During the next two weeks, we will be offering seminars that focus on living trusts. Why Consider a Living Trust? Some people … [Read more...] about Free Living Trust Seminars January 18, 20, 24 and 27
Basics of Estate Planning: Selecting Fiduciaries
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Often, one of the most difficult choices for a person to make is the selection of people to make decisions for them. These fiduciaries may have great control over your affairs, typically at times when you would be most vulnerable or already gone. Let’s take a look at the various fiduciaries a … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Selecting Fiduciaries
