Has your family discussed estate planning? American families are facing a future crisis. A 2023 survey found that only one-third of U.S. adults have an estate plan. Though that statistic increases to 44% for those age 55 and older, it is still a wildly insufficient number that will lead to confusion and stress for many. October 21 kicks off National Estate Planning Awareness Week, and it is clear that many need help understanding the benefits of getting their affairs in order. As estate … [Read more...] about How to Start the Estate Planning Conversation Today
UNLOCK YOUR WEALTH POTENTIAL – Learning the Vital Elements of Financial Literacy
Americans have long insisted that all citizens learn basic literacy skills — reading, writing, and arithmetic. But only half of the states require students to learn financial literacy skills, which can be almost as important for a secure, productive life. As we observe Financial Literacy Month in April, it is worth noting that more than 1 in 3 Americans are still not financially literate — that is, they are unable to understand and apply basic financial concepts. These include calculating how … [Read more...] about UNLOCK YOUR WEALTH POTENTIAL – Learning the Vital Elements of Financial Literacy
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)
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2021 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales have been selected to the 2021 California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. This is the 3rd year that Justin and Maggie have received 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 … [Read more...] about Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2021 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2020 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales have been selected to the 2020 California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. This is the 2nd year that Justin and Maggie have received 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 … [Read more...] about Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2020 California Rising Stars
The Year 2020 (Video)
With the year 2020, if you abbreviate the year by only listing the last two numbers, then you are writing 20 – which then leaves your date subject to fraud. Someone could add two extra numbers after your 20 and make a drastically different date. Watch our video as Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains why it's vital that you list the full year when you are writing the year 2020 on all legal and financial documents. https://youtu.be/raBVIzqFx1k Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, … [Read more...] about The Year 2020 (Video)
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2019 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales have been selected to the 2019 California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. 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 are made using a patented multiphase process, which results … [Read more...] about Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2019 California Rising Stars
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is part of a series of 6 blogs on important estate planning considerations. I’ll intersperse these blogs with other timely blogs. The first article in the series showed how an estate plan prepares one for incapacity during life and not just for the distribution of assets at death. The second article in the series focused on how an estate plan should take into … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
What Happens to a Living Trust when a Spouse Passes Away?
In this blog article, we will address the issue of living trusts as they apply to married couples and what happens to the trust upon the passing of the first spouse. First, we will review the value of living trusts in general. Many people assume that a last will is the best choice when they are planning their estates. They believe that trusts are only useful for those who are very wealthy. However, this is not entirely true. While there are trusts that are utilized to meet the objectives … [Read more...] about What Happens to a Living Trust when a Spouse Passes Away?
Why is Estate Planning Important in 2016?
Studies show that a majority of American adults do not have a complete and cogent estate plan in place. Failing to plan ahead for death and the likelihood of incapacity in our later years can be costly, both emotionally and financially. Many people do not have an estate plan because they don't understand the importance of estate planning. We will highlight some of the key reasons why estate planning is essential in this blog. Avoiding Intestacy If you pass away without any estate … [Read more...] about Why is Estate Planning Important in 2016?
