One of the most common questions married couples ask when creating an estate plan is: What happens to our living trust when the first spouse dies? The answer depends on how the trust was designed. In this video, estate planning attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains two common trust structures for married couples: the A Trust (single trust) structure and the AB Trust structure. While both options begin as a joint living trust during the spouses' lifetimes, they function very differently after the … [Read more...] about What Happens to a Living Trust When the First Spouse Dies? A Trusts and AB Trusts Explained (VIDEO)
Why Every Adult Needs a Health Care Power of Attorney
What would happen if you could no longer make your own medical decisions? An accident, sudden illness, surgery complication, or loss of mental capacity can happen at any age. If you cannot communicate your wishes, your loved ones may be forced to make difficult decisions without clear guidance. That is why a health care power of attorney is one of the most important documents in a complete estate plan. A health care power of attorney allows you to name someone you trust to make medical … [Read more...] about Why Every Adult Needs a Health Care Power of Attorney
Proposition 19: The California Property Tax Law That Changed Everything
California’s Proposition 19 changed the way families think about inherited property, property tax reassessment, and long-term estate planning. For decades, many California parents could pass real estate to their children while preserving a low property tax basis under Proposition 13. That changed significantly when Proposition 19 took effect. This California property tax law now places strict limits on when children can keep a parent’s lower assessed value after inheriting property. The rules … [Read more...] about Proposition 19: The California Property Tax Law That Changed Everything
ABLE Accounts Law Changes (2025-2026) – New Legislation Affecting ABLE Accounts (VIDEO)
In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains recent and upcoming changes in the law impacting ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts). ABLE accounts are designed to provide tax-advantaged savings for individuals with disabilities while helping protect eligibility for needs-based public benefits. This video walks through what ABLE accounts are, who qualifies, how they work, and why recent legal changes matter for individuals and families planning for long-term care … [Read more...] about ABLE Accounts Law Changes (2025-2026) – New Legislation Affecting ABLE Accounts (VIDEO)
Charitable Deductions: 2026 Changes and Year-End Tax Tips (VIDEO)
Understanding how charitable deductions work can help you make smarter tax and estate planning decisions. In this short video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains key changes to charitable deduction rules and what they may mean for you and your family. … [Read more...] about Charitable Deductions: 2026 Changes and Year-End Tax Tips (VIDEO)
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for 2025 (VIDEO)
Attorney Justin M. Kennedy of Litherland, Kennedy & Associates discusses the key changes brought by the July 2025 tax law and how these updates create new opportunities for proactive tax planning. In this video, he explains which temporary provisions were made permanent, the new provisions scheduled to expire in 2028, and the strategies individuals and families can use now to reduce their tax burden in the coming years. Justin outlines important tax credits, updated retirement … [Read more...] about Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for 2025 (VIDEO)
The Medi-Cal Asset Test is Returning in 2026 – What You Need to Know About Eligibility (VIDEO)
Beginning January 1, 2026, California will reinstate the Medi-Cal asset test for applicants over age 65 seeking long-term care benefits, limiting eligibility to $130,000 in countable assets (plus $65,000 for each additional household member). In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy of Litherland, Kennedy & Associates explains what this change means, which assets are exempt, and why 2025 is a crucial window for families to engage in Medi-Cal planning to protect eligibility, preserve assets, … [Read more...] about The Medi-Cal Asset Test is Returning in 2026 – What You Need to Know About Eligibility (VIDEO)
2026 Estate Tax Exemption Update: What You Need to Know (VIDEO)
In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains the new 2026 estate tax exemption, why prior scare tactics were premature, and what this means for your estate planning going forward. … [Read more...] about 2026 Estate Tax Exemption Update: What You Need to Know (VIDEO)
Homeowner Insurance, Title Insurance, and Your Living Trust (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the importance of adding your Living Trust as an additionally insured on your Homeowner, Fire, Earthquake, Flood and Title Insurance policies. … [Read more...] about Homeowner Insurance, Title Insurance, and Your Living Trust (VIDEO)
Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Voice Cloning Tools and Scam Prevention (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the latest news on artificial intelligence-enabled voice cloning tools, how scammers are using this technology to defraud victims of billions of dollars, and an easy step you can implement to protect yourself from the latest scams. Transcript: Hello, I'm attorney Justin M. Kennedy with Litherland, Kennedy and Associates, a California estate planning and elder care law firm. In 2023 I provided a … [Read more...] about Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Voice Cloning Tools and Scam Prevention (VIDEO)
