Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. An Estate Plan includes various different moving parts. The Revocable Trust may be the keystone of the plan, but it’s important to consider how the other parts of the plan will work with…or against…the plan. Let’s look at a simple example. John had three children and he wished to leave his assets to them equally. He had $6 million in various assets. John hired an … [Read more...] about It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
Trust Administration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Trust Administration? When a Trustor dies, the state of California requires that the Trustee of the Trust take some actions. The extent of these actions depends upon whether the Trust becomes irrevocable at the death of the Trustor or if the Trust provides specific actions for the Trustee to take upon the death. We recommend that upon a death of a Trustor, the Trustee schedule a meeting with an attorney within the first month to discuss the legal requirements upon death and what … [Read more...] about Trust Administration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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
Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. The Heckerling conference in Estate Planning is the country’s largest professional gathering in Estate Planning. The conference examines many areas of interest to Estate Planning and Elder Law professionals. It pays particular attention to items of current interest. Last year’s conference was in January 2020, shortly before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions (VIDEO)
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)
Why Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney to Prepare Your Estate Plan? (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales discusses the importance and advantages of hiring an estate planning attorney to prepare your estate plan. … [Read more...] about Why Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney to Prepare Your Estate Plan? (VIDEO)
Thank You for Helping to Make Our First Annual Community Shred Event Benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association a Success!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 1st Annual Community Shred Event! We received donations of $1,305 to benefit the Alzheimer's Association and LKA is contributing an additional $195 to make the total donation to the Alzheimer's Association $1,500! … [Read more...] about Thank You for Helping to Make Our First Annual Community Shred Event Benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association a Success!
Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?
Estate planning is one of the core responsibilities of adulthood, but many people completely ignore the subject. The truth is, most of us don't want to think about death and that causes many people to put off estate planning until they are old and gray. We recommend a more proactive, systematic approach. If you put estate planning off indefinitely, you may never get around to it, and people die intestate every day. Plus, there are details that should be addressed to plan your estate in the … [Read more...] about Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?
I am Fine…I Think. Coping as a Caregiver
by Dedra Jize, OT., CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Caregiving is not a new concept. It began thousands of years ago when the first parent took care of their first child; and yet, here we are still talking about it. In this article, I am not going to talk about parenting; but rather, caregiving for an elderly person, whether you are the spouse, the adult child or some other family or friend. The role of a caregiver greatly varies … [Read more...] about I am Fine…I Think. Coping as a Caregiver
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
