When you are looking for a lawyer for any reason, you should consider areas of specialization. If you think about it, the legal field is quite vast. It would be impossible for any one individual to focus on everything at once. Therefore, lawyers typically have specialties. With this in mind, let's look at elder care attorneys. Addressing the Concerns of Senior Citizens An elder care attorney is focused on concerns that are specifically relevant to senior citizens. Long-term care is the most … [Read more...] about What Is an Elder Care Attorney?
Travel Tips for Seniors (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law The holiday season is fast approaching. Preparing for travel with a senior will save many anxious hours before and during your trip and allow you to enjoy your journey. Airline travel preparedness will save you many moments of anxiety and exhaustion. Wendy Perrin, Conde Nast Traveler’s Consumer Travel Expert, tells us to be sure to confirm your flights at least 72 hours … [Read more...] about Travel Tips for Seniors (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Estate Tax Exclusion in Campbell California: How Can I Leave My Estate to My Spouse Free of Taxation?
It is definitely a good idea to be concerned about the prospect of your estate being taxed as it is being passed on to your loved ones. If your assets are exposed to the estate tax in California, you should definitely discuss estate tax efficiency strategies with a licensed estate planning attorney. Who is exposed to the estate tax, and who is not? The answer to this question can be found by identifying the dividing line. It exists in the form of the federal estate tax credit or exclusion. In … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Exclusion in Campbell California: How Can I Leave My Estate to My Spouse Free of Taxation?
Medi-Cal, SSI, and Special Needs Trusts in Campbell California
Doing things on your own can be rewarding on a personal level. It can also save you money under the right circumstances. However, biting off more than you can chew can actually wind up creating a disaster. With this in mind, let's look at Medi-Cal (which is called Medi-Cal in California) , SSI, and special needs trusts in Campbell California. A Hypothetical Scenario Let's say that you buy into the sales pitches that you see online. You accept the premise that anyone can act as his or her own … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal, SSI, and Special Needs Trusts in Campbell California
2014 Gift and Estate Tax Unified Credit Increased
The estate tax parameters are subject to change, and over the years some of these changes have been significant. In other cases, relatively minor but notable adjustments are made. When you maintain an ongoing relationship with your estate planning attorney, you can always be apprised of new developments as they take place so you will never be behind the curve. Estate planning is an ongoing process, and revisions are likely to be necessary as time goes on. Responsible people will want to be … [Read more...] about 2014 Gift and Estate Tax Unified Credit Increased
What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
You may be surprised to hear that the gifts that you give to others are all taxable unless you are giving the gift to your spouse. The reason why you probably do not incur tax expenses when you give people birthday gifts is because of the fact that there is an annual gift tax exclusion. Unified Federal Gift & Estate Tax Before we get into the annual gift tax exclusion, we should explain the unified federal gift and estate tax from an overview. When you transfer assets to others, either … [Read more...] about What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
Gift Ideas for Residents Living in a Skilled Nursing Facility
The holiday season is quickly approaching. For those with loved ones in a skilled nursing facility, the best gift you can give someone is the gift of your time. However, if you cannot visit during the holidays, then taking a few minutes to call or to send a card to your friend or loved one can make their day. Whether or not your are able to deliver a gift in person or need to send it in the mail, below is a list of other gift ideas for your loved one: Board games or large piece jigsaw … [Read more...] about Gift Ideas for Residents Living in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Is There a Medi-Cal Asset Maximum?
When you are planning ahead for retirement you may envision the opportunity to cross things off your bucket list. Good times lie in wait, and you have a retirement dream. You are probably not budgeting for long-term care, and Medi-Cal may be the last thing on your mind. Why Medi-Cal? Why should someone who has saved for retirement care about Medi-Cal? People who have worked and paid taxes all of their lives are going to be qualified for Medicare when they become 65. You may think that if you … [Read more...] about Is There a Medi-Cal Asset Maximum?
Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension
During the month of November we honor our country's veterans, and we express our gratitude to all those who have served and are serving so that we may live in a free country. In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to draw some attention to an often overlooked military benefit that is very relevant to those who are in the field of elder law: the Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension. Long-term care expenses are very high, and these costs are continually rising. There is a gap in our … [Read more...] about Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension
Probate in Campell California: How Much Does It Cost?
Probate is something to be aware of when you are engaged in the process of estate planning. Property that is in your personal possession when you die is considered to be probate property. As such, it is not immediately distributed to the heirs to the estate. The estate must first pass through a legal proceeding called probate. The probate court in the jurisdiction that is local to the decedent is going to supervise the administration of the estate. Why is there a probate process? Think about the … [Read more...] about Probate in Campell California: How Much Does It Cost?
