The golden years often bring a desire for relaxation and peace, but they can also usher in feelings of loneliness or boredom. Pet ownership can fill this void in numerous ways, adding both joy and health benefits to the lives of seniors. Let's delve into the multiple advantages that come with owning a pet in your later years and the trust solution that can make it happen. Boosts Mental Well-Being Owning a pet requires you to engage mentally, whether you're teaching your dog new tricks or … [Read more...] about Pet Ownership for Seniors and Providing for Your Pet in Your Living Trust Estate Plan
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part I
For many years Estate Planning attorneys touted irrevocable trusts as an immutable way to set an estate plan in stone. As more and more states have adopted the Uniform Trust Code that has changed. Provisions of the Uniform Trust Code allow for modification of an otherwise irrevocable trust which has altered the landscape of Estate Planning. Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool, with the ability to alter irrevocable trusts, they provide more … [Read more...] about Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part I
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. If you have transferred your home or other real estate into your Living Trust, there is another important step you should consider: reviewing the insurance policies connected to that property. Recent natural disasters, including major fires in … [Read more...] about Homeowner Insurance, Title Insurance, and Your Living Trust (VIDEO)
Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Estate planning isn’t just about securing your legacy—it’s about protecting your assets and loved ones when disaster strikes. Updating an outdated Estate Plan or creating a new one provides a set of instructions for your family regarding what you want to happen during your life if you lose the ability to communicate that and at death. It provides comfort and a sense of control. This article will serve as a guide to getting more out of your Estate Plan during a disaster. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Planning for Incapacity: A Crucial Component of Your Estate Plan
The Reality of Aging and Incapacity Planning As you transition into middle age, you may begin to notice changes in your physical capabilities. While this is a natural part of aging, most individuals in this stage can still manage their daily needs independently. However, it can be difficult to envision a time when assistance with basic tasks may become necessary. Longevity statistics emphasize the importance of preparing for this possibility through a well-thought-out incapacity planning … [Read more...] about Planning for Incapacity: A Crucial Component of Your Estate Plan
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)
Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
The past few years have brought more people than ever to the world of Estate Planning. Whether prompted by global uncertainty, changes in tax law, or a desire for peace of mind, families and individuals are eager to put their affairs in order. At the same time, attorneys have worked tirelessly to meet that demand—often managing more clients and cases than ever before. With this increased volume, efficiency has become essential. But in the rush to serve everyone well, it’s important not to … [Read more...] about Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates – A Half-Century Strong (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates Attorney and President celebrates the major milestone of the firm providing 50 years of service to our community. Transcript: Hello, I'm attorney Justin M. Kennedy. This year, I am honored to celebrate a major milestone with our team at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates: 50 years of service to our community. Our office was founded in 1975 with the goal of providing quality legal services and education in the Bay Area. Our … [Read more...] about Litherland, Kennedy & Associates – A Half-Century Strong (VIDEO)
Put an Estate Plan in Place in 2025
As we welcome 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on our goals and priorities. One crucial task that often gets overlooked is estate planning. Setting up an estate plan ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of. Let's explore why 2025 is the ideal year to put an estate plan in place. Why 2025 Is the Year to Prioritize Estate Planning Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy or the elderly. It's a vital step for anyone … [Read more...] about Put an Estate Plan in Place in 2025
Why Do People Use Living Trusts?
Many people think that trusts are only useful for wealthy people with estate tax concerns, but this is not the case at all. In fact, the revocable living trust is a versatile estate planning tool that can be ideal for a wide range of people. In this post, we will look at four reasons why you may want to use a living trust as the centerpiece of your estate plan. Streamlined Estate Administration Process When you establish a living trust, you make the trust the owner of your personally held … [Read more...] about Why Do People Use Living Trusts?
