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
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s (VIDEO)
We are passionate in our support of the Alzheimer’s Association and have participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s since 2012. This year, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy and Geriatric Care Manager Dedra Jize served on the Silicon Valley Walk Executive Leadership Team. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's and helped us raise more than $17,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. … [Read more...] about 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s (VIDEO)
LGBTQ+ Estate Planning: Navigating Challenges
Estate planning, often viewed as a complex legal task, holds particular significance for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This necessity stems from unique familial, legal, and social circumstances that can impact the way assets and end-of-life wishes are managed and honored. Understanding Living Trusts vs. Wills Though there are other types of trusts, the decision between a revocable living trust and a will as an asset transfer vehicle is usually at the core of the process. A living trust … [Read more...] about LGBTQ+ Estate Planning: Navigating Challenges
10 Reasons Why Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney Is a Must
Planning your estate is a crucial step to ensure your assets and loved ones are taken care of after you are gone. However, the process is not as straightforward as you might think, and there are many reasons to consider hiring an estate planning attorney to guide you. Below are ten compelling reasons why this decision can make all the difference for your future and your peace of mind. Gain Expert Advice Tailored to Your Situation Every individual’s estate is different, requiring a tailored … [Read more...] about 10 Reasons Why Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney Is a Must
Take These Six Steps to Create Your Estate Plan
Many people understand the importance of having an estate plan but often delay because they’re unsure how to start. Tackling something unfamiliar can feel daunting, but here are six straightforward steps to help you get started on creating your estate plan. Step 1: Assess Your Assets Although estimating the future value of your assets isn’t an exact science, you can still make a reasonable projection about what you’ll pass on to your loved ones. Start by identifying the property, investments, … [Read more...] about Take These Six Steps to Create Your Estate Plan
Tread Carefully with Specific Bequests
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tread Carefully with Specific Bequests
Pet Ownership, Seniors, and Pet Planning
The idea of estate planning for pets might initially seem like something reserved for the rich and famous. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey are rumored to have set aside millions for their pets. However, upon closer examination, pet planning is not only for the wealthy—it can be incredibly practical for everyday people as well. Companionship and Purpose As an estate planning and elder care law firm, we often assist clients who have lost loved ones and face isolation. … [Read more...] about Pet Ownership, Seniors, and Pet Planning
A Message from the Murdochs
Art often imitates life and the latest drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch demonstrates that. Most of the time, when an individual creates an irrevocable trust, they part with dominion and control over the assets, and it is difficult to change the terms. Not long ago, Rupert Murdoch filed a petition in Nevada probate court to change the terms of an irrevocable trust that was originally created in 1999. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs
Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
Most Estate Planning attorneys will tell you that creating an Estate Plan helps prevent litigation after death. That statement needs a caveat. Most of the time, a properly created Estate Plan will prevent litigation. As this article demonstrates, sometimes, even with an Estate Plan, the family ends up in litigation. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
2024 Inherited IRA New Regulations (VIDEO)
In this vlog, LKA Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses the impact of the final regulations issued on July 19, 2024, by the Department of the Treasury updating the required minimum distribution rules in response to the SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Acts. Transcript: Hello, I'm attorney Justin M. Kennedy with Litherland, Kennedy and Associates, a California estate planning and elder care law firm. On July 19, 2024, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued final regulations updating … [Read more...] about 2024 Inherited IRA New Regulations (VIDEO)
