Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law

In 2001, Congress passed a law that made big changes to the estate tax. It raised the amount that could pass without tax, increasing it in steps from $675,000 in 2001, to $3.5 million in 2009. Then, in 2010, the estate tax was repealed for one year only-2010. The same law also said that the estate tax would return in 2011, with estates over $1 million being taxed as high as 55%. However, on December 17, 2010, Congress revised the estate tax with yet another new law: the Tax Relief, … [Read more...] about How the New Estate Tax Exclusion Affects Your Estate Plan

We are pleased to announce the addition of Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA to our law firm as our Director of Geriatric Care Management. Lois is a Geriatric Care Manager, Elder Care Consultant, and Certified Senior Advisor with a Masters in Education from Providence College. Lois has a passion for helping seniors and the disabled. She is an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer and authored the Monterey Alzheimer’s Association newsletter column “Ask Lois”. Lois has over six years of experience as a … [Read more...] about Welcome Lois G. Tager, Director of Geriatric Care Management

Life Care Planning is a Family Affair. Whether your loved one is a parent, spouse or special needs loved one . . . whether you live with your loved one, in the next town or across the country . . . dealing with an elderly or disabled loved one can cause countless sleepless nights. The experienced, supportive and knowledgeable attorney, geriatric care manager and support staff at the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law realize that most people are caught up in today’s … [Read more...] about Life Care Planning – What Is It and Who Needs It?

The sudden death of Michael Jackson serves as a reminder to everyone that, no matter your age, you need to have your estate planning in order. The pop superstar died on Thursday, June 25th at 50 years old. The media is speculating as to how his estate will be handled and the future of his young children. No public statement has been made in regard to his personal planning and the media and the nation will wait anxiously to see how this unfolds. If Michael Jackson prepared a Trust the public will … [Read more...] about Michael Jackson’s Death – Why YOU Need Your Estate Planning Documents in Order

Carolyn Bigda’s article “Rethink Your Legacy” in the June issue of Money Magazine explores the five questions you should be asking regarding your estate. The article recommends the American Academy’s website, www.aaepa.com, as a source to find a qualified estate planning attorney. The Associate Director of Education at the Academy, Steve Hartnett, was also interviewed in the article and lent his expertise to one of the five questions. This is the fifth mention of finding a quality attorney on … [Read more...] about American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Recognized by Money Magazine Again

The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was recommended in the January 2009 Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter. The article “How to Avoid Inheritance Feuds” focuses on techniques for avoiding conflict after a loved one passes away. The article recommends using the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys as a source for selecting a qualified estate planning attorney. The article also warned consumers to be explicit in their will in order to avoid disagreements. Other advice … [Read more...] about Consumer Reports Recommends American Academy

CAMPBELL - Estate Planning Attorney, Roy W. Litherland, attended an educational conference in San Diego, CA in October sponsored by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. The Academy is the premier national educational organization that promotes excellence in estate planning by providing member attorneys with research and vital updates in estate, tax and business planning law. The advanced training focused on innovative planning techniques for Legacy Wealth Planning. The training … [Read more...] about Attorney Attends Estate Planning Conference

Robert Armstrong, President of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, was interviewed by Money Magazine senior writer Penelope Wang for her article "A Midlife Money Checkup" in the March 2008 Issue. The article was part of the Cover Story "A Boomer's Guide to Financial Freedom" that included multiple articles focusing on financial trends, aging well and other issues Baby Boomers are facing today. This is the third mention of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys by Money … [Read more...] about American Academy Mentioned Again in Money Magazine!

The John Tesh Radio Show recommended the American Academy as a resource for finding an estate planning attorney. The segment focusing on money and finance originally aired in September 2007 and was repeated in December 2007. Mr. Tesh recommended that listeners go to the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorney’s website to find a qualified estate planning attorney in their area. The Academy website is also recommended on his site. The John Tesh Radio Show airs on 260 stations across the … [Read more...] about American Academy Recommended by Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host

The September issue of Money Magazine has an article entitled,"20 Timeless Money Rules." Rule 17, Exiting Gracefully, is particularly significant because it emphasizes the importance of putting together your estate plan. The recommendation of Money Magazine is that you search for a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys: "To find a lawyer, ask friends and colleagues for recommendations or get referrals online at the website of the American Academy of Estate Planning … [Read more...] about American Academy Mentioned in Money Magazine