Are your hard-earned assets safe? You may think they are; however, once you recognize some of the numerous hidden threats to you assets you might not be as certain that yours are safe. In an effort to encourage everyone to protect their assets through comprehensive estate planning, we at the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law will point out several common, yet less obvious, threats to your assets. Nursing home/long-term care expenses – nursing home/LTC expenses … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Basics — Getting Your Plan Started
Most people recognize the need to have an estate plan in place; yet, surveys indicate that over half of all Americans don’t have one. Numerous reasons are offered for the seeming incongruity, including the simple fact that estate planning can be intimidating to the uninitiated. When should you start planning? How do you get started? What documents are the most important? At the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law, we offer suggestions and information that may help you … [Read more...]
Why Is Probate Avoidance Such a Common Goal?
Creating a successful estate plan requires you to think about much more than just how you want your estate assets to be distributed when you are gone. Precisely which additional estate planning goal and objectives you decide to incorporate into your comprehensive estate plan will depend on numerous factors; however, one common estate planning goal is probate avoidance. Why is it so desirable to avoid probate though? To help answer that question, we explain the probate process and why many people … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care
Many considerations must be addressed in an estate plan, not just who gets whatever’s left after your death. Long-Term Care expenses are an ever-increasing concern. Your estate plan should consider how those expenses would get paid. This article by my friend and estate planning expert Steve Hartnett looks at several ways to plan for those expenses. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
One of the most important considerations in an estate plan is incapacity planning. This article by my friend and estate planning expert Steve Hartnett describes how an estate plan provides incapacity planning and the documents which may be used to accomplish that planning. It also looks at how having a plan in place may relieve stress during an emergency. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity … [Read more...]
A Will or a Trust – Which One Should I Choose?
Certainly everyone is familiar with the estate planning terms "will" and "trust," but not everyone understands the differences between the two estate planning tools. Wills and living trusts are both useful estate planning instruments that serve very different purposes. Despite their dissimilarities, both can work together to create a comprehensive estate plan. Just ask our Sacramento probate attorney how it works. Wills and living trusts are needed for estate planning Regardless of how old you … [Read more...]
Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s Death Brings End of Life Care into Spotlight
The American people lost one of its icons recently with the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush. Not only was she the wife of a former President of the United States, but the mother of one as well. Her choice to accept only “comfort care” at the end of her own life put the bigger debate surrounding end of life health care decisions in the national spotlight. Whatever your own personal beliefs are regarding end of life care, the national debate surrounding comfort care is a reminder that … [Read more...]
Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money
Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett examines some of those factors. Being financially prepared is one aspect. Having your estate planning in order is another. But, being socially and psychologically ready for retirement are yet other aspects which people often don’t consider. Be ready for your next phase of life, this article will help you get there. Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money … [Read more...]
Veterans: Are You Getting All Your Benefits?
The freedoms, benefits, and quality of life enjoyed by everyone living in the United States would not be possible without the sacrifice of every veteran, surviving spouse, and family member of those who served in the Armed Forces. Although there is no way to every adequately repay those who have sacrificed for our country, the government does provide a number of benefits to veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents. Navigating the eligibility guidelines and application procedures for many of … [Read more...]
Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
Clients often want the simplest estate planning solution possible. However, the simplest solution is doing nothing. Usually, as well explained by friend and colleague Steve Hartnett in the following article, doing nothing does not result in the desired outcome. Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best … [Read more...]
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