While most people hate to think about illness, disability and death, it is a part of life. When you are least expecting it, you or a loved on can become seriously ill. It is best to plan for these scenarios ahead of time. Consider the following: Who will take care of me when I become seriously ill? How will I be able to take care of my finances and pay my bills? Who will care for my children? Will I be able to afford an illness? Do I want to be on life support? Who will … [Read more...] about Plan for an Unexpected Disability
Incapacity Planning
What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
In every estate plan we prepare in our office, we include an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and a form that authorizes disclosure of medical information to designated individuals you have appointed to positions in your estate plan. This latter form is done to comply with the so-called HIPAA law. An advance health care directive is a legal document you use to provide guidance about what types of treatments you may want to receive in case of a future, unknown medical emergency. It also … [Read more...] about What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
How to Choose Your Child’s Guardian (Part 2 of 2)
Choosing a guardian for your children is uncomfortable, but it’s better than the alternatives and it’s part of the Estate Planning process. What if Your Child’s Guardians Gets Divorced? You can indicate in your Will who you want to serve as your child’s guardian and include who shall continue to serve as guardian, if a couple named as guardians gets divorced. Characteristics of a Good Guardian No one will raise your children exactly as you would, but if you choose the right guardians … [Read more...] about How to Choose Your Child’s Guardian (Part 2 of 2)
How to Choose Your Child’s Guardian (Part 1 of 2)
If you don’t nominate your child’s guardian and a tragedy strikes your family, the court will and it may not be whom you would choose. In fact, it may be your alcoholic brother, Mike, crazy Aunt Mable, or the foster care system. Choosing a guardian for your children is uncomfortable, but it’s better than the alternatives and part of the Estate Planning process. Where You Appoint a Guardian You nominate a guardian for your minor children in your Will. That is true even if you have an … [Read more...] about How to Choose Your Child’s Guardian (Part 1 of 2)
Incapacity Planning: Medical Issues
If you’re considering including incapacity planning in your estate plan (and you definitely should be), it’s important that you understand the use of the different available legal documents. A comprehensive estate plan will allow you to have the best plan in place so that your needs are always met. Did you know…? An advance health care directive is a document that allows you to spell out your wishes regarding end of life treatments and procedures. Many people use their advance health … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning: Medical Issues
Choosing a Nursing Home
Do you or a loved one need nursing home care? If so, you will likely want to make sure that your loved one becomes a resident in a home that fits his or her many needs. There are many features to take into consideration when choosing the best nursing home. Take a look at the following guide to help make the best choice. Choose a nursing home that isn’t too far away. You may want to be able to visit your loved one often. Choosing a nursing home that is relatively close to your home … [Read more...] about Choosing a Nursing Home
There are Many Ways to Qualify for Medi-Cal to Pay for Long Term Care
Qualified and experienced elder law attorneys help those, who need long term care, qualify to have the care paid by Medi-Cal benefits. For both Medi-Cal, you need to financially (and medically) qualify. Here are 12 ways in which elder law attorneys help people qualify for financial assistance, if they are not immediately eligible. Consult with a qualified and experienced elder law attorney whose practice includes Medi-Cal long term care benefits to determine which strategies are best for … [Read more...] about There are Many Ways to Qualify for Medi-Cal to Pay for Long Term Care
Probate Avoidance Made Easy (part 1 of 2)
Are you looking to avoid probate? Luckily, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your assets avoid the probate process. Avoiding probate will allow your loved ones to get their inheritances quickly. Avoiding probate can also save time, money, and keeps your affairs private. Take a look at the information below to learn more about some of the probate avoidance options. If you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss a probate avoidance plan, meet with an experienced, … [Read more...] about Probate Avoidance Made Easy (part 1 of 2)
Deciphering Medicare Benefits vs Medi-Cal Benefits
Many folks continue to be confused about the differences between Medi-Cal and Medicare. Both Medicare and Medi-Cal, which is California’s name for the Medi-Cal program, have their originals in federal law. They were originally enacted in 1965 under President Johnson’s Great Society programs. Both programs have evolved over the years. Medicare was focused on providing health care for the elderly while Medi-Cal was focused on providing health care for the poor. California’s Medi-Cal … [Read more...] about Deciphering Medicare Benefits vs Medi-Cal Benefits
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans. We’ve found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions. I am confused about the different types of trusts. Is a living trust always called “living trust”? Great … [Read more...] about Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
