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...] about Estate Planning: The Simplest Plan is Usually Not the Best
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Retirement is Complicated
Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, Director of Education at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, examines many of those factors, such as where to retire, access to healthcare, income taxation, estate taxation, property taxation, etc. This article also includes many links to helpful lists. Retirement is Complicated … [Read more...] about Retirement is Complicated
Sacramento Living Trust Attorneys Explain the Basics
For most clients, creating a living trust is a way to avoid the time and cost of probate. Each state has its own probate laws establishing the requirements for probate administration. If you are considering a living trust as part of your estate plan, then you are likely wondering how a living trust works. Here is what we believe, at a minimum, you should know. What exactly is a living trust? A "living trust" is a particular kind of trust that goes into effect during your lifetime, as … [Read more...] about Sacramento Living Trust Attorneys Explain the Basics
Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
Clients often want the simplest estate planning solution possible. While keeping it simple is an understandable goal, the simplest solutions are not often the best. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, Director of Education at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, shows a couple simple solutions for estate planning and why, in most circumstances, a living trust is at the center of a more robust estate plan and more likely to provide the desired … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
What Do You Know about the Medi-Cal Process?
Because you are in good health right now does not mean you will never need long-term care in the future. This is a common misconception shared by many Sacramento area residents. You may not have health issues today, but you simply cannot predict how healthy you will be in 20 or 30 years. In fact, an unexpected injury could leave you with health issues that ultimately require long-term care, as well. According to some studies, more than two-thirds of those over the age of 65 need long-term … [Read more...] about What Do You Know about the Medi-Cal Process?
Three Big Mistakes to Avoid in Your Long Term Care Planning
In this issue, we are offering friendly reminders on how to avoid common planning problems. Here are a few important things to remember about planning for the possible need for long term care. 1. Make sure your estate plans contain the proper “long term care planning tools”. For most of our clients, this step has already been addressed. If we have created your estate planning documents in the period after 2010, your documents contain the most current planning tools needed. If your … [Read more...] about Three Big Mistakes to Avoid in Your Long Term Care Planning
Three Big Mistakes to Avoid with Your Estate Plan
Every year we assist hundreds of new clients in creating their estate plans. For most, their plans are based upon a revocable living trust. At our signing appointments and in ongoing communications with clients via emails, updates and free workshops, we continually advise our clients about the proper care and feeding of their plans. However, notwithstanding these admonitions, each year we encounter some clients who have dropped the ball and, unfortunately, as a result, have caused their loved … [Read more...] about Three Big Mistakes to Avoid with Your Estate Plan
Avoiding Mistakes in Applying for Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits
Wartime veterans who have 90 days of active duty, one day of which began or ended during a period of war, are eligible for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits. Surviving spouses who were married at the time of the veteran’s death may also be eligible. There are certain financial and medical qualifications that may apply. Here are some of the documents you will need in order to avoid making any mistakes in applying for veterans aid and attendance benefits. Documents you will need when … [Read more...] about Avoiding Mistakes in Applying for Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits
Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Retirement takes planning. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, Director of Education at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, includes milestone ages, such as when you must begin taking distributions from retirement plans. The article also includes links to resources which will be helpful in your retirement planning process. Age-Related Retirement Milestones … [Read more...] about Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Estate Planning Attorney Explains the Need for Trusts
Estate planning attorneys will most likely agree that trusts are one of the most valuable estate planning tools you can use. Trusts are great at minimizing estate taxes and in avoiding costly probate. There are actually many benefits. However, when it comes to trust administration, it is equally important to understand what is involved and to choose the appropriate trustee. What exactly is a trust? Trusts are essentially fiduciary agreements between a trustee and the grantor, who is the … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Attorney Explains the Need for Trusts
