A probate attorney, commonly referred to as an estate attorney, focuses on assisting a Personal Representative through the entire probate process from beginning to end. A probate attorney can be an invaluable resource because the laws in each state are different with regard to probate proceedings and all of the requirements imposed by the probate court. In fact, the first piece of advice for a personal representative is “hire an attorney.” Here's why. What is involved in estate … [Read more...] about Estate Administration: A Probate Attorney Can be Invaluable
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Answers to Five Inheritance Tax Questions
You just found out that you will inherit from a loved one's estate. While this might be exciting news, it may also cause some concern. Most people know that estate taxes are typically imposed. Whether or not an heir has to pay any inheritance tax depends entirely on your state. Since state laws are constantly changing, it would be wise to consult with your estate planning attorney if you are receiving an inheritance. Here are the answers to five common inheritance tax questions. No. 1 – … [Read more...] about Answers to Five Inheritance Tax Questions
Is a Living Will the Same as a Living Trust?
Though the names may be very similar, a living will and a living trust are not the same, nor do they serve the same purpose. A living trust is a type of trust that holds and manages your assets while you are still alive, then distributes those assets to your beneficiaries upon your death. A living will, on the other hand, is a term commonly used to describe a legal document that provides your instructions regarding the course of medical treatment you want followed if you become unable to … [Read more...] about Is a Living Will the Same as a Living Trust?
Sacramento Veterans May Be Eligible for Long Term Care Assistance
Aid and assistance of various kinds are available for veterans through the V.A. or Veterans Administration. This assistance can be in an assisted living facility, at home, in a nursing home or provided by others, including friends, family members, or healthcare professionals. Veterans in Sacramento may be eligible for nursing home assistance, without knowing it. If you or a loved one falls into this category, here is what you need to know. Eligibility for V.A. long-term care benefits Some … [Read more...] about Sacramento Veterans May Be Eligible for Long Term Care Assistance
Trusts Can Satisfy Many Different Objectives
The importance of trusts in estate planning is seen in their ability to minimize estate taxes and hopefully avoid probate. A trust is basically a fiduciary agreement, one based on trust and confidence, between the person making the trust (grantor) and the trustee. This agreement gives the trustee the authority to manage the assets of the trust and distribute those assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the trust agreement. There are several different types of trusts with their own … [Read more...] about Trusts Can Satisfy Many Different Objectives
Overview of How to Pay for Long Term Care (Part 2 of 2)
As we pointed out in the first part of this article, at a certain point in most people’s lives, they become concerned about paying for long term care. There are 5 basic ways to pay for long term care. We discussed private pay, long term care insurance and Medicare in part one. Now, we turn to Medi-Cal and Veterans Aid and Attendance. Medi-Cal Medi-Cal is a form of public assistance for families who meet specified income and asset requirements. Eigible Californians use Medi-Cal to pay … [Read more...] about Overview of How to Pay for Long Term Care (Part 2 of 2)
Overview of How to Pay for Long Term Care (Part 1 of 2)
As we age, many of us become increasingly concerned about the possible need for long term care and the options available to pay for it. In this article, we will examine those options. There are 5 basic ways to pay for long term care: 1. Private Pay 2. Long Term Care Insurance 3. Medicare 4. Medi-Cal 5. Veterans Benefits Not all of these methods will be available to all persons. For example, veterans benefits are limited to only certain veterans. Long term care … [Read more...] about Overview of How to Pay for Long Term Care (Part 1 of 2)
Is a Revocable Trust Really Useful?
If you are considering whether or not to include a trust in your overall estate plan, you should first decide whether you want a revocable or irrevocable trust. Many people assume that, because a revocable trust does not provide asset protection, this type of trust is not very useful. However, that is not entirely true. As with any estate planning tool, there are advantages and disadvantages to using a revocable trust. The difference between an irrevocable and a revocable trust The major … [Read more...] about Is a Revocable Trust Really Useful?
Trust Administration: 4 Mistakes to Avoid
If you have been called upon to serve as a trustee, you have a very important job. The role of trustee is an essential component of successful trust administration. The trustee is the person responsible for ensuring that the terms of the trust document are followed. A trustee is ultimately responsible for managing the trust property and keeping accurate records of all transactions. This is a great responsibility, so here are four common mistakes you need to avoid. #1: Failing to adhere to … [Read more...] about Trust Administration: 4 Mistakes to Avoid
Selecting a Trustee: Things to Consider
Are you having a hard time deciding on a Trustee for your estate plan? It is not uncommon for decisions like this to be difficult. Let’s look at the attributes that should be taken into consideration when choosing a Trustee. You may want to factor in age, maturity, responsibility level, physical location, your personal relationship with them, and ability to handle money. What will your Trustee do? Your Trustee, once appointed, will have the responsibility of managing and distributing … [Read more...] about Selecting a Trustee: Things to Consider
