The Sandwich Generation is torn between caretaking responsibilities for their minor children and their elderly parents. But first, they need to make sure they take care of themselves. Read the linked article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn more. Planning for the Sandwich Generation … [Read more...] about Planning for the Sandwich Generation
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Are All of these Estate Planning Documents Necessary?
Occasionally, a client will ask, “Do I really need all of these estate planning documents?” Usually, it’s rhetorical questions and a joke about trees, but we answer the question anyway. After all, estate planning attorneys like trees. The estate planning documents that your attorney will recommend will be based upon your concerns, finances, goals, and the law. The consequences of not having these documents are often harsh. While you may need advanced estate planning, the typical basic … [Read more...] about Are All of these Estate Planning Documents Necessary?
Recognizing the Difference Between Grief and Depression
The loss of a loved one can have a huge impact on one’s emotional state. Grief takes many forms and is handled is an endless number of ways. There simply is no rule book for how to deal with grief, but what about the rule book for deciding when grief becomes depression? The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, and its diagnostic manual has long warned doctors away from diagnosing major depression in people who've just lost a loved one. It's known as the bereavement exclusion in the DSM, … [Read more...] about Recognizing the Difference Between Grief and Depression
Preparing for Coronavirus
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is spreading in the United States and across the globe. Learn what steps you can take to prepare yourself and help prevent its spread in the piece by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Preparing for Coronavirus
When Should An Elder Stop Driving?
Elder Law 101: Do you have some concerns about an older family member's driving safety? As our older family members continues to age, you probably have a lot of concerns about his or her health and safety. Are you unsure if he or she should continue to drive? Take a look at the below guide to learn more about when it is the right time to take away the keys. With this knowledge, you will be able to keep your loved one and the others around him or her safe. If you have further questions, … [Read more...] about When Should An Elder Stop Driving?
What You Need to Know about Medi-Cal
If your estate plan does not include a Medi-Cal planning component, it probably should. Like many people, you may have never before needed to turn to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) for help with your healthcare expenses – but that could change when you are older. Because you may eventually need to rely on Medicaid, let's see what you need to know about Medi-Cal You May Need Medi-Cal Even If You Are Covered under Medicare. At age 65, you will likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare. … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Medi-Cal
Why does My Estate Planning Attorney Need so Much Information?
Effective estate planning does require full disclosure. It involves the discussion of your private finances, personal life, personal goals as well as the topics of death, dying, and disability. If you’re like most people, you find these topics difficult to discuss, especially with someone outside of your family. An experienced and qualified estate planning attorney realizes this and will gently guide you. And, you will be relieved to discover that you gradually become more comfortable with … [Read more...] about Why does My Estate Planning Attorney Need so Much Information?
Can I Disinherit My Spouse?
When you contemplate your estate plan, you typically focus on who you want to inherit your assets when you are gone. What happens though if there is someone you specifically do not want to inherit from your estate? More specifically, what happens if you want to cut your spouse out of your Will? Can you do that? Let's see how California treats an attempt to disinherit a spouse. Last Will and Testament Basics At its most basic, a Last Will and Testament is a legal document that communicates a … [Read more...] about Can I Disinherit My Spouse?
What You Need to Know about Osteoporosis
As we age, the natural aging process can cause physical and mental deterioration. Many of us will also develop osteoporosis. Because the more you know, the better you can plan and prepare, let's explore what you need to know about osteoporosis. What Is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. Our bones are living tissue and constantly changing. From the moment of birth until young adulthood, bones are … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Osteoporosis
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
If you have yet to create an estate plan, you likely have an explanation for why that is so. You may feel you don’t need one yet, either because you have yet to amass a sizeable fortune or because you have yet to settle down and start a family. The truth, however, is that every adult can benefit from estate planning. To help you better understand the importance of estate planning, let's explore why you need an estate plan. Ensuring that Your Wishes Are Honored Like many people, you may be … [Read more...] about Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
