If you have a family member who is slowly approaching the end of life, you may be considering the use of hospice care services. It can be extremely upsetting and stressful as your loved one’s disease continues to take over. In addition, it can also be painful and scary for your loved one as well. Hospice care has many benefits and can help both the patient and his or her family. Take a look at some of the information below, to better understand the use of this service. If you have any … [Read more...] about How Hospice Services Help Families (part 1 of 2)
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Why Do I Need a Trust? Some Basic Answers
When most people wonder, “Why do I need a trust?” they are typically referring to a revocable living trust. Revocable Living Trusts are used as centerpieces in estate plans and are appropriate for most people. Should I have a trust now? Yes, consult with a qualified, experienced estate planning attorney to set up a trust now. Your revocable living trust covers three possible time periods: While you are alive and well While you are alive, but disabled After your death What … [Read more...] about Why Do I Need a Trust? Some Basic Answers
Proposed Regulations Address “Clawback” Issue
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubled the amount which can be given free of tax. However, that amount reverts to the permanent, undoubled amount in 2026. The estate tax ordinarily includes prior taxable gifts and then applies the exclusion to the total. However, in 2026 or later, this could result in a tax on amounts which weren’t taxable when gifted. This issue is the “clawback.” New Proposed Regulations resolve this issue. Read on to learn more from my friend and colleague Steve … [Read more...] about Proposed Regulations Address “Clawback” Issue
Providing For Your Pet After You Die
Do you treat your pet like family? You may be wondering if there is a way for you to care for your pet, even when you die. The good news is you can incorporate your furry friends into your estate planning. If you want to learn more about estate planning for your pet, read on. 1. Choose a new pet owner. Make sure that you choose someone who is able to care for you pet. Discuss this with him or her ahead of time. Include provisions for new pet ownership in your will or trust. … [Read more...] about Providing For Your Pet After You Die
Help Your Parents Organize Their Documents and Other Affairs
It can be stressful trying to locate estate planning documents and other important files during a time of upset. It’s important to make sure that your parents have all of their affairs organized as they continue to age. Organization, not only allows them to have information that they may need easily available, it better ensures important documents are available in the event of a crisis. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to get tips on how to help your parents with their estate … [Read more...] about Help Your Parents Organize Their Documents and Other Affairs
How Do You Qualify for Veterans Pension?
The entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to every man and woman who has served in the United States Armed Forces. These men and women, as well as their families, have sacrificed so much so that the rest of us can be safe and secure. If you are a veteran, you are likely entitled to a number of benefits for you service to the country. One of those may be Veterans Pension. The following offers a brief overview of the Veterans Pension program along with eligibility guidelines and application … [Read more...] about How Do You Qualify for Veterans Pension?
BEING THANKFUL FOR CAREGIVERS
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the persons and things we should appreciate and be thankful for. Among those are the caregivers who assist loved ones on a daily basis. It is appropriate that November is National Long-term Care Awareness Month. The number of professional caregivers and care-giving services has increased along with our growing elderly population. However, the majority of caregivers in the United States still are family members or friends. If that is true in your family, … [Read more...] about BEING THANKFUL FOR CAREGIVERS
KEEPING YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SAFE FROM A DISASTER
The recent horrific firestorms suffered by our neighbors in nearby Paradise and the fires in the Wine Country not long ago have touched us all. To help them with their recovery, there are several organizations providing much needed assistance. They can all use our helping hand. See our Charity list in this newsletter for more information. Natural disasters are part of life, from hurricanes and floods to earthquakes and tornadoes. For us Northern Californians, the forecast is for more … [Read more...] about KEEPING YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SAFE FROM A DISASTER
Study Concludes Care Is Worse at For-Profit Nursing Homes
Realizing that a spouse, parent, or other loved one has reached a point at which you can no longer provide the level of care needed, is never easy. The next step is equally difficult – choosing a nursing home. Of course, you want the best care possible for your loved one. Like many people, you may make the assumption that a for-profit nursing home would provide a better quality of care for your loved one. According to a recent study, however, you would be mistaken. The study concludes that the … [Read more...] about Study Concludes Care Is Worse at For-Profit Nursing Homes
5 Things Your Trustee Needs to Know
If you’re like most people, you assume that your trustee will call an attorney when you are disabled or die and all will proceed smoothly. If you want your estate plan to be carried in the manner you intend, there are 5 things your trustee needs to know. Here is the estate planning information that your trustee needs readily available: 1. Documents: Your trustee needs access to your current estate planning documents with a schedule of all assets with up to date balances (keep the most … [Read more...] about 5 Things Your Trustee Needs to Know
