An estate plan is important for people of all ages, but as we age, the need for planning becomes even more critical. Many people avoid estate planning because they do not want to think about the end of life, failing health, or disability. Others believe that an estate plan is only for rich people. However, […]
Advance Healthcare Directive
Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents
As a single parent, it is critically important to have a comprehensive estate plan that protects your child(ren). Obviously, being the sole or primary caregiver doesn’t leave you with much time on your hands. However, putting some time aside to meet with an estate planning attorney can give you some peace of mind. By having […]
What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthcare Directives
Comprehensive healthcare directives, which are an essential part of your estate plan, include: A Living Will; Healthcare Agent Designation; and A HIPAA Medical Release. The older we get the more health issues are likely to occur, and without the proper legal documentation, we might not get the care we need. One area our estate attorneys […]
The #1 Legal Document Every Adult Needs
As the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life and leave Americans uncertain of the future, you don’t have to feel helpless during this pandemic. In fact, now is a great time to be proactive and plan ahead should you or a loved one fall ill. One of the most important and relatively easy things you […]
Maintain Your ‘Voice’ During Disability
Estate planning covers more than death and taxes; for many people, it’s about maintaining their “voice” and clearly outlining their wishes in the event of incapacity or disability in Orange County. Far too many people assume that their loved ones know their wishes and are prepared to honor them if a medical crisis strikes. Unfortunately, […]
Orange County Elder Lawyer on The Importance of Creating Designation Documents When a Parent Has Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or Other Dementia
OC Elder Lawyer on the Importance of Creating Designation Documents When a Parent Has Dementia
Legal Documents Every Graduating Senior Needs to Ensure Parents Can Intervene Medically on Their Behalf
Click Here To Listen to the Audio Version It’s the end of the school year and graduations are in full swing. As your “baby” steps into adulthood, you might not realize that you will soon lose the ability to help your child or make healthcare decisions (even though you may still be paying the bill!) […]
Before You Hire Before a California Elder Law Attorney…Ask These 10 Questions First!
You could never fit the dreams, goals, and desires of your family into a one-size-fits-all box. Nor can you fully anticipate the unique challenges, changes, and loss you and your loved ones may face ahead. As impossible as it is to predict your future and generalize your dreams, that’s how equally impossible it would be […]
Estate Planning in California is About More Than Planning for Death
Whether you live in Orange County or somewhere else in California, many of us believe that estate planning is simply instructions on how to distribute your assets when you pass away. From that perspective, estate planning is often viewed as something one does only after they have acquired substantial assets. While one major benefit of estate […]
Three Legal Things to Do After a Scary Health Diagnosis
A scary health diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically challenging for many reasons. For instance, how can you take care of your family if you’re physically incapacitated? In addition to working closely with your medical providers, consider these three legal tips: Check your estate plan with your attorney to make sure it is up […]
How to Get Your Estate Planning Done in Just 10 Minutes
Research tells us that the majority of Americans today still do not have estate planning in place and only a third of parents have properly named legal guardians for their minor children. That’s problematic because life happens to all of us and gives none of us a heads up. But our message this week is not about […]
What You Need to Know About Medicare and Long-Term Care During Open Enrollment
We know just how busy the fall can be for you and your loved ones. We are entering into the holiday season which is packed full of time with family and friends, holidays, and great weather. Of course, we also know that this time of year can lead to a bit more stress, jam-packed […]
3 Ways to Protect Yourself as a California Senior During Elder Law Month
May is National Elder Law Month! This month we show support for people who are age sixty-five and older. All around the nation, you will find activities that are geared specifically toward making sure seniors have the support, resources, and information they need to age successfully! Part of our law practice is designed to specifically […]
Traveling Abroad in 2018? Follow This Checklist Before You Leave
Now is the time of year when many of us are planning and solidifying our travel plans for the upcoming year. With so many wonderful places to visit in this world that are more accessible than ever, many of us will be jet setting across the globe. Travel abroad can be relaxing, luxurious, and exciting, […]
What Really Happens If I’m in a Coma in California?
One moment you can be completely conscious and thriving, while a few minutes later the unexpected can happen and you can be in a coma in California, completely unable to make your own decisions. You could be in a car accident or have a sudden health care crisis, there could come a time when you […]
What does it really mean to “pull the plug” in California?
Although having the end-of-life conversation is something that most of us would like to avoid, it is critical to discuss. It may sound crass but the term “pull the plug” has become synonymous in many ways with living wills and end of life conditions. There are instances where decisions must be made regarding the serious […]
Can My Parents Make a Power of Attorney If They Have Alzheimer’s Disease?
As parents grow older it seems that roles reverse. While they spent much of their time caring for us, we now have the responsibility to care for them. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America estimates that nearly 5.1 million Americans may be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime and it has become more and more […]
How Does National Healthcare Decision Day Impact You?
The Conversation Project created a 50-state initiative to bring awareness to advance care planning. This initiative is called National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). National Healthcare Decision Day runs from April 16th to 22nd every year with “a key goal to demystify healthcare decision-making and make the topic of advance care planning inescapable.” The main goal […]
How to Build a Care Plan for Disability and Incapacity
Every day we make decisions. Sometimes they’re simple like choosing what to eat for lunch or what to wear. Sometimes they’re a little more complicated like deciding how to manage our hard-earned money. Big or small, these decisions have an impact on how we care for ourselves and others. Indeed, many of us have spouses, […]
Millennial Estate Planning Made Easy, Simple, and Outstanding
For most people in their 20’s and early 30’s, the topic of estate planning seems to be something for older generations to discuss. It follows the natural course that one starts to sort their affairs the closer they get to the end of their life. Of course, this assumes our lives have a definitive timeline. […]