As parents, we always want the best for our children, even as they transition into adulthood. However, when it comes to their healthcare, things can become more complex. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that safeguards the privacy and security of individuals’ medical information. Understanding HIPAA becomes particularly important […]
Family
Navigating Affairs After a Loved One’s Passing
The loss of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time. Amidst the grieving process, there are practical matters that need attention, especially in relation to your loved oneās estate. Estate planning plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition and proper distribution of assets. Here are 10 important steps to take when […]
Maximize Your Trust: A Guide To Funding
Funding your trust properly is important to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes and that your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from the trust. Here are 5 tips to help you fund your trust: 1. Identify which assets you need to transfer to your trust It’s important that you identify which […]
Safeguarding Seniors from Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing problem in the digital age, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to this crime. As more seniors use online services to manage their finances, communicate with loved ones, and access healthcare, they become targets for identity thieves. Here are 7 tips and strategies to help seniors protect themselves against identity theft: […]
How to Plan for Your Child to Turn 18
Planning for your child’s transition into adulthood is an important step in ensuring their success and independence. Here are some tips for planning for your young adult to turn 18: 1. Talk About Finances As your child turns 18, they will become legally responsible for their own finances. This means it’s important to talk to […]
The Importance of Appointing Guardians
Having guardians set for your children in case something happens to you is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your children are taken care of in the event of an emergency. Here are some reasons why it’s so important: 1. Ensure Your Children’s Care By appointing guardians for your […]
How to Plan For A Child With Special Needs
Estate planning is an important consideration for all parents, but it is especially important for parents of special needs children. It is important for parents of special needs children to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that their child’s needs are met and their assets are managed appropriately. Here are 4 considerations […]
Estate Planning For Blended Families
Blended families are becoming more and more common. These families often include stepchildren, ex-spouses, and other complicated relationships that can make estate planning a challenge. However, with careful consideration and planning, it is possible to create an estate plan that addresses the unique needs of blended families. Here are 5 tips for blended families: 1. […]
Should You Leave a Life Insurance Policy Outright to a Spouse?
Wondering if you should leave a life insurance policy outright to a spouse? Naming a legal beneficiary is necessary for life insurance, annuities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and some bank accounts. Ideally, these assets will be paid directly to whoever you have selected as your beneficiary in the event you passed away. The […]
How to “Marie Kondo” Your Financial Life and Streamline Your Estate Planning Process
Listen to the Audio VersionĀ If youāre not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Itās incredible to watch the relief and joy that people experience just by implementing her simple strategies to […]
Legal Documents Every Graduating Senior Needs to Ensure Parents Can Intervene Medically on Their Behalf
Click Here To Listen to the Audio Version Itās the end of the school year and graduations are in full swing.Ā As your ābabyā 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, thatās how equally impossible it would be […]
New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyoneās to-do list. That’s especially the case when you are so focused on loving and caring for your new bundle of joy. The other reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to […]
Why You Should Sweat the Small Stuff in Your Estate Plan
When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But itās also important to āsweat the small stuffā ā tangible personal property. Examples include automobiles, jewelry, clothing, antiques, furniture, artwork, photographs, music collections, personal papers, collectibles (such as stamps, coins or baseball cards) and […]
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 youāre 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 […]
Planning on Giving Money this Holiday Season? 5 Things to Consider
The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on giving money […]
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
When it comes to caring for your child, we know ensuring your childās needs are met is your highest priority. Sometimes, however, unexpected circumstances may arise that make this care an uphill battle. We know as parents ourselves that often these challenges come when we least expect them. As parents, we need to be as […]
Checking Your Estate Plan: Is It a Trick or a Treat?
When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you know if it will work when you need it to and be a treat for your loved ones to manage? Or is there a nasty trick lying in wait? Ā Get our Estate Plan Checklist to give your plan a quick audit. Itās no […]
The Estate Planning and Conversations You and Your Spouse Need to Have
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed your estate planning? We know it is probably not on your list of ādate nightā conversations. In fact, many of our friends, family, and even professionals we work with tell us that once they create their estate plan, they consider it finalized and do not […]
Tips On Creating the Right Durable Power of Attorney
We know that it can be challenging to think about who will handle your assets if you become unable to do so yourself. Although this concern starts with your money, have you thought about how difficult it would be for your loved ones to make not only those important decisions on your behalf but […]