Get out your disco records and leisure suits, we are going back in time. If you don’t know what those are, this article is for you. Way back in 1978, the voters in California eagerly approved Proposition 13, adding Article XIII A to the California Constitution. Article XIII A generally limits the amount … Read more
At Home or Office: Most people will keep their documents at home or in their offices. The most important thing is to keep them SAFE so they will not get lost, stolen or damaged. You don’t want to be so clever in keeping the documents safe that no one can find them. You don’t want … Read more
We hear all the time about how we should avoid probate. How does it work? Simply stated, probate is a court supervised process where: 1. The decedent’s assets are collected and then identified; 2. Any debts, taxes or expenses paid, and; 3. What is left, “the inheritance”, is either distributed outright to loved ones or … Read more
“Filial support” means that adult children are legally obligated to financially support their parents. California’s filial support laws date back to 1872.
INTESTATE SUCCESSION? WHAT IS THAT?!? Dealing with the death of a loved one is often traumatic at worst, emotionally draining at best. This process is, however, exponentially more difficult when a person dies without a will, or “intestate”. Real property is particularly difficult to distribute without knowing the intent of the deceased. We may … Read more
Is It Time to Update My Estate Plan? I am often asked what are the events that should make one update an estate plan. Here are my general guidelines: Marriage or Divorce of you, your children, grandchildren or business or life partners; Contemplation of Marriage, especially second marriages, Registered Domestic Partnerships or Divorce; Birth of … Read more
In Case of Death List The following agencies need to be notified of your loved one’s passing. Not all may apply to your situation: Social Security Administration Veteran’s Administration (if the decedent formerly served in the military) Defense Finance and Accounting Service (military service retiree receiving benefits) Office of Personnel Management (if the decedent is … Read more
Revoking the Irrevocable Trust It is more than wishful thinking! When is an irrevocable trust revocable? It seems like something you could never do based on the word ‘irrevocable’ but there are ways to get around this. Borrowing from wine terminology, it is called “decanting a trust” and here is the who, what, where, why … Read more
Elder Abuse What is Elder Abuse? It is the neglect, exploitation or “painful or harmful” mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older (or any disabled dependent adult age 18 to 64). It can involve physical intimidation, violence, psychological abuse, isolation, abandonment, abduction, false imprisonment or a care giver’s neglect. It could also involve unlawful … Read more
For Animal Care Providing For Your Pets In The Event of Your Death or Hospitalization For many people, a pet is an important and comforting part of life, often filling the void of an empty nest or loss of a family member. The love and companionship given by pets is immeasurable and many people feel … Read more