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Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Talking About Finances at the End of Life


California elder law lawyers are primarily concerned with protecting your best interests as you are aging, especially if you suffer from a terminal illness. Elder law planning is similar to estate planning. However, while estate planning mainly focuses on what happens with your finances once you are deceased, elder law planning is a way of dealing with important issues while you are still alive.

Read more . . .


Saturday, August 28, 2021

First Steps in Handling the Estate of a Loved One


It can be overwhelming when someone close to you dies, and you have to deal with the emotional loss while you handle the legal and financial matters of the deceased person’s estate. In times like this, it can help to have some guidance.

The good news is that you do not have to do all of the work by yourself. A Read more . . .


Friday, July 30, 2021

Saying Goodbye to The Current Gift and Estate Tax Exemption?


It has never been more important to take advantage of the current gift and estate tax exemptions. Currently, Congress seems poised to work on legislation that would increase the tax rate and decrease the dollar amount for the estate tax.

A recent plan unveiled by Bernie Sanders proposes to raise estate tax rates from the current 45% to 65%. Additionally, it would reduce the overall death benefit an individual could receive from $11.7 million to $3.
Read more . . .


Wednesday, July 28, 2021

What Assets Can Be Transferred Into a Trust?


You just got your living trust set up, and you are feeling relieved about the future for yourself and your loved ones. If you become disabled, your successor trustee can manage your financial matters. When you die, your estate will not have to go through probate court. But not so fast. Your trust is only a piece of paper until you transfer your assets into the ownership of the trust.
Read more . . .


Monday, July 26, 2021

How Can I Keep My Kids From Fighting Over Their Inheritance?


Even siblings who got along during your lifetime might become estranged from each other if they fight over their inheritance. With a little guidance, you can avoid situations in which your children become enemies for life. A Read more . . .


Wednesday, June 30, 2021

What Is an Irrevocable Trust?


Trust agreements are used in estate plans. These flexible estate planning tools allow you to customize your estate plan to meet your needs and goals. With many different types of trusts, it is important to understand the differences before choosing the type of trust for your estate plan. A Read more . . .


Monday, June 28, 2021

Answering Common Questions Clients Have About Estate Planning


Estate planning is an essential step in ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death. However, it is also the best way to ensure that your family and loved ones are cared for when you die. Generally, most people have questions about estate planning.

Instead of putting off estate planning because you have questions, let our Read more . . .


Thursday, June 24, 2021

5 Questions to Ask Before You Write Your Will


Do you know what to do when it comes time to put your estate in order? It's important that you have an experienced California estate planning lawyer on your side. They'll help guide you through the process and ensure that all of your wishes are met.
Read more . . .


Monday, May 31, 2021

A Beginner's Guide to Living Trusts


Estate planning may include numerous documents to protect your assets and your loved ones. You may have a Last Will and Testament, but you may also have one or more trust agreements. Trusts are common estate planning documents.

There are many types of trusts you may choose from based on your needs. A Read more . . .


Friday, May 28, 2021

When Should I Start With My Estate Plan?


Ideally, you should start with your estate plan as soon as California law allows. In California, a person who is at least 18 years old or is an emancipated minor can write a valid will, trust, and other estate planning documents.

If you are no longer a child and you become severely sick or injured or pass away, your family would have to go to court to get the legal authority to take care of your financial matters, make medical decisions for you, or administer your estate if you do not have an estate plan that covers those situations. Also, these papers can be useful for people who are perfectly healthy. A Read more . . .


Thursday, May 27, 2021

Estate Planning Tips to Keep Your Money in the Family


The last thing that most people want is for their loved ones to get shortchanged because your estate had to pay avoidable expenses or taxes after you died. Every dollar that your estate has to pay in taxes or costs is a dollar that your family will never get.

There are many ways to set up your estate to minimize and sometimes entirely avoid these things that waste the money that you worked a lifetime to earn. A Read more . . .


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