How Do I Determine What Type of Veterans Benefits I Qualify for?
Serving in the United States military is a selfless act and one that can carry serious risks. For many, their time spent in military service is eased by the knowledge that they and their loved ones will ultimately receive veterans benefits that can make life easier.
Unfortunately, navigating government affairs and veteran benefits can...
Clues Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Financially Abused
Millions of seniors get taken advantage of financially every year, bullied to hand over cash, and swindled out of their life savings. Tragically, in the vast majority of cases, the perpetrator is a relative, neighbor, friend, caretaker, or person in a position of trust. If you suspect that your elderly loved one is being...
Where Do I Store My Estate-Planning Documents?
Should I Give Gifts During My Life or Leave Them in My Will?
California elder law attorneys are frequently asked, “Should I give gifts during my life or leave them in my will”? The answer, “It depends.”
If you have a modest estate and are relying on the bulk of it to live, gifting assets during your life might not be a good idea. Even if you...
Do I Automatically Get Medicare When I Turn 65?
No, you do not automatically get Medicare when you turn 65. You have to apply for Medicare and meet the eligibility requirements. You can face financial penalties if you do not sign up for Medicare by the deadline. There are multiple parts to Medicare and many options available for coverage. A California elder law...
What Is the Medicaid Spend Down?
Can I Visit my Aging Loved One During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Caring for aging loved ones is a great responsibility, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC reports that people 65 and over are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, facing a 31-70% hospitalization rate after contracting the disease, and up to a 27% mortality rate.
However, California elder...
Alternatives to Nursing Homes: Protecting Your Elderly Loved Ones During a Pandemic
COVID-19 poses a severe health risk to the general population, and our seniors are especially vulnerable. According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older.
In response to growing concerns about protecting elderly loved ones during this pandemic,
What Is Life Care Planning?
Life care planning reflects a new mindset in estate planning. Traditionally, when a person set up an estate plan, the goal was to preserve as much wealth as possible for the next generation. One consequence of this approach was that heirs sometimes saw seniors as expensive liabilities on the family’s inheritance. Life care planning...