What Are Special Powers of Attorney?
Special powers of attorney grant the agent limited authority to person a specific task or category of actions. The agent is the person the power of attorney names to take action on behalf of the principal. The principal is the person who makes and signs the power of attorney. Another term for special power...
How Is My VA Pension Counted for Medi-Cal Purposes?
There are many different Medi-Cal programs, and each has its own rules for eligibility. In general, a VA pension counts as unearned income. Some Medi-Cal programs are not income-based, so a person with a higher income could qualify for those programs if they meet the requirements. A California Medi-Cal planning attorney can answer...
How to Prevent Elder Abuse
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that elder abuse is a significant problem in the United States, but there are things we can do to prevent it. If you suspect that an older loved one might be the victim of elder abuse, you should not look the other way. Most...
How to Choose a Legal Guardian For Your Child in California
Choosing a legal guardian for your child is one of the most important decisions you must make during estate planning. It is not a decision your California estate planning lawyer can make for you. It is a decision that you must make based on the needs of your child and your preference for...
10 Life Planning Documents for End of Life Issues
It can give you peace of mind to know that you have taken steps to prepare for the issues people can face at the end of their lives. Rather than banking on a “hope and a prayer,” you can orchestrate the things that will help you be physically comfortable and provide for your loved...
How to Help Your Elderly Loved One Qualify for Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is the Medicaid program in California. Federal and state taxes fund the program. It provides medical services for children and adults who have limited resources and income. With the help of a California Medi-Cal planning attorney, you can help your elderly loved one qualify for Medi-Cal if long-term care because necessary.
Why Do...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?
So, you got your estate-planning documents completed, and now you want to know where to store them. Many people are surprised to hear that one of the worst places to keep your will, trust, power of attorney, and other estate-planning documents is in your safe-deposit box. A California estate planning attorney can discuss...
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...