Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog

No one enjoys paying taxes. However, there are very few people who are able to avoid paying some form of taxes during their lifetime. Unfortunately, some individuals pay taxes after their death. Estate taxes can be a burden on your family. Our Read more . . .

Long-term care can cost a fortune, quickly burning up the savings and assets you work hard to earn throughout your lifetime. One way to get help with this expense is to buy long-term care insurance. These policies are expensive, so you might be wondering, Is long-term care insurance a good purchase?

The short answer is that it depends. There are options that could work better for you. A Read more . . .

As our family members age, they may need assistance with activities of daily living. They may need someone to help them bathe, dress, and prepare meals. In some cases, a family member may need 24/7 supervision and care. Nursing homes and assisted care facilities are options. However, some families prefer to care for their loved ones at home.
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If you have a well-crafted estate plan set up and the executor of your will or trustee of your trust agreement works with a lawyer when handling your estate after you die, you can avoid many of the problems that can arise with California probate law. A California estate planning attorney can perform both functions, drafting your documents and administering your estate.
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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.

A Read more . . .

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 . . .

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.
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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.
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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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .