Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog

It works this way: at retirement age, the working spouse files for benefits and immediately suspends them. The non-working spouse can receive spousal benefits while the worker remains employed. The longer the worker delays retirement, the more credits he accumulates. His benefits can increase up to 8 percent a year by delaying retirement beyond full retirement age. 

In September, 2015, AB 139 was signed by the Governor of California creating a Revocable Transfer on Death Deed (“TOD Deed”).  This deed transfers real property to a beneficiary without the necessity of a probate proceeding.  The new law is currently only in place for five years, during which time lawmakers will study its use, and eventually extend the law or modify it.  This type of transfer deed can be an alternative to a living trust, but it is not for everyone. Understand when this would be an appropriate estate planning vehicle for you and when you should rely on the living trust to transfer property at your death.

The holiday season is a time of sharing.  Families come together and this time can be special.  But, including an aging relative who may be struggling with health and cognition issues, this can be a stressful time. These are some tips for spending time with aging relatives while keeping the holiday spirit special in your family:

1. Life changes are difficult

Discussing life changes, such as moving (whether downsizing or finding a care facility), losing driving privileges, or a managing a tightening budget are hard conversations for an aging parent (actually having to plan for these can be even more overwhelming). Taking small steps toward specific goals can be helpful. Writing down each step needed and crossing them off as goals are met can make it easier to complete each step, even if it seems to make the list of tasks to complete even longer.

1.  IF I NEED A NURSING HOME, THE HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER CAN FILE A MEDI-CAL APPLICATION.

Although a social worker can file an application, he or she will rarely have the proper understanding of the complicated eligibility rules. A qualified elderlaw attorney can guide you in avoiding costly mistakes that commonly occur when hospital staff files the application

A will is an important estate planning document that everyone should have. If drafted properly, your will serves important purposes such as nominating a personal representative to administer your estate according to your wishes. However, a will has some limitations, and therefore certain language and items are not suited to be included in the will.