925.244.1185
San Ramon, CA

Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Smoothly Transferring Estate Assets in California


Transferring assets of a deceased person’s estate do not have to be onerous. California provides a simplified procedure that allows the transfer of estate assets in some situations without having to go to probate court. Also, there are ways that a living person can arrange for specific assets to transfer to their beneficiaries automatically when the current owner dies.

A Read more . . .


Wednesday, December 23, 2020

What Happens if I Fail to Fund My Trust?


Revocable trusts have become an increasingly popular probate-avoidance tool among California residents. Under the umbrella of a revocable trust, assets are protected from passing through a lengthy and costly probate process. However, this only holds for assets retitled in the name of the trust.

Read more . . .


Monday, December 21, 2020

Is a Revocable Transfer on Death Deed Valid in California?


California has historically provided four options for the transfer of real property upon a property owner’s death:

  1. joint tenancy agreements
  2. community property with right of survivorship
  3. wills
  4. living trusts

However, in January 2016, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 139, allowing a fifth option for the non-probate transfer of property to a designated beneficiary, known as the Revocable Transfer on Death Deed.
Read more . . .


Thursday, December 17, 2020

How Does a Will Compare to a Trust?


A will and a trust are both ways to protect your heirs and make sure that the people you want to inherit from you do so, but there are quite a few differences between wills and trusts. If you do not have either a valid will or trust when you die, you are intestate, and California law will decide who gets your assets after you die.

The only way to control what happens to your things after you pass on is to have a will or trust that meets our state’s requirements for validity. Read more . . .


Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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 of attorney is “limited power of attorney” or “specific power of attorney.”

Special powers of attorney can be an essential part of your estate plan as well as deal with unique situations throughout your lifetime.
Read more . . .


Monday, November 23, 2020

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. Read more . . .


Friday, November 20, 2020

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.
Read more . . .


Saturday, October 31, 2020

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.
Read more . . .


Saturday, October 31, 2020

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 Read more . . .


Saturday, October 31, 2020

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 ones.

You have many different options, depending on your situation. A Read more . . .


Friday, September 25, 2020

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 be complicated and confusing. Frequently, Read more . . .


Archived Posts

2024
2022
2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2016
2015



© 2025 Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, Inc. | Disclaimer
2333 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Ste. 145, San Ramon, CA 94583
| Phone: (925) 244-1185

Elder Law | Estate Planning | About

-
-