Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog

Veterans may be entitled to a variety of benefits. However, dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be extremely frustrating. Navigating the system, including the numerous forms and requirements, can be overwhelming. In addition, VA regulations and laws are complex and can be difficult to understand.

How do I start the probate process if my loved one dies?

Following the death of a loved one, you will be faced with confronting all of the emotions surrounding the death, as well as wading through the financial issues that come with a death in the family. Dealing with finances after a person dies can be stressful, particularly when your loved one dies without a clear estate plan. Review some pointers for handling the financial aspect of..

Have you thought about what would happen if you were in an accident tomorrow that caused you to be in a coma? Do you wonder who will take care of you if you become ill and can no longer take care of yourself? Planning for incapacitation is an important element of California crisis management planning. Consulting with an experienced California attorney who assists clients with crisis management planning can help ensure your wishes are carried out even if you are unable to communicate your desires because of incapacitation.

Wealthy individuals are not the only people who need an estate plan. Regardless of your financial situation, you should have a comprehensive estate plan to protect your family, your assets, and yourself. An estate plan includes much more than a

Do I need to spend down my assets in order to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits?

Medi-Cal is a federal and California state program that helps families to pay the costs of long term nursing care. With rising healthcare costs, the average family can simply not afford to pay for nursing home care when a loved one reaches the point that he or she needs around the clock care. Unfortunately, many myths surround the Medi-Cal program which may lead some individuals to not apply and others to spend their savings before seeking benefits.

Making the decision to place a loved one in a dementia care facility is an emotional and difficult process. Choosing the right facility for a dementia patient is one of the top priorities for many families. Because the process can be overwhelming, it helps to have an advocate on your side who understands the process and who has experience dealing with long-term care for dementia patients.

Our California wills and trust attorneys utilizes a variety of estate planning documents to meet the needs and goals of our clients. You may recognize some of the documents we use in an estate plan, such as a will, health care directive, or a power of attorney.
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Can I leave money to my pet in my will?

Over half of all American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association.  For pet owners, pets comprise an integral part of the family. As members of the family, many of us want to ensure our pets are cared for after our death.  Including your pet in your estate plan can be a complicated matter, as in most states it is not an option to simply will assets to your pet. With the help of an experienced California estate planning attorney, you can rest assured that your pet will be well cared for in the event of your death.
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While guardians and conservators have similar roles and duties, they fulfill different functions. For example, both individuals will significantly limit the ability for their “ward” to make decisions regarding various aspects of their life. While it is wise to plan ahead for avoiding conservatorship, when faced with this decision, it is a good idea to speak with a California estate planning lawyer.

Fewer than half of all Americans have an estate plan in place.  Estate planning is a topic that all too often gets pushed to the backburner until it is too late.  There are several major advantages to having an estate plan in California. Our San Ramon estate planning attorneys at Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, Inc. discuss how your family can benefit from having an estate plan below.

Although it is sometimes overlooked, a life insurance plan is a valuable piece of your estate plan. In fact, it is one of the most common financial products in the United States. Its benefits are easy to understand, but the administration of life insurance funds is less straightforward. A California estate planning attorney will tell you that life insurance proceeds are extremely valuable to a family that has just lost a loved one, but they can also be cumbersome if not managed properly.