Estate Planning

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..

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

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.

What is a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint a trusted loved one to make vital health and financial decisions in the event you are ever incapacitated.  All thorough estate plans should include two or more power of attorneys to ensure their health and finances are protected no matter what the future holds.  Without these important documents in place, the court may be forced to order a Conservator to be your decision maker.  A conservatorship is expensive and there are no guarantees the court will appoint someone whom you would select.  You

When it comes to long term care planning, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by so much information coming to you from many different sources. Sometimes you discover that your assumptions about something are way out in left field. It can be like that with Medicaid. Whether you receive Medicaid or not, you might be surprised by some of these common misconceptions about the program. Here are seven Medicaid Myths Debunked.

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to approach retirement age, more Americans may soon find themselves caring for their elderly parents.  According to MetLife, who provides a wide range of insurance options, over 10 million adult children over 50 are caring for an elderly parent.  This figure is expected to grow in the coming years.  Caring for an elderly loved one is a tremendous responsibility.  It is not always easy to know when to step in or what to do in order to ensure your aging parent receives the care they need.  Our San Ramon, California elder law attorneys offer some tips for when and how you can step in to assist your aging loved one.  

Your aging loved one has worked hard all her life, and now she wants to get her affairs in order so she can relax and enjoy her retirement, knowing her modest assets will go to her loved ones someday. She pays thousands of dollars for a beautifully packaged living trust, which she proudly places in her filing cabinet at home, with her other legal papers, insurance policies, and title documents.

The death of a loved one, no matter the circumstances, is a sad event.  In the wake of your loved one’s death, you may feel lost and confused as to the necessary next steps.  This can make an already tragic time all the more painful.  You may need legal assistance to get through the complex process of transferring your relative’s assets to his or her heirs.  Our San Ramon elder law attorney at Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning outlines some important steps you should take following the death of a loved one below.

If you are considering your options for medical coverage in California, you may be looking at Medi-Cal and Covered California. In some cases, it may be in your best interests to talk with a Medi-Cal planning attorney before you start the process.

The recent catastrophic fires in California and record flooding in Texas and Florida call attention to the importance of preserving our original documents.  If your original will is destroyed by a natural disaster, it could have implications for your estate plan and your heirs.  Our San Ramon, California wills and trusts attorneys at Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, Inc., discuss how you can protect your original will and what could happen if it is lost or destroyed below.