This seems like a simple question, right? My retirement goes to the person I listed as my beneficiary (spouse, kids, etc.). Most of the time this is true, yet we also get a fair share of people having to file a probate for an IRA or having to request the court to allow someone to set up a special…
As family members age, we often find other members becoming involved in caregiving and decision-making. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to conflict as communication and relationships deteriorate in disagreement over an issue that impacts the older adult or the family as a whole. In these cases, it can be helpful to have a qualified third party ask the right questions…
When people write down their assets in conjunction with their estate planning, they often overlook their digital assets. Digital assets are considered to be any electronic record that you own or control. This can include Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or other online accounts. It can also include cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, social media pages, online photos, email accounts, credit card rewards,…
Estate planning is not just for seniors. Ideally, as soon as you turn eighteen you should have some version of an estate plan because your parents are no longer automatically able to make decisions or act on your behalf. There are several reasons to create a power of attorney for finances once you turn eighteen. For example, the military helps…
Many people set up estate plans because they are concerned with having to pay estate or “death” taxes. Currently, if someone dies in 2020, their estate is taxed by the Federal government for every dollar their estate is over $11,580,000. California does not currently impose any estate taxes. But what happens if you own property in another state? What if…
Now that we’ve settled into somewhat of a new normal for the time being, people are thinking about getting things in order. There is still a sense of urgency, but many are taking the time to review their estate plans to make sure everything is in place, or are taking steps to put a new plan in place. In California,…
It’s no secret that our most vulnerable population during this COVID-19 pandemic has been our seniors and older adults. They need extra protection and closer oversight because of the isolation they have been put in. The questions that remain include things like, “Who is there to make sure necessary care doesn’t fall through the cracks?” “How can I stay in…
Are you a health care worker, or do you have a loved one who is? Then this episode is for you. Health care workers are very special, and we all owe them our gratitude for the work they do, but it’s important, especially now, that they do not allow their instinct to help others get in the way of…