On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in estate administration & probate on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. California residents who are named as executors of estates will have multiple duties to perform. They should take the time that they need to make certain that they appropriately administer the estates for which they are responsible. If they make errors, they may be personally liable to the beneficiaries.Estate executors are responsible for making the burial a...
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These estate planning mistakes can cause you trouble
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in blog on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. When it comes to estate planning, you'll always have something of importance on your mind. The key to success is to create a plan that gives you peace of mind.It goes without saying that you want to avoid any and every estate planning mistake. These often include, but are not limited to the following: Neglecting to create an estate plan. This is the biggest mistake you can make, and also...
Steps for discussing estate planning with your parents
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in blog on Monday, October 2, 2017. When it comes to matters of estate planning, it goes without saying that you have your own questions and concerns. It's important that you deal with these in a fast and efficient manner.Conversely, you may also find yourself in position to help your parents with their estate planning needs. While some parents are receptive to assistance, others may not need nearly as much help (if any) fr...
Estate planning to maximize the benefits of wartime veterans
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in veterans' benefits on Friday, September 29, 2017. Spouses can receive the maximum benefits. If you are a wartime veteran, it is important that you understand the different benefits that may be available to you.It is possible for you to apply for a variety of different benefits about which you might be unaware. As a wartime veteran, you may be eligible for benefits to pay for long-term care, assisted living, home care, nu...
Thousands die waiting for Social Security benefits
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in social security disability on Thursday, September 28, 2017. California residents who apply for Social Security Disability benefits may have to wait two years for a hearing. For some of the estimated 1 million American who are waiting for a hearing, that may be longer than they have left to live. According to data from the inspector general for Social Security, there were 7,400 people on the wait list last year who were a...
SSA paying vets who are dead, not paying some who are alive
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in social security disability on Friday, September 22, 2017. The inspector general of the Social Security Administration reported that improper payments amounting to almost $38 million were made to 746 deceased veterans, some of whom may have been from California. The deaths were not properly entered into Social Security databases, according to the inspector, and the payments were discovered during an audit. The findings of...
Disability programs interrelated, benefits affect one another
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in social security disability on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. Social Security Disability and federal civil service disability programs are integrated to an extent. In a situation where a California resident who works for the federal government becomes disabled, he or she should be careful to protect the rights available under each of the programs. Federal employees who become disabled might be entitled to a disability ann...
Social Security Disability in California
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in social security disability on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. The Social Security Administration considers people disabled if they have a condition that prevents them from doing substantial work, and the condition must last -- or be expected to last -- over a year in duration. When someone becomes disabled, the inability to work and the resulting income lost is a real concern. This type of situation is why Supplemental Secu...
Reducing the risks involved with administering trusts
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in trusts & trust administration on Monday, September 18, 2017. In California, more and more people are choosing to set up trusts as part of their estate plans. Today, many new types of trusts are available, and they are much more complex. Modern trusts may have portfolios that include far more than the traditional stocks, bonds and real estate. Some trusts might include businesses, collectibles, art, commodities and minera...
The importance of naming the right successor trustees
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC posted in trusts & trust administration on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. California residents who are establishing living trusts will need to determine who to select to serve as their successor trustees. There are several considerations that they should make before doing so.When people establish living trusts, they normally serve as the initial trustees. After they pass away, the role will pass to their spouses if they are married ...