Leaving real property—whether it’s a long-held family home or a lucrative rental—in your children’s hands sounds simple in theory. You might assume they’ll just inherit it and carry on. In reality, California’s tax laws (including Proposition 19), local reassessment rules, and [...]
Making crucial healthcare decisions can be a challenge under the best circumstances, and it’s even more daunting during a medical crisis. In California, two vital legal tools help ensure your health care preferences are followed if you become unable to speak [...]
For individuals with disabilities, government assistance programs like Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) serve as essential lifelines. These programs provide crucial financial support and access to healthcare services. However, without proper [...]
When people think about estate planning, many immediately focus on wills. But what many don’t realize is that trusts offer far more flexibility, control, and tax advantages. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—there are several different types of trusts that can [...]
Planning for the future: this phrase has different connotations for everyone. For some, the future seems uncertain - and for others, the process can seem overwhelming. Although it’s true that you can’t control your future, you can plan ahead to provide [...]
Medi-Cal, which is California’s Medicaid program, has been in place for almost 60 years; during this time, it has gone through a number of changes. In 2024, some significant changes occurred that will make it easier for people with disabilities to [...]
Estate Planning for Children Not Yet Launched: A Parent’s Guide As parents, we cherish our children’s milestones, from their first steps to the moment they’re ready to step out into the world on their own. However, for some of us, this [...]
Have you noticed a shift towards encouraging individuals with disabilities to make better decisions independently? This approach, known as supported decision-making, is gaining attention and transforming support systems for those with disabilities. In this blog post, I take a closer look [...]
When creating a special needs trust, one of the most important decisions is choosing who will manage the trust after you’re gone. This person is called the successor trustee. Selecting the right successor trustee is crucial to ensure your child with [...]
Are you facing the challenging task of estate planning for a family that includes both neurotypical children and children with special needs? Understanding how to navigate the difficult special needs estate planning landscape effectively is crucial. Estate planning is a critical [...]