Uncle Brewer’s Bed
Dear Melissa, Last night I slept in your room. Even though you have been gone from this house for over a decade, it still is hard not to think of…
How To Pass Wealth Down To Your Kids (or Grandkids)
“So you’re here to do some estate planning. What are your goals?” I asked Martha, a lovely lady in her 60s. “Well, I want to help my children out if…
The Life Care Plan – Helping You Care For Mom
A Common Family Crisis. Consider the following situation: Your mom has recently begun to suffer the effects of dementia, stroke or other incapacitating illness. You have a spouse and full-time…
Ice Break on the Santa Cruz – and the Importance of Elder Law
Last week, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) held its 2014 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was another great time of re-uniting with many long-time friends and…
You Must Take This Important Step by April 16!
March 31 was a sad but important anniversary. Nine years ago on that date, Terri Schiavo died. But not before her husband and parents battled for over 15 years in…
ABA Commission Develops App for Healthcare Directives
April 16 was National Health Care Decisions Day, and we posted an article in our last newsletter emphasizing the importance of having a current Advance Health Care Directive. This document…
Hospital Visits Fell When Seniors Got Part D Drug Coverage
On January 1, 2006 the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (known as Medicare Part D) added prescription drug coverage to Medicare. The cost of such medications…
Social Security to Resume Mailing Benefits Statements
Do you remember getting your annual benefits statement from Social Security around the time of your birthday each year? These Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statements (PEBES) included: an estimate…
What Is a Trust Protector and When Might You Need One?
Trust protectors -- long popular in offshore trusts set up by high rollers – have gained popularity in trusts established here in the U.S. by less affluent folks. A “trust…
Court Decides Which Grandparents Have Rights
As a grandparent, I know how strong can be the desire to be with grandchildren. However, some family conflicts can threaten to prevent such contact. For this reason, our legislature…