Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Despite the certainty of death, many put off estate planning. Death and finances are two of the most uncomfortable subjects, they are both emotionally charged, and nobody wants to talk about either one of them. One of the hardest decisions people make in the estate planning process is how much (and when) to tell their children about their plan. It is no surprise that most people … [Read more...] about The Importance of Talking To Your Family About Your Final Wishes
Questions to Ask an Elder Care Attorney
The number of older adults in the United States has grown significantly in recent years and experts tell us that growth will not slow down in the decades to come. In fact, by the year 2050 those same experts predict that for the first time in history, the older population (age 65 and older) will outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger). The growth in the senior population has caused an increased interest in elder care issues and concerns. While seniors face many of the same … [Read more...] about Questions to Ask an Elder Care Attorney
“Omitted Children” Fall Flat in Challenge to the Hugh O’Brian Estate
Hugh O’Brian, the actor and humanitarian best known for his starring role in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, died in September 2016. In his estate plan, O’Brian named his wife Virginia as trustee of the estate, and beneficiaries included other family members and friends, and a charitable foundation. O’Brian died childless—however, after his death, at least two individuals brought a lawsuit claiming to be O’Brian’s children and seeking a share of his estate. Each alleged child was born from … [Read more...] about “Omitted Children” Fall Flat in Challenge to the Hugh O’Brian Estate
How Might Estate Plans Be Challenged? A Complete Guide
An estate plan is designed to give clear instructions about how someone’s assets shall be distributed to his or her beneficiaries upon death. Not every estate plan is created equitably or in good faith, and the law provides recourse for individuals to challenge the legality of the document and its provisions. In this guide we'll discuss in detail four broad reasons an estate plan might be challenged in probate litigation. Part One: Formal requirements of an estate plan Part Two: Undue … [Read more...] about How Might Estate Plans Be Challenged? A Complete Guide
What Will Happen to Naya Rivera’s Estate?
Actress Naya Rivera, best known for her work on the TV series Glee, has been presumed dead by local authorities after an apparent boating accident at Lake Piru in Ventura County. Like many celebrity deaths, this tragedy is a good reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Rivera, 33, and her ex-husband, actor Ryan Dorsey, share custody of their 4-year-old boy, who was found alone on a pontoon boat following his mother’s disappearance. Because of the joint custody situation, there is … [Read more...] about What Will Happen to Naya Rivera’s Estate?
Coronavirus Causing Legitimate Financial Concerns
The coronavirus pandemic has stimulated many people to take steps to assure their finances and estate plans are up to date and express their current wishes. If you have never completed your estate plan or if it has been a few years since you last had your estate plan reviewed, we can give you some peace of mind that your finances are in order. Call our office at 951-787-7711 now to schedule your appointment. WAYS TO CONDUCT YOUR MEETING WITH US In-Person Meetings at Our Riverside … [Read more...] about Coronavirus Causing Legitimate Financial Concerns
Working from Home? Tips & Tricks from Our Team
In the wake of shelter in place orders, our teams moved to a virtual workplace that is physically located in each of our homes. Working from home presents a new set of challenges, and I am happy to say that we have all risen to the occasion. We’ve rounded up tips and tricks from our attorneys, paralegals, and support staff that help us stay centered, focused, and productive. Tech Tip: Two Computer Monitors in One! “Now that I’ve gone from using two monitors at the office to just one … [Read more...] about Working from Home? Tips & Tricks from Our Team
Ask Dennis about Joint Tenancy Deeds
Dear Ask Dennis: I own a house as the result of being the sole surviving joint tenant. One of my brothers is threatening to put the property into probate (our parents were the other joint tenants, they are both deceased.) what would happen to him if he tried that? J. C. Dear J. C.: That is a very interesting question. Unfortunately, in order to answer it I need to ask you some questions. What was the mental condition of your father or mother at the time the joint tenancy deed was … [Read more...] about Ask Dennis about Joint Tenancy Deeds
Riverside Elder Law Attorney Quoted in USA Today Dementia Article
Riverside elder law attorney Dennis Sandoval was quoted in a recent USA Today article entitled Families' Best Defense for Dementia is Early Planning. In the article attorney Sandoval describes his law firm's involvement as the court appointed attorney in a contested conservatorship proceeding for famous rhythm and blues singer Etta James. … [Read more...] about Riverside Elder Law Attorney Quoted in USA Today Dementia Article
Vietnam Veterans With Certain Diseases Have Easier Time Claiming Disability Benefits
Eligibility for Veteran's Disability Benefits Veterans who have a disability related to their time in the service may be entitled to disability benefits. An example could be a gunner who now suffer from loss of hearing and tinnitus. The severity of the disability will result in the rating of disability. Some disabilities may only be rated at 10% or 20%, whereas other disabilities might be rated at 80% or complete disability. A veteran might also have many disabilities that when combined … [Read more...] about Vietnam Veterans With Certain Diseases Have Easier Time Claiming Disability Benefits
