Category Archives: Contra Costa Elder Law

How Much Are Probate Fees?

In California, Probate Code section 10810 statutorily sets the maximum amounts that executors and attorneys may be paid for their fees. The amount of attorney fees and executor fees are ordered by the court at the end of case. If the case is complicated, for instance where litigation is involved, the attorney can request that […]

What To Do About Social Security Benefits After Someone Dies

We are often asked what should be done about Social Security benefits after someone dies. When a social security recipient dies, the Social Security Administration must be notified as soon as possible. The funeral home will usually make the notification to Social Security.  If the funeral home does not provide this service, then another family […]

Governor Brown Signs The End Of Life Options Bill

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed into law the AB-15 End of Life Options bill on October 5, 2015.  This is landmark legislation which allows patients who are terminally ill to receive lethal medications to end their lives at a time they choose. The law will become effective at a date to be announced during […]

Mom Is Showing Some Dementia – Can we still create a long term care plan for her?

In my workshops, we talk about the Elder Care Journey. Along this journey, which I show on a chart, is an area called “Declining Senior With Memory or Mobility Issues.”  I reference this step along the Elder Care Journey as a DANGER ZONE. We know that mobility issues and falling oftentimes is the beginning of […]

How To Convert Your Life Insurance Policy To Help Pay For The Cost of Senior Care

Some of our clients have asked whether they should let their life insurance premiums lapse, as part of budgeting for the cost of care for their loved one. Many of our clients have been making premium payments on their life insurance policies for a long period of time. My answer is to first find out […]

No Look Back Period for VA Aid & Attendance

There will NOT be a look-back gifting penalty period for the VA Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit. On February 27, 2014, Senate Bill 1982, known as The Veterans Pension Protection Act, did not get the required votes to pass. One of the purposes of this bill, which also contained other provisions, was to help curtail […]

Your Home Is Still An Exempt Asset for Medi-Cal Qualification

The home (principal residence) of a Medi-Cal applicant is still not counted as an asset for qualification for Medi-Cal if you take certain steps. In order to qualify the home as an exempt asset, the applicant must confirm in writing that he intends to return to his home after a stay in a nursing home. […]

Financial Durable Powers of Attorney for Baby Boomers and Seniors Can Now Provide for Long Term Care Planning and Asset Protection

Financial Durable Powers of Attorney (Fin. DPA’s) for Baby Boomers and Seniors can provide for asset protection and government benefits planning. The language we use in Fin. DPA’s for long term care planning for baby boomers and seniors is very different from the language we see in the plain vanilla Fin. DPA’s which most people […]

FIVE THINGS BABY BOOMERS AND SENIORS CAN DO TO GAIN PEACE OF MIND FOR SURVIVING THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS

Many Baby Boomers and seniors are concerned about surviving their retirement years. Many have not been able to save adequately, have suffered losses in the stock market, and do not have pension funds sufficient to meet their future needs. Most are concerned about health care issues, and how their nursing home costs would be paid […]

Peace of Mind Now For Baby Boomers and Seniors Facing Retirement

A big issue now facing Baby Boomers and seniors is, surviving in retirement. We should have our “Ducks In A Row” now regarding health and financial issues, and there are many things we can do.  Most of our clients do not have long term care insurance to pay for a stay in a nursing home. […]