Wartime veterans who have at least 90 days of active duty, during which at least one day began or ended during the wartime, is eligible for Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. Also, surviving spouses who were married as of the veteran’s death could also be eligible. However, there are specific medical and financial qualifications that may apply to your situation, so discuss your eligibility with our Los Angeles aid and attendance benefits lawyer.Medical and financial qualifications for … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Orange County LGBT Estate Planning
When it comes to Orange County LGBT estate planning, same-sex couples face some unique issues. Even with the favorable court decisions seen across the country, it is still important for the LGBT community to consider the unique estate planning issues that they will likely face. In fact, estate planning for LGBTs may be even more critical. Here are six estate planning tips for same-sex couples to consider.No. 1 - You need to have a willThe basic component of Orange County LGBT estate planning … [Read more...]
Distinguishing Between Community and Separate Property in Your Estate Plan
When it comes to estate planning, our Orange County estate planning attorneys will tell you that the nature of your property is very important. This is especially true in Orange County and all of California, which is a community-property state. Understanding how community property ownership affects your estate plan is crucial. Here is what you need to know.What is community property?California, along with eight other states, is a community-property state. What that means is any property … [Read more...]
Including Veterans Pension Benefits in Your Retirement Planning
Veterans who are working on their retirement plan should always consider the various types of financial support they may receive during their lifetime. The two most common types of financial benefits available for veterans are pension benefits and compensation benefits. In this post, our Los Alamitos veterans pension benefits lawyer will discuss the basics regarding veterans pension benefits.How are compensation and pension benefits for veterans different?When it comes time to plan for … [Read more...]
Los Alamitos Residents Frustrated by their Utility Bills
In local news, our neighbors in Los Alamitos have been very frustrated by their utility bills from Southern California Gas Co. Why? Because, according to more than 700 billing complaints from customers, the company has repeatedly failed to issue monthly bills on time and extended the billing period for millions of customers from 2014 to 2016. The California Public Utilities Commission will investigate these alleged billing practice violations. When it comes to financial issues, we should all be … [Read more...]
How Does My Debt Affect My Estate Planning?
Once the executor provides notice of the death to creditors, those with debts owed by the estate must submit a claim. If the debts are determined to be valid, they will be paid from the estate by the executor before any other distributions can be made. This would include bills and funeral expenses. California requires creditors to submit their claims within 4 months of the appointment of the executor. So, many clients wonder what role their debts will plan in their overall estate plan. Let … [Read more...]
Proposed Legislation in California Could Improve Safety of LGBT Seniors
Even with the great advances that have been seen in LGBT rights, we still have a long way to go. Indeed, LGBT seniors who find themselves in long-term care facilities still face substantial discrimination in various forms. However, a proposed bill, authored by state Senator Scott Wiener, passed the Senate with a vote of 26-12 and will now head to the Assembly for a vote. The bill is also sponsored by Equality California, a non-profit civil rights organization advocating for the rights of LGBT … [Read more...]
Unexpected Eviction Can Be a Sign of Elder Financial Abuse
As all Los Alamitos elder law lawyers know, our seniors can be particularly susceptible to various forms of financial abuse and exploitation. Financial exploitation refers to the unauthorized use of an elderly individual’s finances or assets. This type of abuse can be perpetrated by a family member, caregiver or a stranger. A recent story about an elderly California couple demonstrates one of the many signs of elder financial abuse of which we should all be aware.The unfortunate eviction of … [Read more...]
Primary Reasons for Probate Litigation in California
Despite the intentions that most families have to remain civil with one another after the divorce of a family member, will contests and trust disputes are quite common. When a family member disagrees with how estate property is being distributed, the likely result is probate litigation. That means someone who has an interest in the estate brings their disagreement to the court to resolve. However, if you take certain steps now you may be able to avoid many of the common disputes through proper … [Read more...]
#ArtBeatForHumanity drums are on display at the offices of Laura Bromlow in Los Alamitos
An installation of five #ArtBeatForHumanity drums are on display at the offices of Laura Bromlow of the #SchomerLawGroup in #LosAlamitos! The #REMO drums were painted and played in one of our recent group workshops. Bromlow writes, "The art installation showcases the successes of the Able ARTS Work participants, and brings increased awareness for much needed art and music therapy to our community."Laura Bromlow is an Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Attorney. She assists with … [Read more...]
