It’s tax season and the chore of filing taxes is upon us. If you are a senior in Los Angeles and you have limited income, there may be some useful tax filing services available to you. The AARP Tax Aide Foundation-South Bay provides free tax filing services to low-income seniors. If you have questions about estate planning, elder law services, and retirement issues, let our Los Angeles elder law attorneys help.
Where to Find Tax Filing Services in the Los Angeles Area
Volunteers who have been certified by the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board are available to assist Los Angeles area seniors with low to moderate incomes in filing their state and federal tax returns. They have experience and knowledge regarding the taxes issues commonly faced by individuals over the age of 60. If you need assistance filing your taxes you can visit one of the following locations between Feb. 1 and April 15:
- Torrance: Russ Nolte Annex, 1339 Post Ave. First-come, first served, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – Noon Saturday
- Manhattan Beach: Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Drive. First-come, first-served, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays only.
- Rancho Palos Verdes: Peninsula Senior Center, 30928 Hawthorne Blvd. First-come, first served, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays only
- El Segundo: Joslyn Senior Center, 339 Sheldon St. First-come, first served, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesdays only
- Willowbrook: Willowbrook Senior Center, 12915 Jarvis, Los Angeles 90061, First-come, first-served, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Fridays only.
How Can Los Angeles Elder Law Attorneys Help?
Los Angeles elder law attorneys specialize in legal issues that relate to seniors. This legal specialty became more recognized in the 1980s when the legal issues facing seniors became more complicated for various reasons. Changes to the Medicaid laws, along with an increase in the need for nursing home care for seniors, as well as many other issues, made elder law attorneys more necessary. If you are wondering why you would need a Los Angeles elder law attorney, here are a few things to consider.
What Do Los Angeles Elder Law Attorneys Do?
An elder law attorney is like any other attorney, but with special training and experience in the common legal issues affecting seniors in our country. This makes them experts in the legal field of elder law. Another thing that makes elder law attorneys special is their ability to anticipate issues which help their clients plan for the future. Elder law requires more than just legal advocacy but involves client counseling, education, and planning.
Providing Customized Legal Advice For You and Your Family
The key to providing the best customized legal advice is to work closely with clients and families so that their specific needs and goals can be addressed. As Los Angeles elder law attorneys, we need to become familiar with our client’s health care needs and the family dynamic. This exceptional insight makes Los Angeles elder law attorneys better equipped to handle their client’s legal needs.
Recognizing Common Myths Surrounding the Elderly
Another vital part of being Los Angeles elder law attorneys is recognizing the myths from the facts when it comes to seniors and the real issues they face. There are so many myths circulating out there regarding the elderly and their competency in general. It takes understanding and expertise to be able to recognize the real physical and mental challenges that seniors often face, as opposed to the fallacies that society may perpetuate. It is also important to recognize the importance of maintaining as much freedom and autonomy for seniors as possible.
Legal Issues Los Angeles Elder Law Attorneys Handle
As with every legal specialty, there are a few common legal issues that are commonly handled by elder law attorneys. The most common legal matters include Medicaid planning, estate planning and administration, conservatorships, and trust formation and administration.
Elder Law Issues Require Professional Advice
Some clients believe they can handle certain legal matters on their own, such as drafting a will or power of attorney. If you are considering substituting the advice of a professional with an online do-it-yourself product, you need to first understand the risks. Your Los Angeles elder law attorneys can tell you that the false sense of security do-it-yourself products provide can be dangerous.
Estate Planning is Not One Size Fits All
Estate planning, especially for elders, is not “one size fits all” endeavor. Therefore, it is wise to work with an elder law attorney with experience and knowledge regarding your particular situation. Your Los Angeles elder law attorney will be knowledgeable of California’s laws regarding various elder law issues and they will be skilled in drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools. Without their skill and experience, you and your family may encounter many unnecessary challenges in the future.
Download a FREE estate planning worksheet today! If you have questions regarding estate planning, trust contests, or any other trust administration issues, please contact the Schomer Law Group either online or by calling us in Los Angeles at (310) 337-7696, and in Orange County at (562) 346-3209.
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