One of the more difficult calls I receive begins with a variation of the same question: “My mother is paying thousands of dollars every month for care. How long does she have to keep doing this before Medi-Cal will help?” Sometimes the family has already been told that Mom has too much money to qualify
What happens when a person receiving SSI or Medi-Cal suddenly receives an inheritance, lawsuit settlement, or other substantial sum of money? Without planning, that money can create a serious problem. Many public benefits are “means-tested,” meaning eligibility depends in part on how much income or assets a person has. A first-party special needs trust can
Last year, I moved twice. After many years in Riverside, my partner and I relocated to the Fresno area. Anyone who has moved recently knows what that means: boxes, address changes, decisions about what to keep and what to give away, and the inevitable discovery of things you had completely forgotten you owned. Doing it
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder to think about what we would do if an emergency suddenly disrupted our lives. For Californians, emergency preparedness is particularly relevant. Wildfires, earthquakes, floods, power outages and other emergencies can occur with little warning. Most emergency-preparedness advice focuses appropriately on protecting people and pets, having an evacuation
Choosing a nursing home for a parent, spouse, or other loved one is rarely a decision a family has the luxury of making slowly. Often, the need arises after a hospitalization or other medical crisis, and families are asked to select a skilled nursing facility within a matter of days—or even hours. A recent Ventura
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. For many families, September also means sending children off to college, helping them settle into a first apartment, or watching them begin their first full-time job. Estate planning for young adults may not be on the back-to-school checklist, but turning 18 brings an important legal change. Your
As I begin an exciting new chapter personally, I want to share that The Law Office of Maureen Lyons, PC remains fully active and serving clients throughout California. While I have relocated to Fresno, my Riverside office continues to operate as usual. I will continue to offer: Remote consultations statewide Regular in-office appointment days in
Estate planning is a crucial step for every individual, but it holds particular significance within the LGBTQ+ community. Despite significant legal advancements, members of the gay community often face unique challenges that can complicate the process of protecting themselves and securing their legacy. Understanding the Unique Needs The gay community has historically been marginalized, and
I feel very fortunate to have retained Legal Assistant, Raquel Gutierrez and Paralegal, Katia Huracha.
In California estate planning, it’s vital to consider not just asset distribution but also protecting your beneficiaries from potential creditors and divorce settlements. Here’s how to optimize your estate plan in California: Creditor Protection: California has specific laws governing creditor claims, making it essential to structure trusts to shield assets from potential creditors. By retaining
