Thompson Von Tungeln Legal Blog

Perhaps one of the most rewarding careers in the legal fields comes in assisting elderly people plan for the latter years of their lives. Those working in elder law are able to assist people as they transition their lives and plan for the future of their lives, estates, and possessions. Although ...

Most people in the workforce look forward to the day they can pack up their office and close the door for the last time. Retirement is a wonderful time in a person's life if planned well. But if not planned for, retirement can lead to financial frustration, legal confusion, and a return to workin...

Caring for elderly parents, family members, and loved ones takes a toll on the caregiver, especially if the loved one becomes increasingly uncooperative. What do you do when your loved on resists care? How can you get them to take a bath, brush their teeth, change their clothes, and take medicine...

“The problem of our age is the proper administration of wealth, that the ties of brotherhood may still bind together the rich and poor in harmonious relationship.” The opening line of Andrew Carnegie's book The Gospel of Wealth paints an accurate picture of Carnegie's life and gives us an exampl...

If you're the child or family member of a loved one who is growing older, you know how stressful caring for them can be. Many caregivers aren't very old themselves, but have found themselves burdened with the task of caring either part-time or full-time for an aging loved one. While helping those...

Financial elder abuse is the third most common type of elder abuse, and according to reports, it's the fastest growing problem for elderly people. Simple steps of caution can prevent you or your loved one from falling prey to such events. Paul Greenwood, an attorney and international speaker on t...

Many people wonder if they need to plan their estate, feeling uneasy about leaving possessions to certain family members and wondering if those left out will be hurt. While estate planning may take extra time, it creates fewer hassles for loved ones after your passing. Estate planning is more tha...

The landscape of American music was changing. Out with the swing, jazz, rhythm, and blues of the early 1900s, and in with the rock that captivated the nation's young people. One man who was struck by the change, and some would say led the revolution was known for his retro dress, on-stage antics,...

Within the estate planning process, legal terms can be confusing. One such term, probate, is a simple term, but plays an important role in planning for the future of your estate. Dictionary.com defines “probate” as the following: “The legal process in which a Will is reviewed to determine whether...

“All it takes for elder abuse to flourish is for family and friends to do nothing.” Brooke Astor lived what some would believe to be a coveted life. The philanthropist and author was married three times, most notably to Vincent Astor, the last heir of the Astor family fortune. From that marriage,...

WASHINGTON (May 20, 2010)– Congress Daily reports that an estate tax agreement is far from certain and speculates that it could even return at a 55 percent rate and $1 million per spouse exemption beginning January 1, 2011. Senate Democrats discussed the issue at a heated policy luncheon earlier ...

“According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal,” said Antelope Valley estate planning lawyer, Kevin Von Tungeln, “as many as 40 percent of people who were following up on their online insurance applications had let their automobile insurance policies lapse. This compares to only 10 per...

From the Daily Tax Report: Estate Tax Deal Crumbles as Democrats Balk at Tax Decreases for Wealthy Payers Senate negotiators said May 18 that a deal to cut estate taxes is on the verge of collapse after a majority of the Democratic caucus expressed concerns about voting for an expensive tax cut f...

There are many ways in which hiring an estate planning attorney can help you to navigate the often treacherous landscape of estate laws. One in particular is in understanding the necessity of properly designating beneficiaries for all of your accounts. Regardless of how polished your Will might b...

Many people mistakenly assume that any lawyer can handle any and all of their legal needs. In the same sense that you would not depend on your general practice physician to consult you on a neurological problem, or a autoimmune blood disorder, depending on a generalist attorney to handle your est...

Typically, there are numerous goals of estate planning. Three of those goals include: (1) To reap the maximum benefit from the use and possession of property during the client's lifetime, (2) to minimize transfer costs and to minimize income, gift, estate and inheritance tax costs during the clie...

In most cases, you will notice very little difference. You may even find it easy to transfer your home and other real estate to your living trust, and to purchase new real estate in the name of your trust. Refinancing may not be as easy. Some lending institutions require you to conduct the busine...

If there are minors or other dependents, you will need to look after their care. The trust may have specific instructions. If the grantor's incapacity is expected to be lengthy, a guardian (of the person, not assets) may need to be appointed by the court. The attorney can help you with this. Beco...

If all assets have been transferred to the trust, you will be able to step in as trustee and manage the grantor's financial affairs quickly and easily, with no court interference. First, make sure the grantor is receiving quality care in a supportive environment. Give copies of health care docume...

The most important thing to remember when you step in as trustee is that these are not your assets. You are safeguarding them for others: for the grantor (if living) and for the beneficiaries, who will receive them after the grantor dies. As a trustee, you have certain responsibilities. For examp...

Who are the people involved with a living trust? The grantor (also called settlor, trustor, creator or trustmaker) is the person whose trust it is. Married couples who set up one trust together are co-grantors of their trust. Only the grantor(s) can make changes to his or her trust. The trustee m...

Antelope Valley estate planning law firm Thompson Von Tungeln advises California business owners to review their business succession plans and estate plans to ensure that the plans provide for a smooth transition. Lancaster, California (PRWEB) January 19, 2010 — Antelope Valley estate planning la...

Antelope Valley estate planning law firm Thompson Von Tungeln explains simple steps that can improve your tax situation and make life easier for your heirs in the event of your death. Reviewing your will and trust documents on a regular basis, along with your insurance coverage and powers of atto...

* Avoids probate at death, including multiple probates if you own property in other states * Prevents court control of assets at incapacity * Brings all your assets together under one plan * Provides maximum privacy * Quicker distribution of assets to beneficiaries * Assets c...

Previously, if your adjusted gross income was $100,000 or more, you did not qualify to convert your tax-deferred savings to a Roth IRA. But beginning this year, in 2010, the income restriction has been eliminated, so everyone is now eligible to convert to a Roth IRA. You can roll over amounts fro...