All posts by Zach

“Is My Home Really Protected Under Medi-Cal?” by Neil A. Harris, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) Harris & Plottel, LLP Perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts in Medi-Cal is the principal residence exemption.  Unfortunately, discovering the limitations of that exemption often occurs too late for corrective action.  The following is a brief overview of

DOMESTIC PARTNERS AND LONG TERM CARE PLANNING By Neil A. Harris, Certified Elder Law Attorney While most of us are familiar with the term “Domestic Partners,” many believe that Domestic Partnerships are available only to same sex couples.  Actually, both same sex and older heterosexual couples can take advantage of Domestic Partnerships.  In fact, many

The California Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Purposes What is it? A financial power of attorney allows an agent to conduct financial transactions for the principal (the person who signed the power of attorney.) These transactions might include depositing or withdrawing money from bank accounts, signing income tax returns, or transferring assets to a

California Advance Health Care Directive What is it? The Advance Health Care Directive can be used to appoint a family member or friend to make health care decisions for you if you are physically or mentally unable to make those decisions yourself.  Similar documents are also called Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care.  This

Why do I need a will? A will allows you, instead of state law, to decide who will receive your assets after you die. If you don’t have a will, your estate will be distributed as required by the California Probate Code. If there is no estate plan, usually your nearest relatives will inherit the

A Trust Amendment is a legal document that changes specific provisions of a Revocable Living Trust but leaves all of the other provisions unchanged, while an Amendment and Restatement of Trust completely replaces and supercedes all of the provisions of the original Revocable Living Trust. Understanding the Basics of Revocable Living Trusts Before discussing when

Dear Mr. Harris, Ms. Plottel & Staff,    Just a long overdue note to convey my thanks & appreciation for your service to me.    I am contented and satisfied for the necessary help you and your staff have given in these legal matters.  It is also reassuring to know that there is a reliable resource

Thank you so much for being there for me!  I so appreciate your kindness and understanding~can’t imagine what I would do without you all! Carolyn D., Chico, California

I am so thankful to have such awesome legal help during this difficult time…Your law office has been a blessing! Alan H. Redding, California