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

Mr. Harris,  Ms. Plottel & the excellent staff at Harris & Plottel,    Thank you so much for your expert advice & all of your hard work.  We both feel so much better knowing our finances are in order. Sincerely, Barbara & Michael B.

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

USE OF DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY IN A LONG TERM CARE PLAN by NEIL A. HARRIS, Certified Elder Law Attorney Estate & Long Term Care Planning Center Many people often confuse Estate Planning and Long Term Care Planning.  Although Long Term Care Planning may involve the same planning documents (Will, Trust, Durable Powers, etc.) as