Please join us for one of our upcoming estate planning seminars, conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Learn about Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and how proper estate planning will benefit your family.

Click Here to Register

 Consumer Reports Recommends American Academy

The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was recommended in the January 2009 Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter. The article “How to Avoid Inheritance Feuds” focuses on techniques for avoiding conflict after a loved one passes away. The article recommends using the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys as a source for selecting a qualified estate planning attorney. The article also warned consumers to be explicit in their will in order to avoid disagreements. Other advice included deciding what is fair for each heir versus just dividing assets evenly and to keep everyone in your family informed of decisions beforehand.

Consumer Reports Money Adviser is an independent, non-profit newsletter that offers expert advice.

Click here to find out why our American Academy membership is so important to our firm and the many families we provide guidance to each year.

  Money Magazine Recognizes American Academy!

In the January 2009 issue of Money Magazine, Walecia Konrad’s article entitled “Keep It In The Family” focuses on making sure the wealth you’ve worked so hard to accumulate will go to the people you love. The article recommends the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys as a source to find an estate planning attorney who can tailor a plan for your situation and address your state rules. It also includes a useful estate planning checklist and valuable tips for putting together a proper estate plan that will safeguard your hard-earned assets from estate taxes, lawsuits and probate. This is the fourth time in 16 issues the American Academy has been recognized. Click here to find out why our American Academy membership is so important to our firm and the many families we provide guidance to each year.

  American Academy Mentioned in Money Magazine!

Robert Armstrong, President of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, was interviewed by Money Magazine senior writer Penelope Wang for her article " A Midlife Money Checkup" in the March 2008 Issue. The article was part of the Cover Story "A Boomer's Guide to Financial Freedom" that included multiple articles focusing on financial trends, aging well and other issues Baby Boomers are facing today. This is the third mention of the American Academy of Estate Planning by Money Magazine in the last seven issues.

The "Midlife Money Checkup" is a nine-step test that highlights questions Boomer's should be asking themselves at this point in their lives. Mr. Armstrong's expertise in estate planning was highlighted in question five, "Is your estate plan in order?" Make sure you don't have to ask yourself that question by meeting with a qualified attorney.

  First African American Firm to Conduct Estate Planning Seminars at Sea

Attorney Caprice Collins and the Collins Law Group celebrated their First Annual Client Appreciation Cruise in August. Interest for the client cruise was kicked off during the law firm's 25th anniversary party last November and this culminated into an overwhelming successful cruise in August. In celebration of the law firm's 25th anniversary and as a way to thank their special clients for their wonderful support, the law firm offered this unique opportunity on the high seas.

During the cruise, Attorney Collins presented a new seminar on "Tracing Your Family Roots," had approximately 50 cruisers in attendance and received rave reviews for it. The week prior to the cruise, Attorney Collins hosted a pre-cruise party at her home where all of the cruisers were able to meet and get acquainted with each other before setting sail. Upon boarding the ship, the cruisers participated in a Welcome Aboard wine and cheese party. The first evening out, they also participated in a Welcome Cocktail reception for the cruisers to get together again. Everyone enjoyed the breathtaking Alaskan landscape along with outstanding food, entertainment and the offshore excursions and activities. The most asked question from their guests was "When and where are we going on the next cruise?"

Click here to see photos of our high seas excursion.

  American Academy Mentioned in Money Magazine

The September issue of Money Magazine has an article entitled,"20 Timeless Money Rules." Rule 17, Exiting Gracefully, is particularly significant because it emphasizes the importance of putting together your estate plan. The recommendation of Money Magazine is that you search for a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys: "To find a lawyer, ask friends and colleagues for recommendations or get referrals online at the website of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (aaepa.com)." The American Academy is an exclusive membership organization for law firms dedicated to estate planning. We are proud of our Academy membership and pleased to be one of only ten law firms in Los Angeles county and one of only five law firms in Orange county accepted into this prestigious organization. For more information about why our membership is so important to your family, click here.

ESTATE PLANNING NEWS
 Caring for Your Spouse....Even After You're Gone
Do you worry about caring and providing for your ailing spouse and making sure their needs are met, after you are gone? This article describes how a Testamentary Special Needs Trust is one estate planning strategy that can help you do exactly that. Learn how you can plan now to help your spouse qualify for financial assistance for their future medical and nursing home costs, while preserving your assets for other expenses or "luxuries" that your spouse may need, which are not covered by government benefits.

READ MORE

ESTATE PLANNING NEWS
 Scams, Swindles, and Fraud, Oh my!
With more and more financial swindles making the news, it is not unreasonable to be worried about where you are investing. But scams are not limited to the investment field. There are plenty of scams to go around, even in estate planning. Seeking the counsel of a qualified estate planning attorney can help ensure you will not be the victim of an estate planning scam. This article explains what to look for in a qualified estate planning attorney.

READ MORE

CLIENT NEWSLETTERS
 Your Estate Matters Newsletter, Vol. 13.3

Articles included in this issue:

• Change is Inevitable
• Stay Active!
• Destination or the Journey?
• Avoid Medical Mistakes
• Whats In a Legacy?
• The Cost of Care
• Spotting a Scam
• Winning Recipe
• Organic Food-Whats the Big Deal?
• Stop Burglars-With Your Car Keys!

READ MORE

EDUCATIONAL ALERTS
 Another Proposal for Estate Tax Reform is Introduced to Congress - Where Does It Appear We Are Heading?
This months Alert examines a yet another estate tax reform proposal and the prospects of its passage.

READ MORE

EDUCATIONAL FYIs
 Article on Family Caregivers
The Sunday, September 9, 2007 issue of Parade magazine contains an article by Gail Sheehy on family caregiving. It will recount some of her own experiences as a spousal caregiver to her husband.

READ MORE

 Critical New Privacy Regulations Impact You and Every Member of Your Family
In April 2003 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued final regulations regarding the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as "HIPAA."

READ MORE