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Collins Law Firm
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Firm News for Collins Law Firm

HOW LTC INSURANCE CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR ASSETS

Posted On 7/22/2010

As baby boomers leave their careers behind, long term care insurance will become very important in their financial strategies. The reasons to get an LTC policy after age 50 are very compelling.

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Tax Saving Benefits of a Life Insurance Trust

Posted On 7/7/2010

Many people have Revocable Living Trusts. They allow for the management of assets during their incapacity, avoid the necessity of probate at death, and usually save money in the post-death administration process. However, some people have an additional specialized trust, an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust or “ILIT.”

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Funding is Critical to Estate Planning

Posted On 7/7/2010

Everyone knows that planning is part of estate planning. When Ted and Emily met with their attorney, they discussed their family’s needs and the legacy they wanted to leave. Ted and Emily and the attorney created an estate plan designed to achieve their goals via a Revocable Living Trust as the way to get there. After the documents were prepared, they set up the appointment to sign or “execute” the Trust and other documents, including the Property Power of Attorney, the Health Care Power of Attorney, and a Pour Over Will. After that, they were done, right?

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When Harry Met Sally: A Lesson in Preventing Family Discord

Posted On 6/21/2010

The American Declaration of Independence begins "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal . . ." While this may hold true for people and their rights, all Trusts are definitely not created equal.

 

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FOR MOTHER’S DAY MONTH, TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR RETIREMENT FUNDS

Posted On 5/28/2010

What many a Mom needs, according to research, is a thoughtful look into her future. Only about 57% of Americans are on course to have adequate savings for retirement, according to the Center for Retirement Research. And the most vulnerable are women, because they earn less, spend savings on medical care for older husbands and can expect to live longer than their spouses.

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A New Tax and Retirement Opportunity in 2010

Posted On 5/18/2010

We all know the importance of saving for retirement.  However, thoses earning above $100,000 have had one retirement saving opportunity denied them: the Roth IRA.

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Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney – Wisely

Posted On 5/10/2010

When you plan your estate, you are putting together your road map to your legacy. Your estate plan determines who will be entitled to your assets, how they can use them, and the protections which they and the assets you leave them may have from creditors, divorcing spouses, etc. The attorney whom you select to assist you in creating that plan is integral to its success. That is why you need to choose wisely.

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Top Reasons to Do Estate Planning—What are You Waiting For?

Posted On 5/4/2010

People have many different reasons to do estate planning. Some people plan diligently and well in advance of any urgent need. Other people procrastinate and plan only when things are thrust upon them. What are you waiting for? Here are some of the top reasons which estate planning attorneys say motivate their clients to plan or update their existing plan:

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Special Children Require Special Estate Plans

Posted On 4/20/2010

As you undoubtedly know, meeting your children’s needs requires a lifetime commitment. This may involve more extended thought than you might have initially anticipated. As parents, you are responsible for taking care of your children in many different ways: physically, financially, and emotionally to name just a few. For many parents, most of these responsibilities officially end or are largely reduced as the children mature into adults. But if you’re a parent of a child with special needs, the concept of lifetime commitment is even more real to you.

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The Special Child: Helping Parents Plan

Posted On 4/15/2010

As tough as it is to consider, all parents have an obligation to plan for the unthinkable: that death or disability may render them unable to care for their children. Parents of children with disabilities have a special challenge. Here's important information that your clients need to know.

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Dos and Don’ts of Managing an Inheritance

Posted On 4/13/2010

An inheritance is a bittersweet thing. On one hand, the circumstance which brought about the inheritance is the death of a loved one. On the other hand, your loved one valued your relationship with them enough to think of you and try to make your life better. Here are some pointers to consider when dealing with inheritances.

 

First, think carefully of what you want to do with the money. All too often, inheritances are squandered on meaningless items. Do something with the money that will have a lasting impact on your life. Doing so honors your loved one and their memory.

 

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NEW TAX PERKS FOR NONQUALIFIED ANNUITY OWNERS

Posted On 4/13/2010

More options. On January 1, 2010, owners of nonqualified annuities were allowed some new tax benefits. On that date, the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006 was fully implemented and brought about dramatic and interesting changes for those who had started annuities with after-tax dollars. At the start of 2010

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DEATH & TAXES

Posted On 3/30/2010

As we move into April 2010, we are in the fourth month without a federal estate tax. That’s right. Anyone who died so far in 2010 will have no federal estate tax owned by his or her estate.

 

Or maybe not! Some Senators and Representatives have indicated that estate tax legislation will pass in 2010 and that it might be retroactive to the beginning of the year. If such legislation is passed, it’s likely to be challenged and a lengthy court battle will ensue.

 

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When Father Time Catches Up With Our Parents

Posted On 3/29/2010

We all expect it to happen eventually—our parents getting older. Not just older chronologically, but physically and mentally older as well. It's a difficult and sometimes painful process to realize that our parents are in fact aging. With each passing year, your parents, too, may be showing more obvious signs of time gone by. Even the spryest of spry eventually start to slow down and need more help than they did before.

 

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Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones From Financial Abuse

Posted On 3/11/2010

If it could happen to the heiress Brooke Astor, it could happen to anyone. Anthony Marshall, Astor’s son, is on trial in New York, accused of misusing his aged mother’s nearly $200 million fortune prior to her death at age 105 in 2007 – and tricking the Alzheimer’s patient to altering the will in his favor.

 

Marshall’s guilt remains in dispute. But there’s no doubt that systematic theft from elderly Americans by disreputable financial advisers and family members, among others, is on the rise. Total losses are estimated to be in the billions each year.

 

Some victims never realize that they are being robbed, while others do not wish to press charges against family members or feel powerless to stop the thefts.

 

Seniors suffering from dementia or living in isolation are at the greatest risk-but anyone can be a target. Good news: There are ways to prevent a loved one – or yourself – from becoming a victim of elder financial abuse.

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What Keeps a New Mom Up at Night Besides the Baby?

Posted On 3/9/2010

The birth of a new baby is a wondrous, joyous event. Henry David Thoreau said that “every child begins the world again.” Your world certainly began anew with your new baby!

 

It was a long path and it all seemed to happen so fast! But, it seems like there are still so many decisions to be made now and as your baby grows from infant to toddler, to school-age, to young adult. And, who would make those decisions if something happened to you?

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How to Avoid Estate Planning Minefields

Posted On 2/1/2010

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

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Preserving Grandma’s Legacy

Posted On 2/1/2010

When you were younger, grandma’s attic held such fascination for you. The hat boxes and old clothes were great fun when playing dress up. There were old records of “Big Band” music. It was like travelling back to an earlier time.

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Grandparent's Guide To 2nd Generation Planning

Posted On 1/26/2010

One morning you wake up and ask yourself, “Where has the time gone?” Your babies are now adults and likely parents themselves. You have done your job of raising responsible adults with lives of their own. You have taught them right from wrong, how to treat others, and many other important life skills. Although they are off on their own, you still worry and want to protect them from all of life’s uncertainties.

 

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Preserving Your Independence

Posted On 1/14/2010

As we get older, it often seems that time accelerates. It seems the children were in diapers just yesterday. But, now they’ve left home and they have kids of their own. Where does the time go?

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Planning After a Breakup

Posted On 1/14/2010

Nobody plans to break up. When a couple marries, they dream of their lives together and the special times which they will share. They think of the shared holidays and the family which will grow from their love. Their lives become intertwined emotionally, financially, and legally.

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Rental Property: The Next Generation

Posted On 10/19/2009

Click here to view the article.

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Michael Jackson's Death - Why YOU Need Your Estate Planning Documents in Order

Posted On 6/29/2009

The sudden death of Michael Jackson serves as a reminder to everyone that, no matter your age, you need to have your estate planning in order. The pop superstar died on Thursday, June 25th at 50 years old. The media is speculating as to how his estate will be handled and the future of his young children. No public statement has been made in regard to his personal planning and the media and the nation will wait anxiously to see how this unfolds. If Michael Jackson prepared a Trust the public will most likely never know the details as it will be held private, however, if he had a Will it becomes part of public record. In the state of California, a Will needs to be presented within 30 days. Jackson's assets, royalties and the amount of debt he had accumulated most likely will lead to lengthy battles over his estate.

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American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Recognized by Money Magazine Again

Posted On 5/29/2009

Carolyn Bigdas article "Rethink Your Legacy" in the June issue of Money Magazine explores the five questions you should be asking regarding your estate. The article recommends the American Academys website, www.aaepa.com, as a source to find a qualified estate planning attorney. The Associate Director of Education at the Academy, Steve Hartnett, was also interviewed in the article and lent his expertise to one of the five questions. This is the fifth mention of finding a quality attorney on the American Academys members list by Money Magazine in the last 21 issues.

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Recognized by <i>Money Magazine</i> Again


First African American Firm to Conduct Estate Planning Seminars at Sea

Posted On 2/2/2009

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.

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Consumer Reports Recommends American Academy

Posted On 1/29/2009

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.

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Money Magazine Recognizes American Academy!

Posted On 12/26/2008

In the January 2009 issue of Money Magazine, Walecia Konrads article entitled "Keep It In The Family" focuses on making sure the wealth youve worked so hard to accumulate will go to the people you love.

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American Academy Mentioned Again in Money Magazine!

Posted On 3/18/2008

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.

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American Academy Recommended by Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host

Posted On 12/20/2007

The John Tesh Radio Show recommended the American Academy as a resource for finding an estate planning attorney. The segment focusing on money and finance originally aired in September 2007 and was repeated in December 2007.

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American Academy Mentioned in Money Magazine

Posted On 10/25/2007

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)."

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Attorney Caprice Collins to Speak at the Caregiver Wellness Day

Posted On 6/23/2006

We are proud to announce that Ms. Collins will be a guest speaker for the Caregiver Wellness Day event Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. Ms. Collins presentation will be in two parts. First, Ms. Collins will be a part of a rotating roster of speakers that will interact with event participants by facilitating a concise discussion with participants based on your area of expertise. This portion of the presentation will take place at 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Second, Ms. Collins has agreed to be the Alzheimer’s Keynote Speaker for the event. The topic for Ms. Collins keynote address is entitled “Understanding the Legal Process While Providing Care for Someone”. This portion of the presentation will take place at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Ms. Collins presentations will take place on the following date, time and location:

Date: Friday, June 23, 2006
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
(Includes concise discussions & Keynote Address)
Location: Four Points Sheraton Hotel-Culver City
5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City, CA 90230

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Attorney Collins Receives Honoree Award by The Black Business Association

Posted On 3/25/2006

The Black Business Association presented Ms. Collins with a Keynote Honoree Award at their Salute to Black Women Awards Luncheon and Conference on March 25, 2006. Their mission is to honor outstanding African-American women who are making valuable contributions in our nation and those who are making history as leaders of Southern Californias most influential black women organizations.

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Attorney Collins Receives Woman of the Year Award

Posted On 3/20/2006

On March 20, 2006, Caprice L. Collins was recognized as Woman of the Year in a formal ceremony on the floor of the California Assembly. One of State Legislature's largest events, the celebration honors 80 remarkable women who have made sufficient contributions to their respective Assembly districts. Following the ceremony, Attorney Collins representing the 51st District, joined First Lady Maria Shriver at a special reception at the California State History Museum. The museum features a special exhibit on extraordinary California women, including photographs and biographies of the 2006 Woman of the Year honorees.

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Attorney Collins Raises Over $1.5 Million Through Seminars for Non-Profit Organizations and Faith Based Institutions

Posted On 3/8/2005

Since January 2005, Attorney Caprice L. Collins has assisted numerous non-profit organizations in receiving over $1.5 million in charitable bequests. Since the beginning of the year, Attorney Collins has made dynamic presentations on Estate Planning and Charitable Giving topics to churches, employee groups, support groups, civic organizations and other non-profit organizations including Holman United Methodist Church, City of Angels Church of Religious Science and the American Cancer Society.

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Medi-Cal Planning and Long Term Care Options Seminar presented on February 26, 2005 was a Success!

Posted On 2/26/2005

Attorney Caprice L. Collins, Barry Rosenfeld of Wealth Planning Partners and Mark Jansen of Money Guard made an exciting presentation on how to avoid losing your home and assets to Catastrophic Illness and Nursing Home Expenses; avoid Conservatorship If You Become Ill Or Incapacitated; Reposition Your Assets So that If Long Term Care Is needed, you’ll be entitled to Government Assistance More quickly and the New Options in Reverse Mortgages & Long-Term Care Insurance Thank you to all of those who attended the Seminar at the Proud Bird Restaurant. The event was attended by over 40 Clients, Health Care Professionals and Social Workers.

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