As we celebrate Juneteenth, a pivotal day marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we must reflect on its deeper significance for Black families today. Juneteenth is not merely a commemoration of our ancestors' liberation; it is also a call to action for our financial liberation and empowerment. It is a day to honor the past while we are planning the future. One crucial aspect of this future is preserving and protecting our wealth through comprehensive estate planning. The … [Read more...] about Honoring Juneteenth: A Call to Black Families to Preserve and Protect Their Wealth
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Secure Your Family’s Future with Proactive Estate Planning
Estate planning is not something that you start thinking about when you are in your 70s. As soon as you have people relying on you, you have a responsibility to ease the burden if the unthinkable takes place. Precautionary estate planning can provide peace of mind, and it is not as complicated as many people think. Added Responsibilities Every self-supporting adult should have an estate planning place in a perfect world. At the same time, in fairness, if you are a very young adult in your … [Read more...] about Secure Your Family’s Future with Proactive Estate Planning
Don’t Let These Blunders Tarnish Your Legacy Plan
Families sometimes seek legal assistance because they are looking for damage control after a loved one has passed away. Legacy plan mistakes were made, and the surviving family members were forced to deal with difficult circumstances. These situations are frustrating because they could have been avoided if the decedent had received the right guidance. With this in mind, we will look at some of the legacy plan mistakes that can be made in this post. DIY Estate Planning There have been many … [Read more...] about Don’t Let These Blunders Tarnish Your Legacy Plan
The Right Trust Can Be Used to Address These Concerns
Your estate plan should be carefully crafted to suit your specific needs, and many approaches can be taken. The right trust will often provide the ideal solution. Let’s look at some of the scenarios that can be addressed through the utilization of the right trust. Preservation of Government Benefits Many people with disabilities rely on Medi-Cal as a source of health insurance, and they receive income from the Supplemental Security Income program. These are need-based benefits, and they can … [Read more...] about The Right Trust Can Be Used to Address These Concerns
Attorney Collins contributes valuable insight to American Academy Membership at 31st Summit held in Minneapolis MN May 1-5, 2024
During the 31st Annual Summit of the American Academy-- the premier association of Estate Planning Attorneys in the U.S., Attorney Collins, as an esteemed member, contributed valuable insights on practice management, enriching the discussions with her expertise and real world experiences. She also gained much from the leadership of CEO Sanford Fisch (pictured below), whose vision and guidance continue to shape the direction of the AAEPA and inspire its members to strive for excellence. The … [Read more...] about Attorney Collins contributes valuable insight to American Academy Membership at 31st Summit held in Minneapolis MN May 1-5, 2024
Attorney Collins Congratulates the Education Director on his Retirement
On May 5th at the 31st Annual Summit of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys ("AAEPA"), Attorney Collins took the opportunity to congratulate her good friend and Director of Education for the Academy, Steve Hartnett, on his well-deserved retirement. Reflecting on his remarkable tenure, Attorney Collins praised Hartnett for his exceptional ability to transform mundane legal concepts into memorable and engaging moments. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark … [Read more...] about Attorney Collins Congratulates the Education Director on his Retirement
Spotlight: Attorney John Sweeney Illuminates Inequities in LA Real Estate: Bridging Past Biases to Secure Future Legacies
On March 28th the Inglewood Board of Realtor Annual Installation at the Proud Bird. Attorney John Sweeney gave the keynote address highlighting systemic bias in LA's real estate development, focusing on historic discriminatory practices like restrictive covenants. These barriers, though legally removed, still hinder African American communities. Attorney Sweeney's discourse extends to contemporary challenges like Proposition 19, discussed with Attorney Collins. Prop 19 underscores the threat … [Read more...] about Spotlight: Attorney John Sweeney Illuminates Inequities in LA Real Estate: Bridging Past Biases to Secure Future Legacies
The Building Blocks of a Basic Estate Plan
When you think about an estate plan, if you do not know much about it, you may equate it to the execution of a simple will. This may seem like a straightforward task that you can complete at some point in the future, so there’s no hurry, right? Let’s examine that assumption. Procrastination Is Risky Business The majority of adults think this way because most Americans don’t have estate plans in place. Unfortunately, these people are putting their loved ones at risk, and they are also failing to … [Read more...] about The Building Blocks of a Basic Estate Plan
Sowing Seeds of Change: Attorney Collins’ Journey Empowering Women in Philanthropy
At the dawn of the New Year, Attorney Collins and her husband embarked on a soul-stirring journey to the captivating and storied town of Santiago de Cuba. Set against the backdrop of this picturesque locale was one of Cuba's grandest and most celebrated jazz festivals, a spectacle that resonated deeply with the couple's appreciation for cultural richness and artistic brilliance. Yet amidst the allure of jazz and the vibrant tapestry of local talent, they visited a humble yet … [Read more...] about Sowing Seeds of Change: Attorney Collins’ Journey Empowering Women in Philanthropy
Honoring Heritage: Attorney Collins Explores the Kinsey Collection in Honor of Black History Month
Stepping into the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, Attorney Collins was immediately struck by the profound journey behind this remarkable exhibition. The narrative of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey intricately intertwines with the rich tapestry of African American history, reflecting resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of a community. As Attorney Collins experienced the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, she felt a surge of reverence for the … [Read more...] about Honoring Heritage: Attorney Collins Explores the Kinsey Collection in Honor of Black History Month
