Fresno and Oakland Social Security Disability Law Blog

A serious medical condition can affect your life in many ways. It can take a financial toll as you try and pay your medical bills and get other types of support you may need. In some cases, a serious physical disability or mental condition can impact the ability to work, which obviously causes additional financial complications. This is why many California adults who have a disabling condition seek support through a disability claim with the Social Security Administration.

The SSA reviews these claims and then decides if the applicant should receive disability benefits. Unfortunately, not every claim is successful, and many initial claims come back denied. If this happened to you, it may feel like a setback, but it is not the end of the road for you. Through the appeals process, you may still be able to secure the benefits you need and deserve. 

Preparing an estate plan is seldom easy. It requires you to think about difficult possibilities, including the end of your own life. Many of the decisions you make can benefit your loved ones, not only by providing them with an inheritance, but also by saving them from wondering what your wishes would be. This may also prevent disputes if family members disagree about what you would want.

One important way you provide this comfort to your loved ones is by designating a power of attorney, which grants authority to someone whom you choose to make legal or medical decisions at a time when you may be unable to do so for yourself. If you should become ill or suffer injuries in an accident that leaves you unconscious or unable to communicate, who will make critical decisions on your behalf?

Over the past few years, you have undoubtedly heard of celebrities who passed away without leaving a plan for their multi-million dollar estates. Their loved ones and others spent years clamoring for a share in the wealth, and often, the legal squabbles consumed a considerable portion of the fortune. Also in recent memory are reports of celebrities left at the hands of unscrupulous caretakers because they failed to plan for their own futures despite declining health.

However, these stories are not exclusive to the rich and famous. You may not have millions, but you certainly have goals for how you would like to distribute your hard-earned assets. In fact, having fewer assets may make it even more important for you to make a plan, not just for your property, but for your own future as well.

If you recently lost a loved one, condolences are in order. Even if his or her death was not unexpected, it probably still hurts, and you will grieve in your own time. At some point, whether you are ready or not, the executor of that person's will may file it with the court in order to begin the probate, during which the court will ultimately distribute all property in accordance with that document. 

As an heir and/or beneficiary, you may receive a copy of the will or at least receive the opportunity to read it. When you do, you realize that something just isn't right. Its contents make you question whether the will is valid, but you aren't sure if your suspicions are backed up by a legal reason to challenge the will.