Conservatorships
Many of Susan’s clients ask her about conservatorships. A conservatorship is a way for someone to assume legal guardianship over an adult. Creating a conservatorship is a serious process and it takes a truly knowledgeable and experienced attorney to evaluate whether or not a conservatorship is realistic and/or necessary.
Elder Abuse Restraining Order
The California courts may grant an elder abuse restraining order when sufficient evidence of elder abuse is presented. The elderly person may also qualify for a protective order or domestic violence restraining order if warranted. Susan B. Geffen can work with you to have these orders granted by the court if you are the conservator or power of attorney for the elderly person in question.
Elder Law
Elder law is an area of practice designed to protect the needs and interests of the elderly, and to a lesser extent, their loved ones. Susan B. Geffen has vast experience helping elderly or disabled adults with estate planning, disability planning, elder abuse, health care, retirement concerns, conservatorships, Medi-Cal planning, and asset protection, living trusts, and probate.
Estate Planning
Susan B. Geffen is a qualified and experienced California estate planning attorney who can work with you to create and implement estate plans that clearly express your personal desires regarding the disposition and protection of your assets. She can also advise you on the best potential tax advantages and means of guaranteeing future security for your family and other beneficiaries.
Financial Elder Abuse
The elderly can often be easily influenced by someone who wishes to take advantage of them, and this includes misappropriating their finances if left vulnerable. Obviously, someone who is suffering from cognitive challenges can be manipulated, swayed or even duped. Attorney Susan B. Geffen can protect your loved ones from financial elder abuse.
Probate
Probate is the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person’s property under a will. Susan B. Geffen can help you with your probate matters, both with planning for probate before your death and with providing expert guidance throughout the probate process after the death of a loved one.
Trust Litigation
Disputes often arise after an individual dies and their estate is being administered by the named trustee. This is especially so when there are substantial amounts of money involved or when family conflict is present. These disputes can arise between beneficiaries, between a trustee or other fiduciary and beneficiaries, or from third parties. Hire Susan B. Geffen, when a trust litigation lawyer is needed.
Trusts & Wills
Susan B. Geffen has helped hundreds of families with their estate planning. Is a Living Trust just for the wealthy? No. If you own a home, have children, wish to leave your assets to whomever you choose, then you should consider having a living trust prepared for you. A living trust makes things much easier for your loved ones as well.
Advance Health Care Directives
Advance health care directives are legally documented instructions for the medical care and treatments you wish to receive or do not wish to receive. These are recorded and preserved in the event you become unable to decide such matters for yourself. Your legal advance health care directives statement can be referred to when critical decisions must be made for your care.
Limited Conservatorships
The deteriorating mental health of your loved one can be devastating, especially if you fear for their safety. A limited conservatorship in California, also known in other states as guardianship, is a way that you can better direct the care for your loved one. This can grant you the peace of mind that comes with knowing they will be appropriately cared for and safe.