Conservatorship Training Class Schedule

The Los Angeles Superior Court has announced the schedule of training dates for non-professional conservators for 2010. The classes will be offered at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.

The remaining courses (already scheduled) in 2010 will be offered on :

• February 1, 2010
• March 1, 2010
  
• April 5, 2010
• May 3, 2010
• June 7, 2010

The classes offer an insight into what the responsibilities of a Conservator of the Person and/or Estate are. To get the most out of the classes it is recommended that you bring your copy of "Handbook for Conservators."

The Handbook is available for purchase at most Los Angeles County Superior Court locations I believe for approximately $21.95 ( though prices may have gone up). But the link above provides free access to an electronic version.

This is the handbook which you have to sign that you received on your duties of conservator form ( required before letters can be issued).

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com

Read more On "Conservatorship Training Class Schedule"

Update New Speaker Elder fraud Prevention Event

UPDATE
A new speaker has been added to the October 3, 2009 event.
His name is Jim Harbin and he has over 30 years experience as a mail fraud investigator with the U.S. Postal Service.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com Read more On "Update New Speaker Elder fraud Prevention Event"

Free Consumer Fraud Prevention Event - October 3rd

The Beverly Hills Bar Association will be sponsoring a free event on Saturday October 3, 2009 in conjunction with the National Telemarketing Victim Call Center.

Click here, to download a flier for the event.

The event is titled "How to Outsmart Investment Fraud Strategies for Older Consumers."



The event will take place Saturday October 3, 2009, 10 a.m. to Noon, at the Roxbury Park Center, Room 101, 471 South Roxbury Dr. ( where it meets Olympic, Blvd.) in Beverly Hills.

During this free event, Retired Fraud Investigator, Kathryn J.Holguin will talk about why people
fall prey to investment frauds; common tactics used by concriminals; and give you tips and
resources to protect yourself from investment frauds.

Ms. Holguin spent thirty years as a fraud investigator with the California Department of Corporations, works part time as an investigator with the Office of the California Attorney
General and is on the Board of Directors of the National Telemarketing Victim Call Center
(NTVCC). The NTVCC is a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization that provides education and prevention services to consumers who have been victimized or are at risk of being victimized by mass marketing frauds.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com

Read more On "Free Consumer Fraud Prevention Event - October 3rd"

4 Most Common California Conservatorship Questions

As a licensed California Attorney practicing elder law I frequently have prospective clients inquire as to the appropriateness of a conservatorship of the person or estate. I decided to compile a list of the most frequent questions associated with conservatorship.

How much will it cost to petition for a conservatorship?

Answer: It really depends on the particular facts and circumstances. As I write this in 2009 the court filing fee is $355 for a petition for conservatorship and/or a petition for temporary conservator. Additionally, there will be a Conservatorship Investigation Fee which is currently set at $479. If a petition for conservatorship is uncontested one should expect a few hours of attorney time to prepare the petition, research any needed issues, and prepare for the hearing. Then there is the hearing itself which will most likely take an hour or two of the attorneys time. However, if the petition is contested either by other family members opposed to the choice of conservator, or the conservatee him/herself expect the time an attorney will spend to escalate significantly.

How much will the bond cost?

Answer: Its difficult to say because the amount of the bond set by the probate court is usually dependant upon the value of the Conservatee’s Estate. However, the cost of the bond premium is an administration expense of the conservatorship and as such can be charged to the conservatorship estate.

What kind of information will they want to know about me?

Answer: Every proposed conservator is required to fill out a Confidential Conservator Screening Form, (Judicial Council Form GC-314). However, this form will not be available to the public so there is no need to worry. However, various personal questions regarding any Bankruptcy petitions you may have filed in the last 10 years, any criminal convictions or expungements, and whether or not you owe or are owed any money by the proposed conservatee are asked, among others.

I have existing letters from the Conservatee’s doctors do I still need a Capacity Declaration?

Answer: Yes the court will require the person petitioning for conservatorship to file a Capacity Declaration—Conservatorship (Judicial Council Form GC-335), which must be completed by a physician, psychologist, or religious healing practitioner, anytime you are seeking a Conservatorship of the Estate, medical decisions power, or dementia powers and the proposed conservatee will be unable to attend the hearing.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com

Read more On "4 Most Common California Conservatorship Questions"

Ed Asner Raises Awareness of Elder Abuse

Kudos to Ed Asner for bringing his celebrity spotlight to shine upon the issue of Elder Abuse. In this local CBS piece we learn that the actor stars in a documentary available on DVD on elder abuse titled, "Saving Our Parents."

As an elder law attorney in the affluent sections of Los Angeles, I encounter a lot of situations where loved ones, often adult children, are abusing Elder's financially. But in addition to financial elder abuse, physical abuse occurs, especially in nursing facilities.

Elder Abuse is both a crime and civil matter; You can do prison time, and/or be civilly liable for abusing elders.

If you or someone you love is being abused please see my Elder Abuse Resources post.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com Read more On "Ed Asner Raises Awareness of Elder Abuse"

Los Angeles Elder Law Resources

I wanted to make a post of elder law resources in Los Angeles County.

Elder Abuse Related:

• Los Angeles County District Attorney's Elder Abuse Unit
• Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services
• Los Angeles City Department of Aging - Elder Abuse Pamphlet
• California Attorney General's Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Info
• California Department of Aging - Report of Suspected Elder Abuse
  

Conservatorship Information:

• Los Angeles County Superior Court : Probate/ Conservatorship Information Sheet
  
• Conservatorship Handbook
• California Courts Self Help Section for Seniors
• California Judicial Council Conservatorship Forms
• California Courts Duties of a Conservator
  

Medi-CAL Related:

• Medi-CAL website
  
• Medi-CAL application
• Medi-CAL application instructions
• Los Angeles County Public Social Services Medi-CAL site
  

General Information Useful to Seniors:

• San Diego Elder Care Directory - a useful elder law site

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com

Read more On "Los Angeles Elder Law Resources"

Don't Wait Too Long to Plan for Incapacity in California

Don't wait till its too late to do something about planning for incapacity. The population is aging and more and more Californians are going to be facing some sort of incapacity.

Recently I have encountered multiple situations where I get a call from a loved one, friend or neighbor concerned about the well being of an incapacitated senior who is now hospitalized. Unfortunately too many people have never planned at all for a time when they may still be alive but unable to manage their financial or other affairs.

By the time you reach the hospital it will be too late. It is best to plan while you are still able to.

With a properly drafted and executed Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and a properly drafted and executed Advanced Health Care Directive you can prevent the headache that will befall your loved ones if you are ever incapacitated.

Executing a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and an Advanced Health Care Directive can save your estate potentially tens of thousands of dollars. If you do not have a functioning durable power of attorney and/or advanced health care directive, your well being will be managed by a Superior Court Probate Department instead of your loved ones. The normal route in this situation is a Conservatorship of the Estate and/or person. A conservatorship of the estate or person is a costly process which requires anyone stepping into the shoes of the conservator (the person looking after the person no longer able to handle their affairs) will be required to undergo an extensive background check and post a bond with the court. Additionally there will be attorney's fees, court filing fees, and a fee for a court investigator. This can add up to tens of thousands per year of a conservatorship. Having an attorney draft these documents will most likely cost a few hundred dollars.

Of course you can go to Nolo, legalzoom or a "We the people" store to execute a statutory version of these forms. However, only an attorney can advise you about how to get people to honor these documents and only an attorney can advise you as to the advantages and disadvantages of various clauses and help you customize these documents. The bottom line is a financial institution or bank etc is much more likely to accept an attorney drafted power of attorney than a statutory form. They are also much more comfortable when an attorney has been a party to the document.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
Christopher R. Twining, Attorney at Law, based in the Westwood Neighborhood of Los Angeles is an innovative estate planning, probate & trust administration, and elder law attorney, who offers in home services for busy and movement challenged clients. The Law Office of Christopher R. Twining serves the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Burbank and the neighborhoods of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Pico-Robertson and Encino. Dedicated to helping individuals and couples prepare comprehensive estate plans according to their wishes; he offers them these services at an affordable price, in the relaxed comfort of their homes. For more information about his services, please visit http://www.twininglaw.com or call (310) 492-5990.

CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER R. TWINING
1440 VETERAN AVENUE, SUITE 509
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(310) 492-5990 Fax (310) 775-9774
http://www.twininglaw.com

Read more On "Don't Wait Too Long to Plan for Incapacity in California"