Education and Professional Memberships

• Member of NAELA – the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Steering Committee member Contra Costa Senior Coalition
  
• Member of the State Bar of California
  
• J.D., John F. Kennedy University School of Law

Estate Planning Basic Information

"Estate Planning" is the process of organizing a person's possessions for effective management during life and for distribution after death. I am here to listen to your concerns and to provide advice based on your unique situation. Then I prepare the appropriate documents to carry out your wishes.

A will specifies who receives your possessions in the event of your death. You also name a person to carry out your wishes ("executor") and can name someone to care for your minor children ("guardian").

Trusts are used to avoid the expense of probate when your assets exceed $100,000. They are also helpful in maintaining privacy and in managing your possessions in case of incapacity.

Powers of Attorney allow someone else to act on your behalf in case of your absence or incapacity. A financial power lets someone else manage your financial matters. A Living Will allows you to set out your wishes for "end-of-life" decisions and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care can allow someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you no longer can.

A HIPAA Release authorizes health care providers to release information to your agent(s).

Professional Memberships & Estate Planning Basics

The Law Office of Karen Almquist Stein
925-937-4218

My Personal Interests:

My love of art has rubbed off on my daughter Julia.  I am very proud of the work she has done.  You can see it too at www.juliasteinart.blogspot.com.