Business Details
Your Trusted Elder Law & Estate Planning Partner in Walnut Creek
At Walnut Creek Elder Law, we specialize in elder law, estate planning, and asset protection, serving clients in Walnut Creek, California, and surrounding communities. With over two decades of experience, our firm provides tailored legal solutions to address the unique challenges of aging, including Medi-Cal planning, VA benefits, and long-term care strategies. Our founder, Michael J. Young, combines personal insight from his familys experiences with professional expertise to guide clients through complex legal matters.We prioritize client education through free workshops, newsletters, and personalized consultations, ensuring families are prepared for both expected and unexpected life changes. Our practice emphasizes preserving assets, avoiding probate, and creating comprehensive plans that reflect clients wishes while maintaining compliance with evolving legal standards.
Services
Estate Planning
Asset Protection
Medi-Cal Planning
VA Benefits Consultation
Probate Administration
Trust Creation
Long-Term Care Planning
Elder Law Seminars
Hospice Care Guidance
Alzheimers Legal Support
Highlights and features
- We focus exclusively on elder law and asset protection with 20+ years of experience.
- Offer free educational workshops and resources to keep clients informed on legal changes.
- Personalized guidance for Medi-Cal qualification and nursing home asset protection.
- Founder Michael J. Young combines professional expertise with firsthand caregiving experience.
- Proven track record in probate avoidance and customized estate planning solutions.
What people say
Deep knowledge of elder law
Generous with time
Highly recommend services
Compassionate and thorough guidance
Excellent community educator
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing probate. Our plans address incapacity, asset preservation, and family needs. Clients gain peace of mind knowing their affairs are in order.
Asset Protection
Our strategies protect assets from nursing home costs and long-term care expenses. We use legal tools like trusts to shield homes and savings while maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility. Clients retain control over their financial legacy.
Medi-Cal Planning
We guide clients through Medi-Cal qualification to cover long-term care costs. Services include spend-down strategies, lien avoidance, and preserving assets for heirs. Our expertise ensures compliance with complex state regulations.
VA Benefits Consultation
We help veterans and widows access VA pensions for long-term care. Our advice covers eligibility, application processes, and maximizing benefits up to $1,801 monthly. Clients receive tailored strategies for assisted living or home care.
Probate Administration
We streamline probate processes for executors, handling court filings and asset distribution. Our guidance reduces delays and costs while ensuring compliance with California law. Clients avoid unnecessary litigation through proactive planning.
People
Michael J. Young
Estate & Asset Protection Attorney
Michael J. Young specializes in elder law, estate planning, and asset protection. He authored 'Dont Go Broke in a Nursing Home' and hosts free community workshops. His practice focuses on Medi-Cal planning, VA benefits, and probate avoidance.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include a revocable living trust, will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. We tailor these to your family’s needs and asset protection goals.
How can I protect assets from nursing home costs?
Strategies include irrevocable trusts, gifting, and Medi-Cal-compliant annuities. We design plans to preserve wealth while ensuring eligibility for long-term care benefits.
Does my small estate need planning?
Yes. Even modest estates benefit from avoiding probate and ensuring smooth asset transfer. We create cost-effective plans for estates under $100,000.
Can I qualify for VA benefits?
Veterans with wartime service and medical need may qualify. We assess eligibility and guide applications for benefits up to $1,801 monthly for long-term care.
What happens if I don’t plan for incapacity?
Without planning, families face court-appointed guardianship. Our documents establish decision-makers and medical wishes, avoiding costly legal interventions.
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