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The 5 Most Costly Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Devastate Your Los Angeles Family’s Future

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Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy – it’s a critical safeguard for every California family. Yet countless Los Angeles residents make preventable mistakes that can leave their loved ones facing unnecessary legal battles, hefty tax bills, and emotional turmoil during already difficult times. Whether you’re in West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or… Continue reading about The 5 Most Costly Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Devastate Your Los Angeles Family’s Future

Your Digital Legacy Matters: Why Los Angeles Seniors Need Digital Estate Planning in 2025

The digital revolution has quietly transformed how we manage our most valuable possessions. From online banking accounts to cryptocurrency holdings, today’s seniors in Los Angeles find themselves navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape. Yet while traditional estate planning has evolved to protect physical assets and financial accounts, many families overlook a critical component: their digital… Continue reading about Your Digital Legacy Matters: Why Los Angeles Seniors Need Digital Estate Planning in 2025

The Gerontological Trust: A Revolutionary Approach to Protecting Your Independence as You Age

Growing older in California presents unique challenges that traditional estate planning tools weren’t designed to address. While standard living trusts and wills handle asset distribution after death, they often fall short when it comes to protecting your autonomy, dignity, and financial security during the inevitable changes that come with aging. As a gerontologist and elder… Continue reading about The Gerontological Trust: A Revolutionary Approach to Protecting Your Independence as You Age

Time is Running Out: How the 2025 Estate Tax Exemption Sunset Could Cost Your Family Millions

If your family’s net worth exceeds $7 million, 2025 may be the most critical year for your financial legacy. A dramatic change in federal tax law is approaching that could fundamentally alter how much wealth you can pass to your children and grandchildren without triggering devastating estate taxes. The clock is ticking, and wealthy Los… Continue reading about Time is Running Out: How the 2025 Estate Tax Exemption Sunset Could Cost Your Family Millions

The Silent Epidemic: Identifying Caregiver Financial Abuse of California Seniors

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In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged in California elder abuse cases: financial exploitation by the very people entrusted with seniors’ care. As an attorney specializing in elder law for over 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how caregiver financial abuse can devastate vulnerable seniors and their families. This often-overlooked form of exploitation requires greater… Continue reading about The Silent Epidemic: Identifying Caregiver Financial Abuse of California Seniors

How Estate Planning Can Lower Taxes for Future Generations

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Estate planning is more than just drafting a will; it’s a strategic approach to preserving your wealth, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring your final wishes are honored. In California, where estate values can be substantial, proactive estate planning is essential to protect your assets and provide for your heirs. Understanding Estate Taxes While California does not… Continue reading about How Estate Planning Can Lower Taxes for Future Generations

When to Consider a Temporary Conservatorship in California

An older woman and man sit close together, smiling and laughing. The woman wears a striped shirt; the man has a gray beard and wears a brown turtleneck sweater.

Making decisions for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves is never easy—especially when timing is critical. Whether due to a medical emergency, sudden cognitive decline, or a legal concern involving finances or personal care, there are situations where waiting for a permanent conservatorship could cause more harm than good. That’s where… Continue reading about When to Consider a Temporary Conservatorship in California

The Hidden Threat in Elder Law: How Decision Fatigue Can Impact Your Family’s Future

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When it comes to estate planning, conservatorships, or elder law matters, most people anticipate legal paperwork and tough conversations—but what many don’t expect is how mentally exhausting the process can be. One of the lesser-known but powerful forces that can shape the outcome of these crucial decisions is something called decision fatigue. It’s not talked about… Continue reading about The Hidden Threat in Elder Law: How Decision Fatigue Can Impact Your Family’s Future

How to Help Your Aging Parent Avoid Scams: Protecting Seniors Under California Law

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Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and unfortunately, seniors are among the most vulnerable targets. Every year, thousands of older adults fall victim to fraud, losing millions of dollars to deceptive schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seniors lost over $1.6 billion to scams in 2023 alone, with the median reported loss for victims over 70… Continue reading about How to Help Your Aging Parent Avoid Scams: Protecting Seniors Under California Law

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Understanding California’s Intestate Succession Laws

Old fashioned paper with text of Last will

Planning for the future can be challenging, but without a will, you leave critical decisions about your assets, property, and even your loved ones in the hands of the state. In California, dying without a will—referred to as dying intestate—triggers a complex legal process known as intestate succession. As an experienced conservatorship and estate planning attorney,… Continue reading about What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Understanding California’s Intestate Succession Laws

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Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.

Irene Z., Newport Beach

I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.

Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA

Thank you for everything you have done. If I could change the “settings” on the worry gene in his neurology, I would. More than ever, I understand why the word “counselor” can be included in your profession… appreciate you wearing multiple hats, thanks again.

Connie W.

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Our Clients Reviews

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.
Irene Z., Newport Beach
After moving my 88 year old mom from Chicago to California, I was looking for a competent attorney to review and make some minor changes to her living trust. Susan B. Geffen has a wonderful “desk side” manner with her elderly clients and even helped my mom recover $3,000 that her prior attorney in Chicago refused to release from escrow of the sale of her home 2 years ago. I would highly recommend Susan B Geffen’s services to anyone dealing with elderly parents.
D’Marie C., Hermosa Beach, CA
My parents and I retained Susan Geffen’s legal services to navigate through the Medi-Cal process and to preserve my parent’s assets. The process was long and hard, but Susan hung in there with us, even when my parents seemed reluctant and indecisive. Susan showed her professionalism and concern for the elderly by continuing to provide legal services and guidance without payment during a period between the two phases of our journey. I would recommend Susan to anyone in need of legal services relating to the elderly and elder care.
Rick Y., Torrance, CA
When my wife of 53 years suddenly became terminally ill, I asked Susan B. Geffen to provide assistance with new wills and trust documents on short notice. She worked diligently and completed the requisite documents in record time. She also provided in-valuable advice concerning bequests and gathering information for estate tax filings.
Steve K., Rancho Palos Verdes
I highly recommend her for estate planning and elder law questions.
Mike A., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.
Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA
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