Sam Edwards, Attorney at Law

MESSAGE FROM A DYING FRIEND I don't want your answers, your good advice. I don't want your theories about 'why' or 'how'. I don't need your pity. Your attempts ...to make me feel better only make me feel worse. I am human, just like you, and crave realness. Just be present with me. Listen. Give me space. Hold my trembling hand, sometimes. Your attention is so precious to me. Your being speaks volumes. If you feel uncomfortable, don't be ashamed. If you don't know what to say to me, that's okay; I feel that way too, sometimes. If you feel disgusted, angry, uncertain, fearful, that's okay, I love you for it. You are human, too. Put your textbook learning to one side now. Don't try to have 'unconditional positive regard'; it feels so false to me. Forget 'empathy' - I want you to come closer than that. See, I am you, in disguise. These are your broken bones, your shallow breaths, your twisted limbs. I am your mirror; you are seeing yourself. Don't try to be strong for me. I am not a victim. Fall apart, if you must. Weep, if you need to weep. Mourn those shattered dreams, those lost futures. Let the past slip away too. Meet me here, now, in the fire of presence, with the fullness of your being. I speak in an ancient language now. I want you to be a witness. - Jeff Foster

We asked people what they regret most. Their answers all shared this one heartbreaking feature. http://aplus.com/s/83d4dc91dee

Is my Advance Health Care Directive valid in other states? An Advance Health Care Directive that meets the requirements of California law may or may not be honored in other states, but most states will recognize an Advance Health Care Directive that is executed legally in another state. If you spend a lot of time in another state, you may want to consult a doctor, lawyer, or the medical society in that state to find out about the laws there.

Profound article...

Who may I appoint as my healthcare agent? You can appoint almost any adult to be your agent. You can choose a member of your family such as your spouse or an adult child, a friend, or someone else you trust. You can also appoint one or more alternate agents in case the person you select as your health care agent is unavailable or unwilling to make a decision. (If you appoint your spouse and later get divorced, the Advance Health Care Directive remains valid, but your fir...st alternate agent will become your agent.) It is important that you talk to the person you plan to appoint to make sure they understand your wishes and agree to accept this responsibility. Your health care agent will be immune from liability so long as he or she acts in good faith. The law prohibits you from choosing certain people to act as your agent(s). You may not choose your doctor, or a person who operates a community care facility (sometimes called a board and care home) or a residential care facility in which you receive care. The law also prohibits you from appointing a person who works for the health facility in which you are being treated, or the community care or residential care facility in which you receive care, unless that person is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, or is a co-worker.

Gone way too soon. RIP David Bowie.

What is the definition of Probate? The Superior Court sitting in Probate has proceedings by which a Will is proved to be valid or invalid. This term has been expanded to include all matters and proceedings pertaining to administration of estates, guardianships, etc. It all begins with the filing of the Will (or no-Will) with the court and ends with taxes and debts paid, and the assets divided according to the terms of the Will or by Court order. The proceedings last for usually more than a year and can drag on for 2 to 10 years or more. All of this is public record and definitely not private.

Should my estate plan be updated? You should review your plan every two or three years or whenever a major life change occurs, such as a birth, death, marriage or divorce. Changes in your financial position and the tax laws can trigger a review. The decisions you make when you plan your estate are vitally important to you and to those you love.... Estate Planning is a gift. If shows that you care. So, plan for others as you would have others plan for you. Call us today (760-438-4030) to schedule your appointment.