Law Office of Maureen Lyons, PC

12/24/2024

Happy Holidays from Maureen, Katia, & Raquel aka the Law Office of Maureen Lyons, PC! See you next year!

09/10/2024

Let’s go!

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (September 9, 2024) - UCR continued its strong start to the 2024-25 season on Monday in the second round of the Wolverine Invitational at Talons Cove at Saratoga Springs.

07/26/2024

Salsa this weekend thanks to a generous client!

06/13/2024

Want to learn more? Book a Call!

Estate planning is a crucial step for every individual, but it holds particular significance within the LGBTQ+ community. Despite significant legal

04/25/2024

We were happy to support RCC Athletics.

04/24/2024

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! I was delighted to celebrate my staff, Raquel & Katia, by hosting them for a delicious lunch at Victoria Club today.

03/21/2024

Enhance Creditor and Divorce Protection for Beneficiaries

In California estate planning, it's vital to consider not just asset distribution but also protecting your beneficiaries from potential creditors and divorce settlements. Here's how to optimize your estate plan in California:

Creditor Protection: California has specific laws governing creditor claims, making it essential to structure trusts to shield assets from potential creditors. By retaining assets in trust, you can limit creditors' ability to access trust assets, safeguarding your beneficiaries' inheritance.

Divorce Protection: California is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are typically subject to equal division in divorce. However, assets held in trust may be exempt from this division. By incorporating trust provisions that restrict access to trust assets in the event of divorce, you can protect your beneficiaries' inheritance from being divided as marital property.

When designing your California estate plan, consult with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney familiar with state laws and regulations. By customizing trust provisions to maximize creditor and divorce protection, you can ensure that your legacy remains secure for your loved ones. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with me to discuss your unique needs and create a comprehensive plan tailored to your goals.

03/14/2024

ESTATE PLANNING TIPS
Do It and Review It: Successor Trustees

Estate planning lawyers are happy to highlight the peace of mind that comes with creating an estate plan. However, we sometimes underemphasize the next step that’s necessary to maintain that peace of mind. In reality, you have to do it and then review it.

What does that mean? It means that while your plan may not change drastically over the years, it’s essential to periodically review it to ensure it still aligns with your wishes. I recommend that everyone revisit their estate plan every five years or so, just to make sure everything is still in order.

Changes in health, wealth, births, deaths, and/family or family dynamics can all be reasons to reevaluate your planning.

But estate planning isn’t just about who gets what when you’re gone. A crucial aspect is appointing alternate decision-makers, and this is something that often doesn’t receive enough attention during the initial planning stages.

Some people may overlook the importance of this appointment and treat it more as an honorary position. Or there may be changes in availability that impact the effectiveness of your plan. For example, has your successor trustee or power of attorney agent passed away? Has someone moved far away, making them less suitable for the role? Conversely, has someone in your family demonstrated a particular aptitude for financial or healthcare decision-making that makes them a better choice than your initial pick?

These are all factors that should prompt a reassessment of your estate plan over time. It’s crucial to ensure that the individuals you’ve appointed are still the right fit and that you’re comfortable with the decisions outlined in your plan.

If you have any questions or concerns about your estate plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and ensure that your wishes are carried out effectively. Let’s discuss your concerns in more detail and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

03/11/2024

I am proud to announce the launch of Law Office of Maureen Lyons, PC! 🎉

We're dedicated to continuing the legacy of exceptional estate planning services for that you have come to expect from MOYNIHAN LYONS. PC. Stay tuned for more updates! "

03/07/2024

Last Saturday, I decided to tackle a small plumbing project. I embarked on the task with what I thought was due diligence. I watched numerous YouTube videos, scoured blog sites for tips, gathered my tools, and got started. Initially, things seemed to be going according to plan, but then disaster struck.Water began dripping everywhere, and panic set in as I feared I would flood the bathroom. Eventually, I had to call a handyman to fix the issue, realizing the dangers of DIY in a practical and immediate way.

This experience led me to reflect on something far more serious: do-it-yourself estate planning. Unlike the plumbing mishap, estate planning mistakes may not reveal themselves until it’s too late to fix them. Many people feel overly confident in their DIY plans, only to realize the shortcomings when it’s too late. Whether it’s failing to fund a trust properly, relying on a handwritten note as a will, or assuming family members will naturally know how to handle medical decisions, DIY estate planning can have dire consequences.

The problem with a lot of those videos, etc. is that they really only show success. They skip over the aspects of a project that require adaptation. They simplify and hope you learn a bit about the basics.

But, just as my plumbing project taught me the importance of knowing when to seek professional help, estate planning requires careful consideration and expertise. Don’t let DIY efforts lead to irreversible consequences. Seek guidance from qualified professionals to ensure your wishes are carried out effectively and your loved ones are protected.

03/01/2024

Welcome to the Facebook home of the Law Office of Maureen Lyons, PC. Many of you may know me from the 16 years I worked with J. Terrence Moynihan at Moynihan Lyons, PC.

I am an estate planning and elder law attorney located in Riverside, CA. However, I work with clients all over California. While this firm is newly established, I with be celebrating my 28th year as an attorney this year.

I help my clients prepare for the expected and unexpected turns life can take. Whether it's planning for "who gets what" after they have passed on or making sure that the "right people" are making decisions for them if they become incapacitated during life, I deal with it all.

My clients are couples, individuals, and families. Some are young and just starting out. They may have minor children they need to protect.

Some are a bit older, They may have more people and assets to
plan for. Houses, investments, retirement plans. Their concerns might also include people with special needs or special issues. Or blended families.

I am happy to work with members of the LGBTQ community.

If you'd like to discuss what a good estate plan can do for you, please give me a call at 951-781-1960 or you can book a no-charge 15-minute introductory call at LyonsLegal.com.

Call now to connect with business.