September 29, 2005

Devries Column

Excellent publication is available for seniors

This week’s question:
Some time ago, you wrote a column about a good publication that was available concerning teenagers and the law. I was wondering if you have seen such a publication for senior citizens. I have a number of questions about Social Security, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other topics. I hope you have seen one that’s not pushing any particular product or service. (That just drives me crazy.)

Will G.
Almaden Valley

Dear Will:
I came across an excellent publication a few months ago—one that every senior citizen should read, as well as others who have parents, relatives, or friends reaching their “golden years.”

It is entitled “Seniors and the Law,” and is published by The State Bar of California through its Foundation of the State Bar. (It’s good to see my State Bar dues at work!)

I like it because it is non-biased, because it is quality material, and because it is published in the public interest. No particular products or services are pushed or encouraged, even through ulterior means. And it’s free!

“Seniors and the Law” is also easy to read and it covers a variety of issues that maturing Californians face on a frequent basis. Topics include:

- What is Social Security?

- What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

- What is a reverse mortgage?

- Obtaining health care and benefits.

- What is a revocable living trust?

- Do I need a will?

Many other topics are covered as well, such as topics pertaining to conservatorships, dealing with debts, driver’s license issues, Medigap insurance, elder abuse, and others.

The information concerning revocable living trusts is especially interesting, for example: “Beware of “trust mill” marketing schemes in which salespeople pose as experts in estate planning to gain your trust and confidence.

These unqualified “experts” seek to obtain your personal financial information with the ulterior motive of selling you both living trusts and annuities, which may not be appropriate for you. Such tactics may violate insurance code laws and laws prohibiting the unauthorized practice of law. To report a scam, call your local district attorney’s office and the California Department of Insurance. You could also contact the Attorney General’s Office.”

Speaking of outside resources, the publication has a number of resources listed near the end where seniors can obtain additional information. This list is just excellent and can lead to additional help for mature Californians.

This information comes in a 15-page attractively designed pamphlet and is easy to read and understand. You can go online and read it at the following link: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/publications/seniors-and-the-law.pdf. You can then read for yourself and/or print out a copy with your printer. I did this and it came to 34 pages.

You can e-mail your request for copies (including your name, mailing address, telephone number and number of copies desired) to BARCOMM@calbar.ca.gov.

If you are Internet challenged, you can mail your request to “Seniors and the Law,” Office of Media and Information Services, The State Bar of California, 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105-1639. Or you can call for the Seniors and the Law Pamphlet: 415-538-2283.

The pamphlet has a 2003 copyright date and once again, the publication is free.

Good luck with this, Will. I certainly hope the pamphlet doesn’t drive you crazy!

Donald J. DeVries
Almaden Valley

Donald J. DeVries is an attorney practicing law in Almaden Valley. If you would like him to answer your question in his next Almaden Times column, you can reach him by e-mail at don@almadenvalleylawyers.com, fax at (408) 268-6502, telephone at (408) 268-9500, or mail at, 6475 Camden Avenue, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95120. Your matters are personal and private, so of course, he will not disclose your identity or any details about your situation. To view Almaden Times columns since 1986 visit www.almadenvalleylawyers.com. DeVries writes this column to provide you with general information about important legal matters affecting California residents—not to give you legal advice about your specific matter. No attorney-client relationship is created by these articles. The law is complex and constantly changing and varies from state to state. So you should consult an attorney before taking any action that would affect your personal or business matters.