Estate Planning
Estate Planning
Everyone should have an estate plan which may include a trust, will and durable powers of attorney. These documents will provide guidance and instructions
in the event of your incapacity, in order to avoid a conservatorship, and in the event of your death, provide instructions for the guardianship of your minor
children as well as your desires regarding the disposition of your assets.
Special Needs
Special Needs
Individuals with special needs or developmental disabilities may require a limited conservatorship to protect them as well as their family’s ability to continue
to make health, education, and living decisions for them. Family members that wish to include individuals with special needs in their estate planning can do
so without endangering their public benefits by creating special needs trusts.
Independence
Independence
Living independently is often a goal of Life Care Planning, both for persons with disabilities and as part of eldercare. Special Needs Trusts and Asset Protection Trusts, as part of Estate Planning and Long-term Care Planning, may provide the means for you or a loved one to live independently longer.
Asset Protection
Asset Protection
Protecting assets in the event of devastating injury or chronic illness, such as stroke or Alzheimer’s disease, is typically a critical part of a comprehensive
Long-term Care Plan, which includes Medi-Cal and/or Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Planning, while addressing both Life Care Planning and Estate Planning
concerns and goals.
Stroke
Stroke
Stroke often has a severe, and sometimes lasting, impact on one’s behavior, memory, communication and physical capabilities. Caring for a loved one who has
had a Stroke may feel all-consuming as well as being financially devastating and legally challenging.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s
Individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may still be able to do their estate planning to ensure that financial and health care decisions are made, according to their wishes. When no estate planning documents exist for an individual who now lacks capacity, a conservatorship may be necessary.
Death
Death
"My loved one just died; where do I begin?" The steps following the death of a loved one will depend on what estate planning documents your loved one had prepared. If there was a trust, a trust administration would be required; if there was a will a probate may be required.

Counselors and attorneys-at-law protecting your assets and quality of life

At Carney, Sugai & Sudweeks, LLP, we take a unique approach to enhancing the quality of our clients’ lives. Our objective is to use the depth of our experience and legal knowledge to create a supportive approach to resolve our clients’ concerns and protect their legal interests, while preserving harmony in their lives, relationships and families.

Janis Carney, Estate Planner

Silicon Valley’s Finest Counselors

Janis Carney has been voted “One of Silicon Valley’s Best Lawyers” in estate planning for each of the past seven years as well as “One of the Best” in the area of elder law for the past five years. She was named by San Francisco Magazine and Law and Politics as a Northern California Super Lawyer for 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

For more than 20 years, the counselors and attorneys at Carney, Sugai & Sudweeks have been serving the Santa Clara County communities of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Los Altos, Saratoga, and Milpitas.

Janice Carney selected as a California Outstanding Young Lawyer

California Board of Legal Specialization

National Elder Law Foundation

Hubbel Rating on Janice Carney