SANDRA D. SICKLER
Attorney At Law

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney

Legal Specializations:

• TAXATION - 9/95
• PROBATE, ESTATE PLANNING AND TRUST LAW - 6/92
  By the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

• Background. Sandra Sickler has been practicing in the area of estate planning for 18 years. During recent years her practice has focused on the elder law and Medi-Cal planning aspects of estate planning. She enjoys working with seniors and gets particular satisfaction from assisting persons who are facing the very difficult decisions that come with the need for long term care. Having been through the experience of caring for her father who suffered from a stroke and required full-time assistance, she is able to understand many of the difficult aspects of arranging for the needs of elderly persons.

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• Planning for Long Term Care.. These difficult situations do present significant planning opportunities. Sandra achieves the most satisfaction in advising clients of these opportunities and assisting in preserving the maximum assets possible under current law. A consultation can provide client's with a basic understanding of the Medi-Cal planning rules, the options available in their particular situation, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of those options. The often paralyzing fear of the unknown is replaced with the ability to make informed decisions.

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  Probate and Conservatorships. As a probate attorney Sandra has been able to assist clients in saving many thousands of dollars in income tax on highly appreciated assets. If a person is in need of assistance providing for his/her food, clothing and shelter or in need of protection from individuals who would take advantage of them and deplete their finances, Sandra can assist in obtaining appointment of a conservator. In the appropriate circumstances, a conservator can protect the assets of a senior and minimize friction in the family.

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  Estate Planning and Trust Administration. As a certified specialist in estate planning and trust law, Sandra can assist clients in avoiding probate, minimizing estate and income taxes, planning for management of assets following their incapacity or death, and arranging for final distribution of their estate in the manner that gives each client the most peace of mind. She also provides guidance to successor trustees in administration of a trust following the death or incapacity of the person who created the trust.

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  Tax Planning. Planning for maximum tax benefits and minimum tax payments is an important aspect of each of the above situations. For example, making a gift of an appreciated asset may create a significant income tax burden for the recipient. However, if the recipient inherited the appreciated asset, tax on the appreciation may be completely avoided. Sandra can assist you in evaluating the tax burdens and benefits of various estate planning and Medi-Cal planning options.

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