Merry-Go-Round on the Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Julie Dobkin Gilberg. George Gordon, the late longtime owner of Playland Arcade and one time operator of several businesses on the Santa Monica Pier, once said of the Pier's antique merry-go-round, "We all go through stages, you know? First, we ride it as kids and stop. Then we ride it as teenagers and stop. Then we bring our kids, and when they stop, we stop … And, then our grandchildren." The enjoyment of riding the merry

2026 is the year for your Estate Planning! It may have been on your to-do list for months or years. Now you’ve made the call and you have the appointment with the estate planning lawyer. Here are some tips to streamline the process: • First are the preliminaries: Expect a clear fee agreement. Will the lawyer charge a flat fee? If so, what services/documents are included in the flat fee? If the lawyer will bill at his or her hourly rate, can you get a range of what you migh

March is kind of a funny month. One day it feels like Spring is finally here, the next day it’s cold and gray again. Honestly, it feels a little like real life – unpredictable, sometimes messy, but also, really beautiful. There’s a certain charm in that unpredictability, a reminder that even when things feel unsettled, something wonderful can appear – often when you least expect it. That’s probably why St. Patrick’s Day works so well in March. It’s colorful. It’s playful.

After months of what seems to be an endlessly long and extra cold Winter here in the east, I yearn for the arrival of March and the first signs of Spring when crocuses and daffodils boldly poke their heads above the thawing ground and bring me cheerful shades of yellow and purple. Finally, I can dream again about warmer weather and outdoor fun. March has always been extra special to me because of my Mother’s birthday. When the important day arrives each and every year, I l

When a loved one begins to need help at home, families often focus on finding safe, dependable care. However, it’s crucial to recognize that arranging in-home care can involve significant legal and financial responsibilities. In some cases, a household may even be considered an employer under the law, making the structure of care an important factor.     Families typically choose among three primary approaches: 1. Hiring a caregiver independently. This offers direct control,

Leaving the hospital is usually a relief, but going home doesn’t mean the recovery process is over. In fact, the days and weeks following...