Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) and is a member of the California Bar. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University. 

Disability law. At Nolo, Bethany is the editor for the Disability Law Center and the Social Security and Medicare Center. She edits the books Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability; The Complete IEP Guide and Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions. Bethany is a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives).

Business law. Bethany has also combined her legal and financial expertise to edit many Nolo small business books, such as LLC or Corporation and How to Form an LLC, and is the lead editor for Nolo’s online LLC and corporation services. Over the years she has co-written several business books, including Business Buyout Agreements: Plan Now for Retirement, Death, Divorce or Owner Disagreements; Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times or Close Down & Move On; and Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners: How to File for Chapter 7. 

Other pursuits. In addition to her work at Nolo, Bethany co-founded several educational nonprofit organizations, including River Montessori Charter School and Red Barn Montessori, and served on their boards of directors. She most recently served on the board of the Magnet Program Foundation of Hillcrest Middle School. Bethany has also volunteered her time at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Bethany enjoys reading and hiking in the redwoods of Northern California.


Articles By Bethany K. Laurence

Will Medicaid Pay for a Nursing Home or Assisted Living?
Here's an explanation of Medicaid's rules on eligibility for nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care.
Social Security and SSI Disability Increase for 2024
The cost-of-living increase (COLA) raises Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits each year.
Debt and Marriage: When Do I Owe My Spouse's Debts?
Whether you're liable for your spouse's debts depends on your marriage and debt status and whether you live in a community property.
Common-Law Property States: When Can a Creditor Take Property?
Whether you are liable for your spouse's debts depends on whether you live in a community property or equitable distribution state.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease
If your DDD results in work restrictions that rule out all jobs, you can qualify for disability benefits.
Appealing a Medicaid Denial for a Service or Treatment
If you receive a notice of action that you are being denied Medicaid, appeal.
How to Appeal a Denial of Medicaid (Non-Eligibility)
If you applied for Medicaid and your state Medicaid agency denied your application, then you can appeal the denial.
Social Security Disability: Appealing Denied Claims
You may want to file a disability appeal if your application for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits has been denied.
How Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Works
Medicare Part D is administered through private insurance companies. Most beneficiaries pay a small monthly premium, a yearly deductible, and a copayment for each prescription.
Workers' Compensation Time Limits
Each state has different time limits for filing workers’ comp claims and reporting work-related injuries or illness to employers. If you miss the deadlines, you could lose your chance to get benefits. When filing the workers compensation claim the statute of limitations is one year. If you missed may lose their right to receive workers' compensation benefits.