Bethany K. Laurence

Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 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; Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions; and Long-Term Care. 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

What Is a Partnership?
A partnership is a business with more than one owner that has not filed papers with the state to become a corporation or LLC (limited liability company).
California Laws on Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
Many California employers need to allow service dogs and emotional support animals in the workplace unless it would create an undue hardship.
Part B Medicare Insurance: What You Pay
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that is intended to help pay doctor bills for treatment either in or out of the hospital, as well as many of the other medical expenses you incur when you ar
Getting Your Retirement Money Early—Without Penalty
There are several ways to avoid the extra 10% tax on early distributions from retirement plans.
How to Start a Corporation in 7 Steps
If you've sorted through the many types of business structures and decided to start a corporation, you're
Federal Poverty Level Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid Benefits - 2023
Many federal and state government benefits are tied to the federal poverty level (FPL), or percentages of the FPL.
Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors (OASDI)
Learn about the different types of Social Security benefits and how they are paid, including retirement, disability, dependents, and survivors benefits.
When Will Medicaid Pay for a Nursing Home or Assisted Living?
Here's an introduction to Medicaid's complicated rules on eligibility for nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care.
Debt and Marriage: When Do I Owe My Spouse's Debts?
Whether you are liable for your spouse's debts depends on whether you live in a community property or equitable distribution state.
How Spouses Can Maximize Their Social Security Retirement Benefits
Married couples are often able to strategize the timing of their Social Security retirement benefits to get higher lifetime benefits for one or both spouses.