Bethany K. Laurence

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 edits the Social Security, Medicare, and disability content, and she is the managing editor of the DisabilitySecrets website. She also 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. In the past, Bethany has 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

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) From Retirement Accounts
Eventually, you must take money out of your non-Roth retirement accounts every year—or pay hefty penalties.
Sample Cash Flow Statement
Every owner should conduct a cash flow analysis of their small business. A cash flow statement helps companies to understand whether they have enough money to pay their bills on time. Here's a cash flow statement example.
Hold Harmless Rule Protects Social Security From Medicare Premium Increase in 2026
There's a special rule for Social Security recipients, called the “hold harmless rule,” that ensures that Social Security checks will not decline from one year to the next because of increases in Medicare premiums.
How to Break a Commercial Lease When You Go Out of Business
On the hook for a commercial lease? Your options for getting out of that lease depend on your lease term and the lease's termination provisions. Your landlord might be required to mitigate your costs for early termination.
Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays in 2026
Most premiums and deductibles for traditional Medicare will go up slightly in 2025, but people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans won’t see any increases.
Social Security and SSI Disability Increase for 2026
The cost-of-living increase (COLA) raises Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits each year.
When Medicaid in Minnesota Will Pay for a Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Home Health Care
Minnesota's Medical Assistance provides health insurance coverage to low-income families, children, single adults, seniors, and individuals who are blind or disabled.
Dependent Benefits for Children of SSDI Recipients
If you're approved for Social Security disability benefits, your child may also be eligible for benefits based on your earnings record.
What If My Disability Check Isn't Enough?
Some benefits and income will decrease your SSDI check, while others will not.
Workers' Comp: Are You Eligible for Permanent Disability Benefits?
Several factors affect how long it could take before you qualify for permanent disability benefits—and begin receiving checks—after you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness.
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