Medicaid applicants must prove they have limited income and assets to be eligible for long-term care benefits. Before beginning the application process, it is helpful to understand what’s required for eligibility so you can go into your Medicaid application with a good plan. Medicaid is a state-run program, so the rules can vary from state […]
What Documents Are Required for a Medicaid Application? Read More »
Older people are vulnerable to financial abuse, whether by a family member, financial professional, or stranger. Understanding the threat of financial exploitation seniors face can help them avoid people who want to steal their money, identity, government benefits, or possessions. What Is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse of an elder can happen when another person or
Detecting and Dealing with Elder Financial Abuse Read More »
You have completed and executed your plan for your special needs child, spouse or loved one. Everyone you’ve selected to serve—your guardian, your trustee, your health care proxy, your executor, and possibly a trust protector as well—has signed the paperwork. All set? For now, yes. But it’s a good idea to review these selections on
When Should You Consider Changing Your Special Needs Plan’s Key Players? Read More »
Every adult is assumed to be capable of making their own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, the court will appoint a substitute decision maker, usually called a guardian. What Is Guardianship of an Adult? Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult (the guardian)
The Ins and Outs of Guardianship Read More »
Just as we create estate plans for our eventual demise, we also need to plan ahead for the possibility that we could become sick and unable to make our own medical decisions. Medical science has led to much-improved technology that can keep patients alive longer. As a result of many well-publicized “right to die” cases,
End-of-Life Care Decision-Making Read More »
August signifies National Make-a-Will Month. For the one in five families who care for children with special needs, estate planning is crucial. Parents of a child with a disability face numerous challenges and concerns. One 2022 study found that among these parents’ biggest worries was what would happen to their children if they got sick.
Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Special Needs Read More »
Elder law attorneys specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. They also help older adults remain in their homes as they age and protect them from abuse. These practitioners are essential because they work to protect a vulnerable population. To plan for their future and their care, seniors and their families
Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney? Read More »
Many people believe that if they have a will, their estate planning is complete, but there is much more to a solid estate plan. A good plan should be designed to avoid probate, save on estate taxes, protect assets if you have to move into a nursing home, and appoint someone to act for you
The Five Components of a Good Estate Plan Read More »
Many people think that estate plans are for someone else, not them. They may rationalize that they are too young or don’t have enough money to reap the tax benefits of a plan. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth. Loss of capacity. What
10 Reasons to Create an Estate Plan Now Read More »
Talking about estate planning is a difficult, emotional topic but it’s essential for every family. Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will and a wider plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of. According to a 2017 survey, less than half
8 Tips for Having “The Talk” with Elderly Parents Read More »
