Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney
Medicare premiums are set to rise a modest amount next year, but still cut into any Social Security gains. The basic monthly premium will increase $3.90, from $144.60 a month to $148.50. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Read More …
Many websites offer customized, do-it-yourself wills and other estate planning documents. Although such products are convenient, using them could create serious and expensive legal problems for heirs. These digital services appear to offer a cost-effective and easy alternative to visiting an Read More …
As Medicare premiums rise, a Medicare Advantage plan can seem like an attractive option. But if you are considering switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to know what to look for. Medicare Advantage plans are Read More …
The rules around required minimum distributions from retirement accounts are confusing, and it’s easy to slip up. Fortunately, if you do make a mistake, there are steps you can take to fix the error and possibly avoid a stiff penalty. Read More …
There are many unknowns when planning an estate, but you can’t let the uncertainties get in the way of creating any kind of plan. Having an imperfect plan is usually better than having no plan at all. When many of Read More …
As an estate planning attorney who also helps through the probate and estate administration process, we have seen, first hand, the difficulties in dividing belongings. Allocating your personal possessions can be one of the most difficult tasks when creating an Read More …
If you are planning to move to another state, will you be able to take your Medicare or Medicaid plans along? We get this question frequently, and it’s a good one. Many couples consider moving to warmer weather when they Read More …
Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will, as well as a big-picture plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of. During this season of upcoming holidays, Read More …
Litigation over James Brown’s estate has been dragging on for 14 years and can hold key lessons in the importance of having an estate planning attorney prepare clear and concise estate planning documents that hold up in court – especially Read More …
Medicaid is a joint program of the federal and state governments that can cover the nursing home costs of individuals who meet its strict financial requirements. Single Person Medicaid Qualifications: A single person may qualify for Medicaid only Read More …
Many types of property and investments pass outside of probate and allow you to designate who will receive them after your death. It is important that these designations are kept up to date and are consistent with the rest of Read More …
Prepaying for your funeral is one way to ease the burden on your family following your death and make sure your wishes are carried out. But pre-paid funeral plans come with risks, so you need to exercise care when purchasing Read More …
Making sure your end-of-life wishes are followed no matter where you are is important. When you move to a different state, work in a different state for long periods of time, vacation in a different state for months at a Read More …
With all the deductibles, copayments and coverage exclusions, Medicare pays for only about half of the medical costs of America’s senior citizens. Much of the balance not covered by Medicare can be covered by purchasing a “Medigap” insurance policy. Medigap Read More …
Retirement account owners, many of whose retirement balances have been pummeled by a stock market drop due to the coronavirus pandemic, do not have to take mandatory withdrawals this year. Typically there are rules mandating Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, Read More …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2020 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures. How Much Can the Spouse Keep Without Jeopardizing Medicaid Read More …
Creating and executing estate planning documents is just the first step. Once you have completed the documents, you need to know what to do with them. All estate plans should include, at minimum, two important planning instruments: a durable power Read More …
If your parents are getting on in years, you may be helping them with their finances and other matters, such as medical visits and shopping. You may live close by and be able to visit weekly or more often. Or Read More …
In previous posts, “Important Change Affects Special Needs Planning: Stretch IRAs Eliminated.” and “Time to Check-Up on your Estate Plan if it Includes IRAs” we have covered certain implications of the recent SECURE Act. In this post we cover the Read More …
The coronavirus pandemic is another reminder that life is unpredictable, and it makes sense to be prepared. It may sound self-serving, but the threats to life and finances posed by the pandemic offer ample reason to reevaluate your estate plan Read More …
