AARP Creates new COVID-19 Dashboard for Nursing Homes
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread among nursing home residents and staff, valuable and accurate data pinpointing areas of concern is often rife with haphazard data collection providing skewed information. The most recent Kaiser Family Foundation data analysis indicates that federal policymakers are slow in meaningful response to the nursing home coronavirus crisis. The […]
Understanding the Probate Process
Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person’s will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will’s executor to administer the probate process. In the absence of a will, the court will appoint a […]
The Differences Between Wills and Trusts
Wills and trusts have specific and quite different benefits for estate planning purposes. Each state has specific laws and regulations governing these legal documents. You can have both a will and a trust; however, the information in each should compliment the other. As a standalone, it is not accurate to say one is better than […]
Six social security changes taking effect in 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes upcoming changes to its social security program every October that take effect on January 1 of the next year. These changes can make a difference in how you plan for or live during your retirement years. It is good practice to create what is known as a “my Social Security” […]
Estate Planning Checkup Article: Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan
Whether you are starting from scratch or have an estate plan in place a letter of instruction (LOI) is an important part of any comprehensive plan. A letter of instruction can help your loved ones manage important information about you. A LOI conveys your desires, includes practical information about where to find various items referenced […]
Who Should Make Financial Decisions for You?
Who should you trust to manage your financial well being when you are no longer able to do so? A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and make decisions on your behalf. What characteristics should you look for when designating a power of […]
Health Care Power of Attorney: Specific or General
You have the right to decide what kind of medical treatment you want to receive from doctors and health-care providers. If you can speak up at the time, you can express your wishes yourself. But if you become incapable because you’re ill or injured, you need to plan in advance. Designate a person whom you […]
Useful Tips to Utilize When Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are becoming popular retirement choices in the United States. Sometimes referred to as life plan communities, the goal is to provide a long-term care option for older residents. These residents prefer to live in the same community, though in different phase locations, during their aging process. In essence, it is […]
Understand the Affect of Inheritance in Medicaid Planning
An inheritance can be the source of costly mistakes related to Medicaid which should be avoided. When a person is drawing Medicaid benefits and inherits money or property, that inheritance jeopardizes the benefits. The inheritance must be handled carefully to minimize expensive penalties. What “careful” means, though, can be misunderstood without the necessary expertise. The […]
What Elder Law Attorneys Can Do to Protect You and Your Family
The number of elderly individuals are steadily increasing while medical and technological advancements are allowing seniors to live longer and better lives than ever before. According to the US Census Bureau, more than 51 million Americans are currently aged 65 or older. The expanding needs of the US aging population are contributing to an increase […]