“Medicare does not cover long term care which can cost upwards of $10,000 a month or more.  Medicaid will cover that care after almost all assets are spent down.  Medicaid planning involves protecting some of what you have for yourself, your spouse and other family members while preserving eligibility for government benefits. 

“The Medicaid application process is document intensive and the rules are complicated.  The State requires 3 years (soon to be 5 years) of financial records and will comb through those records to determine if there are any Medicaid disqualifying transfers.  Having an attorney represent you is usually a wise choice.” 

“Having a written plan which sets forth how your assets will be distributed upon death can save your family much stress, heartache and money.”

“Estate administration is the process of paying debts, taxes and distributing assets after death.  While New Jersey is a “probate friendly” state, there are problems and pitfalls to be aware of.”

“ If a written plan is not in place before a crisis is reached, and the individual can no longer sign documents a guardianship is the only option left.”