Why a POA Matters – Part 1
Whenever we get a call from a family in the midst of a medical crisis, one of the first questions we ask is whether there is a power of attorney. If so, we want to review that document. I have written about this very basic but often overlooked document in the past
Potential Impact of Medicaid Cuts (Part 3)
In this 3rd post of 3 I discuss the potential impact of cuts to Medicaid being considered by Congress and the President. Last week I explained that specific changes, such as imposing a work requirement, are directed towards Medicaid recipients receiving Medicaid health benefits. They would not apply to those people receiving
Potential Impact of Medicaid Cuts (Part 2)
In my blog post last week, I began a discussion about the possible impact of cuts to Medicaid. This past week the House of Representatives approved a bill that among other things, reduces the federal outlay for Medicaid by almost a billion dollars. The bill now goes to the Senate where some
Potential Impact of Medicaid Cuts (Part 1)
With so many significant changes being proposed, some which have already occurred in the first months of the new Congress and presidential administration, a question I am increasingly being asked by clients and prospects who are or may in the future apply for Medicaid is, “will there even be Medicaid
2025 Medicaid Penalty Divisor
As I have written about frequently in this blog, many of Medicaid’s numbers are updated annually. Most but not all are adjusted in lock step with Social Security’s cost of living adjustment (COLA), which is affected by the rate of inflation. One Medicaid number that doesn’t adjust with Social Security is the
Transferring a Motor Vehicle After Owner’s Death (Part 2)
In my blog post last week I began to answer a very common question, “How do I transfer title to a motor vehicle of a deceased owner?” If the vehicle is part of the probate estate, then either Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (when there
Transferring a Motor Vehicle After Owner’s Death (Part 1)
It’s a question that comes up often and early when discussing how to administer estates after someone dies. In part it is because of the difficulties many of us have had at times figuring out New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Services process. The question is “How exactly do I dispose of a motor
How Do I Access a Deceased Owner’s Account? Part 5
In the past 4 blog posts, I have been discussing how to access a deceased owner’s bank or brokerage account. In part it depends on whether the account is a probate asset - controlled by a will or state intestacy laws when there is no will - or a non-probate asset. But
How Do I Access a Deceased Owner’s Account? Part 4
How Do I Access a Deceased Owner’s Account? Part 3 In last week’s blog post, I explained the process of accessing a deceased owner’s account both when there is a Will and when there is not. But as I said last week, once that is accomplished the financial institution may still not
How Do I Access a Deceased Owner’s Account? Part 3
In my blog posts the past 2 weeks I have addressed this commonly asked question. I explained the distinction between probate assets - ones controlled by a will or the intestacy laws - and non-probate assets which are not. Generally, an executor or administrator must be appointed before an account can be