I’ve Been Named Agent Under Power of Attorney – Now What?
Recently, I was asked to serve as agent under Power of Attorney for husband and wife clients. We’ll call them Harry and Wilma. Both are in their 80’s and just moved to a nursing facility. As their legal representative, I will be doing the types of things that, as an
Lessons Learned from the Fight over Casey Kasem
Casey Kasem, the actor and radio personality best known as the host of American Top 40, a nationally syndicated radio program which aired in the 1970’s and 80’s, has recently been in the news for a different reason. His second wife and the children from his marriage to his first
Medicaid is No Piece of Cake (Part 2)
Last week we were examining Mary Jane’s problem getting Medicaid for her mom. Specifically, the issue was a joint account held by mother and daughter. Into that account, Mary Jane deposited her income which she used to pay for household bills, such as utilities, real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance etc. She
Medicaid Is No Piece of Cake (Part 1)
Mary Jane told me, “Mom has no money. She’s never had any money. But Medicaid still denied her application and now I owe the nursing home $40,000.” I knew there had to be more to her story. Sure enough, there was. It’s a very common belief that, because Mom and Dad
News Alert – VA Rules Changes Coming
The winds of change are blowing over the VA landscape. I’ve written about this in the past and the time may soon be here.  These are changes that you need to understand. Over the years, many of our clients have been able to qualify for an Improved Pension (sometimes called Aid
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean? (Part 3)
Last week we were discussing when it is appropriate for a parent to apply for guardianship of a child who turns 18. But, what if guardianship isn’t suitable? There is another option, called conservatorship. Conservatorship is sort of a middle ground between a guardianship and power of attorney.  There is no
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing an issue which many parents are unaware of, the fact that they no longer have the legal right to make financial and medical decisions on their child’s behalf once he/she turns 18. A power of attorney and health care directive can be a good solution.Â
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean?
The law, in most instances (with the notable exception of consuming alcohol), views an adult as one who reaches age 18. As any parent knows, most 18 year olds are not mature enough to make important decisions without the guidance of a parent or other adult. Yet, what most don’t realize
If I Get Denied Medicaid, Then I’ll Come to You – Part 2
We were discussing Diane’s 90 year old mother, who had just entered a nursing home from the hospital. Diane called because she was anticipating the need for Medicaid and was concerned that the assets in a trust that had been established for her benefit would be countable under New Jersey’s
“If I get denied Medicaid then I’ll come see you”
Diane’s 90 year old mother had just entered a nursing home from the hospital. She was still on Medicare but that coverage would stop in 2 weeks. Diane called because she knew she would need Medicaid. “Mom has only about $30,000 in assets”, Diane told me. “But she has a trust