Searching for a Support System (Part 1)
I received a reader email a few weeks back asking me to write about aging seniors who have no family or friends to rely on. I wrote about this topic last January (see blog posts 1-2-17 and 1-9-17) but we are seeing the scenario with increasing frequency,
The Right to Control Funeral and Burial Arrangements (Part 2)
In my post last week, I explained how my client Joe can insure that his burial wishes are carried out. One option is to set up a prepaid burial plan. He can set aside money in trust to cover the burial arrangement he has chosen while alive.
The Right to Control Funeral and Burial Arrangements (Part 1)
Recently my client, Joe asked me how he could be sure his wishes with respect to his funeral arrangements would be honored. Joe is not married. He has children but is not close with them. He has no siblings. I suggested to him that he could set
Irrevocable Trusts and Medicaid (Part 3)
I promised in last week’s blog post that I would explain another solution to Mary’s Medicaid dilemma. Her uncle left assets in a trust for Mary but the terms provide that the funds can be used for Mary’s health support and maintenance. I explained to Mary and
Irrevocable Trusts and Medicaid – Part 2
In last week’s blog post I was talking about a call I received about Mary, who is now in a nursing home. She has spent her assets towards her care and the only source of payment left is money that was left in an irrevocable trust for Mary’s
Irrevocable Trusts and Medicaid – Part 1
I’ve written about trusts many times on my blog over the years, specifically about how we get many callers asking us to take a look at an existing trust the caller has set up - or that a family member set up for the caller - to
The Continuing Rise in Long Term Care Premiums
A few years ago I wrote about the number of clients calling our office who are getting notices of substantial rate increases on their long term care insurance policies. Since then it has been a problem that has only increased in frequency. An article this week in
The Problem with Out of State Documents – Part 2
In last week’s post I was telling you about a situation with a client who has a North Carolina power of attorney that his wife needed to use here in New Jersey where they currently live. The document is a springing power of attorney, meaning it does
The Problem with Out of State Documents – Part 1
I am often asked whether moving from one state to another requires someone to redo their legal documents. While I obviously don’t have knowledge of the laws in every state, my general answer is that I am not aware of any state that invalidates a will, power
What the New Tax Law Means for Seniors – Part 2
In last week’s blog I told you about some of the changes in the new tax bill. This week I’ll cover some more as well as some changes that were discussed but didn’t happen. The mortgage interest deduction has been reduced. Now taxpayers can deduct the interest on