Category Archives: Uncategorized
Saving for School: Planning for Your Family’s Education
According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are $11,950 for a four-year in-state public institution; $31,880 for a four-year out-of-state public institution; $45,000 for a four-year nonprofit private institution; and $4,150 for a two-year public institution.[1] If postsecondary education is in your family’s future, the following… Read More »
ABLE Accounts Can be Used for Housing Without Losing Benefits
Why Housing Creates Benefit Problems — and Why ABLE Is Different Housing is often the single biggest barrier to independence for eligible individuals with disabilities who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Even when families have resources, paying for rent or utilities the “wrong” way can cause an SSI payment reduction, create overpayment notices, or… Read More »
How to Own Your Real Estate
Your real estate encompasses not only your primary residence but also any vacation homes, rental properties, or even vacant land you may own. There are several forms of real estate ownership, and the ideal one for you will vary based upon on the type of property and your individual circumstances. Your Primary Residence How… Read More »
Why Title Matters
Real estate can be owned in several different ways. The form of ownership, or how your property is titled, can determine how much control you have over it, how vulnerable your property is to creditor claims and lawsuits, and what will happen to it at your death. So, let’s discuss the different ways to… Read More »
Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Costly Unintended Consequences
One goal of estate planning is to ensure that your assets, including your home, pass to your chosen beneficiaries quickly and with minimal expense. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate (the court process of validating a will and distributing assets) is to add others to the title. This strategy involves adding… Read More »
When Your Parent Plans to Disinherit Your Sibling
Your parent has made the difficult decision to omit your brother or sister from their estate plan. While this decision will undoubtedly land heavily on your sibling, the decision also places you in a complicated position. So, let’s explore what it means to legally disinherit someone – and what this means for you. As… Read More »
Why Receiving an Inheritance Changes Your Estate Plan
Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, or lack the financial experience needed to preserve and grow what was left to them. A… Read More »
Do Medicare benefits Cover Skilled Nursing Care?
Choosing the right kind of post-hospital care under Medicare’s rules can be confusing. The nonprofit Medicare Rights Center recently offered a webinar explaining some of the basics on Medicare and skilled nursing facility care (SNF). The webinar addressed common questions about Medicare benefits, including who qualifies for Medicare-covered SNF care, what services Medicare covers, and… Read More »
How to Ensure Your Elder Law Attorney Truly Understands Medicaid Planning
Navigating the Medicaid program can be daunting. You may be seeking help with long-term care planning for a senior family member, or are ready to apply to Medicaid yourself. In either case, working with an experienced elder law attorney who understands the complexities of Medicaid is crucial. However, the reality is that not every… Read More »
Avoid Living Probate: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate
While most proactive individuals understand the importance of estate planning, they often assume that their plan addresses only what happens after they pass away. However, a comprehensive estate plan is also meant to positively impact your life by planning for incapacity, and providing necessary protections while you are still around to reap the benefits…. Read More »
