Recent Blog Posts
The Basics of Guardianships (Part 2)
If you haven’t already read The Basics of Guardianships (Part 1), click here to do so. Once you understand how guardianships are intended to help a special needs adult, you must understand the key responsibilities a guardian plays within their legal role. Guardian duties vary depending on the protected person’s limitations and abilities. However,… Read More »
The Basics of Guardianship (Part 1)
Protecting and providing for your children is particularly challenging if they have special needs requiring additional care to address their vulnerabilities. Structuring your estate plan to include the appropriate legal documents in the event of your death is crucial, especially when naming a guardian. Special needs children often require guardianship past the age of… Read More »
Important Questions to Ask When Investing in a Vacation Property
According to the National Association of Home Builders, in 2018 there were approximately 7.5 million second homes, making up 5.5 percent of the total number of homes.[1] These homes are not only real estate that must be planned for, managed, and maintained, they are also the birthplace of happy memories for you and your… Read More »
What Happens to My Spouse’s Debts Upon Their Death?
A spouse’s death creates a difficult and demanding time for the surviving partner. As much as you might want space and time alone to process your grief, you may have certain responsibilities related to settling your deceased spouse’s affairs. You may even be wondering: “Am I responsible for my deceased spouse’s debt?” Most Americans… Read More »
Qualifying for Medicaid: A Five Year Look-Back Without Penalties
Nearly everyone will need long-term care at some point in their lives, so planning is vital. While we cannot predict the timing or level of care, we can take steps to prepare for an unexpected medical and financial crisis to help reduce the stress on ourselves and our family members. The cost of care… Read More »
In-Home Nursing Care and Medicaid Waivers
You may want to think again if you believe you can’t meet Medicaid’s strict income and asset limits to qualify for long-term care benefits. If you currently demonstrate the need for nursing home facility services, you may meet health eligibility rules for a Medicaid waiver program to support the costs of in-home nursing care… Read More »
Can a Trust Own a Business After the Owner Dies?
In general, the answer to the title question is yes, your trust can own your business after you die. However, there are a number of considerations that may impact the answer to this and the following questions. One consideration is the type of business interest you own. Is your business a limited liability company… Read More »
LGBTQ+ Estate Planning to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Estate planning is for everyone. Regardless of your wealth, age, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, it is crucial to have a plan in place to protect your money, property, and loved ones in the event of an accident, illness, or death. For LGBTQ+ Americans, estate planning can be even more important. Despite… Read More »
ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts
People who have loved ones with disabilities and need a way to save money tax-free often create a special needs trust (SNT) to supplement their loved one’s unique requirements and quality of life while continuing their eligibility for public assistance programs. In 2014, the ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience) became a second… Read More »
Don’t Have a Lot of Money? Here Are Seven Ways You Can Still Leave Your Family a Great Legacy
Although the word “inheritance” usually conjures up images of property or accounts with significant monetary value, you can leave a long-lasting family legacy and inheritance by doing these seven things, whether or not your bank account is overflowing. 7 Ways to Leave a Great Family Legacy with a Smaller Income Make a Plan Often,… Read More »
