Special Needs Trusts We understand the concerns you may have when it comes to securing the financial future of your loved one with special needs. This blog provides an overview of Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and their implications in New York State. What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT)? A Special Needs Trust is a…
Estate Planning 101 The most common misconception about estate planning is that it requires a substantial “estate.” For many, the word “estate” conjures an image of vast wealth, like that of John D. Rockefeller or Howard Hughes. However, in reality, nearly everyone leaves an estate behind when they die. It could be millions or it could be…
Why You Should Work With An Attorney On A Medicaid Application It is not required to get an attorney to apply for Medicaid. When you enter a nursing home, the facility will generally offer to do it for you—for free! So why should you actually hire and pay an elder law attorney to handle it?…
When it Comes to Estate Planning, Put your Wishes on Paper and Leave Nothing to Chance Often, clients tell me, “I’m going to leave everything I have to my son John, and he knows to take care of the other kids.” People assure me that their families are extremely close, and there’s no question…
MEETING WITH YOUR ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY Congratulations, you have decided to be a responsible adult and protect your family by making a will or trust. It never ceases to shock us that more than half of the adults in the United States do not have wills. Perhaps it is because of the business we are…
The Hidden Dangers of Gifting to Family Members As people get older and retire, many express an interest in gifting to younger family members and sharing their savings with those who need help. A common misunderstanding about gifting stems from the IRS annual gift exclusion. Many of my clients correctly identify that any individual may…
Community Medicaid: The At-Home Care Option Many Americans swear that they’ll never go to a nursing home. There is a stigma that it is a last resort option for people who are dying. In truth, many nursing facilities defy the stereotypes and provide positive environments where elderly people can live their final years productively with…
It’s Always the Right Time for Estate Planning Each year of my practice as an attorney, I meet hundreds of people without a will or any estate plan in place. The most common reason they give me is timing. Young people—20’s to 50’s depending on who you talk to—tend to feel that they’re healthy and…
Six Things To Do When A Loved One Passes Away When a loved one dies, the stress and pressure on the family can be immense—to carry out the last wishes and funeral of the deceased, as well as to make sure the heirs get their due. Here are the most important six things to know….
Three Ways to Approach Long-Term Care and Nursing Home Costs As long-term care and nursing home costs have soared to well over six figures annually, it is more important than ever to look at measures you can take to protect your assets. There are three ways you can approach the exorbitant costs of care: Paying…
