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…
Navigating the Divorce Process: Essential Information You Need to Assemble The idea of beginning the divorce process can be quite unsettling. Whether you find yourself in an unhappy marriage or your spouse has expressed their desire for separation, ignoring the situation and burying yourself under the covers is not a wise approach. Not…
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…
What is a Will and Why Does Everyone Need One A Last Will and Testament is a document that states your final wishes. Every Will must be submitted to the Surrogate’s Court after death so the Court can determine if it is valid and enforceable. This is the procedure known as “probate.” Your closest family…
THE VALUE OF REVIEWING YOUR ESTATE PLAN If you have executed a will or trust, you should be commended, as you are already in a more prepared category than most Americans. But you should not let it sit and be forgotten. There Is value in reviewing your estate plan at least every three to five…
What to know about Medicaid’s 5-Year Look-Back Period Nursing homes in the Hudson Valley can cost upwards of $15,000.00 per month. Qualifying for Medicaid to get those costs covered is critical. You may have heard that there is a five-year look back period if you want to shield your assets from nursing homes. Here’s what…
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…
