April 15th is right around the corner, and we all know what that means – time to prepare your taxes. For many taxpayers there is still much to do before filing your federal and state income tax returns. All the…
One question that is asked by many caretakers with elderly parents or other family members living alone is “How do we pay for care?” If your parent or family member feels strongly about staying in their homes and aging in…
When most people think of creating an estate plan, they think of legal and financial documents that provide for the transfer of their material wealth – the contents of their bank accounts, their home, and personal property. But some of…
Thanks to a long-awaited revision in the Medicare Policy Manuals, it may be a little easier to receive Medicare coverage for maintenance claims that require skilled care. In late 2013 and early 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services…
Medicaid Compliant Annuities can be helpful when a community spouse has assets in excess of the community spouse resource allowance. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently reversed a judgment in an Ohio case regarding the…
In today's world, as an estate planner we are seeing more clients interested in Prenuptial Agreements. Here are a few thoughts to consider: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE RICH TO HAVE ONE Those days are over. Yes, us ordinary folk can and…
A Medicaid compliant annuity is a single premium immediate annuity that is purchased on or after February 8, 2006, that meets the guidelines described in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. In order to qualify for Medicaid you must meet…
Jack was very unhappy with his daughter, Carol. She had no interest in being part of Jack's life and in fact, refused to let her father see her children (his grandchildren). So, Jack, with regret, decided to leave his assets to his…
Geriatric Care Managers can help seniors and their families in a number of different ways. Often, children need professional advise to help them help their parents. 1. A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) can step in an evaluate the senior's needs,…
On February 5th, I discussed whether you have taken steps to protect your family and your assets in case you should pass away. A topic no one likes to think about. I outlined the first five steps. Now that you…