Most people think of an income tax refund as a good thing. But if you are an individual who receives, and relies on, monthly Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) payments, then receiving an income tax refund may cause some concern. Since…
Someone once said there are two sets of rules: one for the informed and another for the uninformed. In Medicaid planning, as in life, this is an unfortunate truth. Congress has provided many opportunities to protect assets, but you can’t…
In a landmark 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Wednesday, allowing same-sex couples to enjoy the same federal benefits as married opposite-sex couples. In Windsor v. U.S., the Justices ruled that DOMA, which…
Are you thinking of a way to honor a loved one in a meaningful way? Did your loved one have a special affection for her school or for a particular subject area? Colleges, Universities, High Schools and even Elementary Schools…
This Medicaid Mistake may seem obvious, but it is a common one. Don’t give your children your assets until you consider the consequences. We all work hard to give our children everything we can, and many of us derive great…
Well, it seems that the New York State Appellate Division, 2nd Department disagrees, at least when it comes time to Love. In Petrakis v. Petrakis, the Second Department recently upheld a judgment of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, setting aside…
When you or a loved one are in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the rising costs can make you feel like you are drowning. Fortunately you have not missed the boat on protecting at least part, if not…
Between now and 2030, approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 each day. If you are among this distinguished group of individuals like I am (I do have five years to go for 65), then you need to start thinking about…
It is about time that we fix an inequity in the law for people with special needs. At this time people with special needs can not establish his or her own Special Needs Trust (under OBRA 1993). A Special Needs…
There is no clear path to health care decision making for people with developmental disabilities. Although the current laws attempt to create a framework for health care decision making, each situation comes with a different set of facts, so the…