New Year’s Resolutions: Making Lasting Changes
It is that time of year again. Many of us will use the next couple of days to reflect on the past year and look forward to making a positive change in the new year. Often those promises that we…
Special Needs Trusts: First Party vs Third Party
Several factors should be considered when determining whether a First Party Special Needs Trust or a Third Party Special Needs Trust should be utilized when developing the appropriate plan for a beneficiary with special needs. In both circumstances, the type…
“Family Comes First”: Making Ends Meet
"Making Ends Meet" aired on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:30 pm. In this episode, we addressed the basic needs of the working poor. Over 8.6 million Americans who struggle each day to survive. Our guests will discuss the different ways food…
Ensuring a Secure Future: Inheritance and Special Needs Planning
One of the most frustrating things as a Special Needs planning attorney is to have someone in my office doing planning and they tell me that they need to disinherit a family member because they are receiving some kind of…
Why Estate Planning is Essential: Avoid Costly Mistakes
“My mother has too much money, so I guess she has to pay privately for her home care”, Mary told me recently. As an Elder Law Attorney for over 17 years, I can tell you that I hear this almost…
Real Estate Ownership and Transfer
So you own your home and you think that it will be transferred to your family upon your passing without going to court. But is that really the case? What does all of this mean? A house that is owned…
Announcing Our 2018 “Super Lawyers”
Our partners, Vincent J. Russo and Marie Elena Puma have once again been named “Super Lawyers” on the “New York Metro Super Lawyers” list. This is Vincent’s 12th year being recognized as a Super Lawyer and Marie Elena’s 3rd year receiving this honor,…
Do You Own Property In Two States?
It’s that time of year where we are celebrating with our loved ones and we are starting to make plans for what we want to do better or different in the coming year. Reassessing your estate plan should be at…
When is a gift not a gift?
As a planner, I sometimes hear things like: “I thought I could give my kids $10,000” “I’ll just sell my house to my children for $1” “Can I pay my grandson’s college tuition and not have to worry about Medicaid?…
Can I Revoke My Irrevocable Trust?
When it comes to protecting your assets from the costs of a long-term illness, such as a nursing home, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is a staple planning technique. It is an effective way to protect your home (and other…