As the costs of long-term care continue to rise, many couples find themselves grappling with how to protect their assets while still qualifying for Medicaid assistance. One strategy that sometimes comes up in these discussions is divorce. But is ending a marriage truly a good way to shield assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements? Let’s explore … Read More
Beyond the Dorm Room: Essential Legal Documents for Your College-Bound Child
As your child prepares to embark on their college journey, there’s an important aspect of their transition to adulthood that often goes overlooked: estate planning. While it may seem premature to consider such matters for a young adult, having certain documents in place can provide crucial protection and peace of mind for both you and … Read More
No, A Will Does Not Avoid Probate.
A common misconception is that a last will and testament avoids the probate process altogether. This is not the case. The reality is that a will must go through probate after someone’s passing for any assets remaining in their name, without a joint owner or beneficiary designation. However, having a properly drafted will in place … Read More
Gifting Money to Grandkids: How It Impacts Medicaid Eligibility
If you’re looking to help out your grandchildren financially, or simply wish to be generous, you may be wondering how gifting money could affect your eligibility for Medicaid long-term care benefits down the road. The short answer is that gifting can make you ineligible for Medicaid for a period of time due to the program’s … Read More
Protecting Your Home from Fraudulent Transfers
Owning a home is a major investment, and unfortunately, property fraud is a real risk that homeowners need to guard against. Fraudulent transfers involve someone illegally transferring ownership of your property without your knowledge or consent. This can enable scammers to take out mortgages against your home, sell it, or commit other fraud. There are … Read More
The Surprising (Religious) Marital Status That Can Upend Your Inheritance!
Couples who are married in religious ceremonies, but never follow through with a civil marriage may have unexpected inheritance rights under New York State law. This can result in unintended consequences, where children from a previous marriage are surprised to find their parent’s inheritance plans superseded. In New York State, if one spouse dies without … Read More
Why You Need an Elder Law Attorney for Your Medicaid Long-Term Care Application
As we age, the prospect of needing long-term care can be daunting. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, navigating the complex world of Medicaid and securing coverage for long-term care can be a overwhelming task. This is where the experience and care of an elder law attorney becomes invaluable. Applying for Medicaid long-term … Read More
What Happens to a Safe Deposit Box When A Joint Owner Dies?
Some people add another family member or close friend to their safe deposit box believing that it will make it easier for the surviving owner to access and take full ownership of the box after their death. However, safe deposit boxes with joint ownership can get tricky once a death occurs. Unlike with joint bank … Read More
