Recent Blog Posts
How Can I Keep Parent Safe From Medical Errors?
It is always a scary time when a parent has to be hospitalized. According to the Aging Parents Authority, medical errors are the 8th leading cause of death in the country. Often, these errors are preventable. If you are a good advocate for your parent, you may be able to protect your parent from… Read More »
Plan Ahead to Avoid Court-Ordered Conservatorship
Young adults are often urged to plan ahead and take control of their future; whether that means getting good grades and planning for college, searching for internships in their career area of interest, or saving money for the day when they are out on their own. Older adults, on the other hand (aside from… Read More »
Death of Steve Jobs Saddens the World
The recent death of creative visionary and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs saddened the world. News of his death traveled like wildfire, and had the online social networks humming with tributes, memorial posts, and sentiments of grief. Mr. Jobs was very private about his personal life, but through his public appearances and his support of… Read More »
How to Cope After the Death of a Spouse
Losing a spouse may be one of the most difficult life events that any of us have to deal with. A spouse is a parenting partner, a co-CFO, a best friend and a beloved soul mate. Losing the person who supports you in so many ways can create an emptiness which can be almost… Read More »
How to Make a Smooth Transition into Assisted Living
For many seniors, moving into an assisted living facility can be a difficult and confusing transition. Many elderly people become confused or agitated during or after the move. The Aging Parents Authority recommends taking the following four steps to make the transition as smooth as possible for your parent. 1. If your parent suffers… Read More »
Facing the Challenges of Caregiving as a Family
As senior issues and caregiver concerns get more media attention, more and more families are making the question of who becomes mom or dad’s primary caregiver a family decision. Although one sibling may still take on the role of “primary caregiver,” families are making the conscious decision to try to share caregiving responsibilities more… Read More »
The Pros and Cons of a Crummey Trust
If you are looking for a reliable way to leave financial gifts to family members you may find that a Crummey trust is the right estate planning strategy for your family. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal explains that “Crummey trusts are used in many circumstances, but are best suited for making… Read More »
When “Equal” is not Always “Fair”
Every parent wants to be fair to their children; avoid showing favoritism, give each the same advantages, and eventually leaving each a fair and equal inheritance. But every parent also knows that there are times when equal is not always fair—a dilemma that is often faced by parents drawing up their will or estate… Read More »
Do I Have to Give Up My Home To Be On Medicaid?
In order to be eligible for Medicaid, the countable assets for a single person cannot exceed $2,000. For a married couple, the spouse not applying for Medicaid may keep up to $109,560 in countable assets. Because of this rule, many of our clients believe that they won’t qualify for Medicaid because they are not… Read More »
Three Estate Planning Documents You Need During Your Lifetime
There are a number of very important documents in your estate plan which come into play after your death, but as this article in Forbes reminds us, there are two or three estate planning documents that are of the utmost importance while you are still alive: your Healthcare Proxy, your Advance Directive (also called… Read More »