Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys There has long been a misconception that nursing homes and Medicaid planning are on opposing sides of the proverbial fence. That misconception is starting to change as many nursing homes begin to realize that Medicaid planning actually helps ensure that patients qualify for Medicaid. In turn this ensures that the patient’s financial obligation to the nursing home is covered. Without Medicaid planning, a … [Read more...] about A Nursing Home’s Take on the Need for Medicaid Planning

Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys At some point during your retirement years there is a very good chance you (and/or your spouse) will need long-term care. There is also a good chance that you will need to qualify for Medicaid benefits in order to cover the high cost of that care. Qualifying for Medicaid can be a complicated process given the complex eligibility guidelines. The asset transfer rules, in particular, are a source of much … [Read more...] about Medicaid Gifts to Children

Your Independence, Rising Medical Costs and Retirement Compliments of The Offices of Kobrick & Moccia, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Many of us believe we have the “planning for the future” space covered. We’ve worked hard and saved. Our homes are paid off by the time we go into retirement and as far as we’re concerned, life now consists of living well in the way we define. In a perfect world, that’s true. In reality, there are a few things which can quickly … [Read more...] about Your Independence, Rising Medical Costs and Retirement

The Changing Needs of Aging Parents Compliments of The Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Odds are, before your parents retired, they’d already put many plans for the future into place. From contributing to a retirement plan for decades to ensuring proper life insurance policies were in place, there’s a good chance your parents wanted to eliminate some of the obstacles that can plague the aging process. But is it enough? How can we … [Read more...] about The Changing Needs of Aging Parents

Estate Planning When You’re Child Free  Compliments of The Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Between 1980 and 2010, the number of women over the age of 40 who opted to forego motherhood doubled from 10 percent to 20 percent. That trend is expected to continue. The reasons for remaining childless are as varied as the men and women who have chosen to skip parenthood. Many are involved in their careers, others may have married and … [Read more...] about Estate Planning When You’re Child Free

Taking Care of Your Spouse After You Are Gone Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: Anthony Moccia Family often ends up providing the bulk of care to those who suffer from incapacitating illnesses and injuries, with the AARP’s Public Policy Institute estimating that one in five family caregivers is a spouse. These spousal caregivers provide assistance with things like medical and nursing care, wound care and medication management. For example, there are more than five million Americans living … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Your Spouse After You Are Gone

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Avoiding Conflict in Inheritances  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Let’s face it, even in the closest-knit families, money and assets can still create problems. For example, resentment can show up when one sibling has seen greater financial and career success than his siblings and trying to “balance” that in your estate plan can cause further friction in the future. So what do you do when you’re estranged … [Read more...] about Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Avoiding Conflict in Inheritances

Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys In the past, many same-sex couples never focused on estate planning or even financial planning because they felt it was moot. The ways around those impossible and unfair laws were successful for some couples, in some states, and in some instances. This meant many died intestate, or, without a will. There was a … [Read more...] about Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages

Preparing for Your First Estate Planning Consultation  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys You’ve made the decision to focus on your estate plan. It’s an important time and you’re not quite sure what to expect before meeting with an estate planning attorney. Odds are, it’s not nearly as overwhelming as you’re anticipating. There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re well-prepared for your first estate planning consultation. First … [Read more...] about Preparing for Your First Estate Planning Consultation

Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys The New Year brings with it a renewed outlook and fresh resolutions. We vow to get organized, eat healthier, and lose those last stubborn 10 pounds. But many of us overlook one simple and practical resolution that could have a profound effect on our lives, not to mention the lives of those we love. What’s that resolution? Create a basic estate plan. It’s not hard to get started. First, find an … [Read more...] about This New Year, Resolve to Plan Your Estate