I’m Power of Attorney. Now What?
A power of attorney is the grant of legal rights and powers by a person, the “principal,” to another, the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial and business matters....
The Probate Process Explained
Probate is the process by which a deceased person’s property, known as the “estate,” is passed to his or her heirs and legatees (people named in the will). The entire process, supervised by the probate court, usually takes about a year to eighteen months. However,...
Estate Law: Understanding Legal Trusts
A legal trust is a separate legal entity for holding and investing property. These legal trusts (The “trustee”) hold property, usually real estate or investments, for the benefit of another or other people (the “beneficiary”). The person who gives the property for the...
Family Law: All About Guardianship
Guardianship is a legal relationship whereby the Probate Court gives one person (the guardian) the power to make personal and financial decisions for another (the ward). Some states have separated guardianship into two roles—a guardianship or power over the person,...
Understanding Supplemental Needs Trusts
Supplemental needs trusts (also known as “special needs” trusts) are designed not to provide basic support, but instead to pay for comforts and luxuries that could not be paid for by public assistance funds, such as education, recreation, counseling, and medical...
Fact or Fiction: Long Term Care Planning
Long term care planning is a complex subject and with so many resources at our fingertips, it can sometimes be tough to determine the myths and the realities about the topic. Read on to learn the truth about long term care planning. Fiction: I will never end up in a...
What is a Health Care Proxy?
A health care proxy is a document executed by a competent person (the principal) giving another person (the agent) the authority to make health care decisions for the principal if he or she is unable to communicate such decisions him- or herself. Why have a health...
Estate Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Our clients often come to us with questions regarding estate law as it pertains to them, their children, and their aging parents. If you've asked yourself any of the frequently asked questions listed below regarding estate law, we would love to answer those questions...
Why Should You Consult an Elder Law Attorney on Medicaid Issues?
Many people are reluctant to consult attorneys on legally-related matters due primarily to inexperience in working with attorneys. This is doubly true with respect to issues related to Medicaid coverage of nursing home care for the following reasons: The cost of...