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New York & New Jersey Estate Planning Attorneys - Elder Law & Medicaid

Families Realize Importance of Estate Planning

Jill’s husband Rob fell critically ill with Covid. They did not have wills, and by the time they sought to have a will drafted for Rob, he passed away before it was signed. The laws of intestacy controlled the distribution of Rob’s estate, so Jill received $50,000 and one-half of the assets and their children,…
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The importance of having a will

Do you have a will? If you don’t you should think about it. Having everything buttoned up in terms of a will, or a trust safeguards your intentions protects the future of the family. Black Enterprise magazine noted an article in 2015 saying that 70% of Black Americans had no will or estate planning. Without…
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New York, New Jersey Fall Behind in Vaccinating Seniors

The tri-state so far boasts high vaccination rates, with New York, New Jersey having each fully vaccinated nearly 20 percent of their state’s populations — but there’s one indicator that’s holding the states behind. Both states rank among the top 15 states in the number of vaccine doses administered per 100,000 residents. But when the data…
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Trust planning

Planning a trust may seem complicated, but it’s not impossible

A recent discussion with a client who is considering using a trust in their estate plan prompted several questions regarding this subject. Here are some questions to clear up some concerns about trusts. Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/business/legal/2021/01/25/Elder-Law-Guys-planning-a-trust-Frequently-Asked-Questions/stories/202101240047

Congress Fixes Some Medicare Enrollment Issues

Tucked in the federal spending bill that passed at the end of December 2020 are some changes aimed at simplifying Medicare enrollment and addressing coverage gaps. But Congress chose not to address the biggest problem. Read more: https://www.elderlawanswers.com/congress-fixes-some-but-not-all-medicare-enrollment-problems-18106

Advice on What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Advice to keep a sad event from becoming even more painful. Responsibility for the various actions can be divided among family members and close friends of the deceased. Read more: https://www.consumerreports.org/family/what-to-do-when-a-loved-one-dies/

Covid elder law

COVID-19’s effect on estate planning and elder law

Making your own estate plan during the pandemic is part of the new normal. Different estate planning attorneys have found different ways to keep you safe while keeping themselves and their staff safe. Most estate planning attorneys will meet with clients by phone or video conference. Read more: https://www.mysanantonio.com/life/life_columnists/paul_premack/article/COVID-19-s-effect-on-estate-planning-and-elder-15821379.php

Medicaid Planning

Medicaid planning deadline is upon us

In the midst of killer pandemic with deaths and unemployment soaring and seniors and the disabled most vulnerable, New York state decided it’s OK to make Medicaid for home care unavailable for an untold number of its citizens. And the state approved an increase in long term care insurance premiums, making it impossible for many…
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Preparing a will

Simply preparing a will is not enough

A will doesn’t cover all your bases when it comes to end-of-life decisions. A will is just one of several legal documents that help your loved ones know your wishes. If a person passes away without a will, a court may decide who gets their assets and who would care for any surviving children. However,…
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