Is Someone Close to You a Risk to Your Estate?

Asset Protection, Medicaid Planning

Exploitation of seniors is an extremely serious issue.  Financial abuse costs seniors 2.6 billion annually, according to a study by MetLife, although four out of five cases are not reported.  In the majority of those cases, family members and caregivers are the...

Who Owns the Home?

Asset Protection

When counseling clients about estate planning, my primary objective is to help them maintain control of their estate.  This includes helping clients ensure that, on their passing, their assets go to those they want to receive them.  This result does not happen...

Can I Stay in the House?

Asset Protection, Trust, Wills

Without preparation, the passing of a loved one can result in difficult and unexpected challenges.  In recent posts, I have addressed this point with the example of a second marriage in which the husband moved into the house already owned by his new spouse.  Upon her...

Qualifying for Medicaid Assistance – Is There a “Five Year” Penalty if I Give Assets Away?

Asset Protection, Estate Planning

In the last several columns, I have addressed the medical and financial requirements necessary for seniors to receive Medicaid assistance for long term care.  You may have noticed that nowhere in those columns did I mention the so called “5 year rule,” a rule that...

Are You Prepared for the Threats to Your Estate?

Asset Protection, Estate Planning

A trust is a very effective way to maintain control over your assets, even after your passing.  Although a will can ensure your assets go to the people you want to receive them, a trust can help ensure those assets are protected from unintended results or misuse.  In...