How Do Key Professionals Factor Into My Estate Plan?
How Do Key Professionals Factor Into My Estate Plan? By now you have a good idea of what an Estate Plan is. You know that everyone has an Estate, but do they have a plan, or better, do they have…
Thanksgiving is a Time to Give Thanks and Think About Your Legacy!
Thanksgiving is a Time to Give Thanks and Think About Your Legacy! What is someone's legacy? It is about the richness of the individual's life, including what that person accomplished and the impact he or she had on people and…
How to Protect Your Digital Assets
How to Protect Your Digital Assets Did you know the average American has $55,000 in digital assets? That's something definitely worth including in your estate plan. Here's how to get started. by: Taylor Schulte, CFP April 25, 2019 If you have…
Personal Care Agreements
Personal Care Agreements Reviewed by attorney Brent Kato, Bruce Feder of Kato, Feder, and Suzuki, LLP. How to Compensate a Family Member for Providing Care: Introduction Many families reach a point when they recognize that an ill or older relative needs…
Estate Planning Attorney’s Testimony Is Key Evidence of Decedent’s Mental Capacity and Absence of Undue Influence
Estate Planning Attorney’s Testimony Is Key Evidence of Decedent’s Mental Capacity and Absence of Undue Influence Matter of Varrone, 72 Misc. 3d 1201 (N.Y. Surr. Ct. June 17, 2021) Cynthia Varrone passed away on July 4, 2018. She had five…
DOJ’s New Elder Fraud Hotline Fields 500 Calls a Month
DOJ's New Elder Fraud Hotline Fields 500 Calls a Month Toll-free phone number debuted in March to help older victims of financial scams by Katherine Skiba, AARP, December 11, 2020 DOJ's New Elder Fraud Hotline Fields 500 Calls a Month. En…
Last Will and Testament vs. a Trust: What’s the Difference?
Last Will and Testament vs. a Trust: What’s the Difference? By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US Elder Law Most lawyers are familiar with a Last Will and Testament, but for many, a trust remains a mystery. Let’s lift the veil and discuss how…
Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics
Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics By Jill Roamer, J.D. and Marchesa Minium, J.D. Special Needs Planning Trusts are certainly not the most perspicuous of legal inventions, but they can be a critical part of elder law planning and special needs planning.…
The End of a Step-up in Basis?
The End of a Step-up in Basis? By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US estate planning The End of a Step-up in Basis? A step-up in basis, or more accurately, a basis adjustment, has been a cornerstone of many estate plans throughout the years.…
Does Voluntary Payment of Past-due Nursing Home Charges Violate Federal Law?
Does Voluntary Payment of Past-due Nursing Home Charges Violate Federal Law? By Jill Roamer, J.D., CIPP/US Medicaid Planning, Case Law Does Voluntary Payment of Past-due Nursing home Charges Violate Federal Law? Federal law prohibits a nursing home from requiring that past-due expenses be paid…