A Will is a Start but Not a Complete Estate Plan

Every adult should have a will in order to determine property distribution after death. However, a will is limited in what it can do. Too often, a will cannot accomplish what you need or even expect it to do.

How to Manage the Cost of Long-Term Care

October 21, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

The cost of long-term care insurance is based on several criteria, including the number of clients who have kept their policies over time, as well as customers’ longer lives.

Why Trusts Should Be Part of Your Estate Plan

Trusts have long been a tool for the ultra-wealthy to preserve wealth and pass it down through the generations. However, even those of more modest means may benefit from this powerful estate planning tool.

How Does Elder Law Protect Seniors from Exploitative Guardians?

Changes could be coming to Florida’s system for overseeing the guardians of elderly who are no longer able to care for themselves, including beefing up monitoring and increasing penalties for those with valid complaints against them.

Do It Yourself Wills Go Wrong–Fast

I want to divide my estate equally among their three children. I’ve mapped out a plan to dispose of my property without any probate whatsoever. I put it together from what I’ve read on the internet. It’s just marvelous what you can learn by Googling things, don’t you think?

Am I Too Young to Think About Estate Planning?

Many people equate estate planning with older people who have more assets and more to protect. However, that doesn’t mean younger people should ignore the benefits of estate planning. According to Caring.com, only 34% of adults ages 35 to 44 have a will and 18% of adults ages 18 to 34 have one.

Must I Liquidate My IRA Before I Can Apply for Medicaid?

October 14, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Can a nursing home make a person who is in the home liquidate money in an IRA and spend it down to pay for care, before they can apply for Medicaid?

How Do I Find a Great Estate Planning Attorney?

Estate planning is a critical part of financial planning, but something many Americans procrastinate about. Drafting a will and a health care proxy or power of attorney, maybe creating a trust, and maximizing your loved ones’ inheritances by minimizing taxes are all important matters you don’t want to leave to chance.

Dark Side of Medicaid Means You Need Estate Planning

October 10, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Medicaid recipients over the age of 55 are expected to repay the government for many medical expenses—and states will seize houses and other assets after those recipients die, in order to satisfy the debt.

Who Should I Choose as My Trustee?

One of the most important decisions you face when creating a trust, is the choosing of the right trustee.