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.

Joint Tenancy With Children Creates Problems for Parents

As parents age, families sometimes struggle with how to best keep their parents’ financial affairs in order. One common approach is for aging parents to put one or more of their children on their investment accounts, bank accounts and real property.

Your Spouse Just Died … is Probate Needed?

October 7, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

In many relationships, it’s common for one spouse to play money manager and the other to take a more passive role. This, however, can lead to major complications, when the financially dominant partner dies first.

How Does a Probate Proceeding Work?

October 4, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Although most people would not want a court proceeding on death, many people mistakenly think that a will avoids one.

How Do I Deed My Home into a Trust?

You should go to an estate planning attorney to sort things out and make sure both of you are on the same page about who owns what, who gets to stay where and for how long into the future.

Can 529 College Savings Plans Be Used Now in Estate Planning?

Thanks to changes in the 2017 tax law, 529 college-savings plans are being used as estate planning tools and to pay for more education-related expenses than ever before, according to InvestmentNews.

Ignoring Beneficiary Designations Is a Risky Business

We are programmed to contribute the “max” to our retirement accounts and we disregard, or do not understand, the pitfalls of an improperly filled-out beneficiary forms.

What Types of Long-Term Care is Available for Veterans?

If you served the United States of America as a member of the armed services, you may be entitled to certain benefits that could make some aspects of getting older a little easier.

The Long-Term Care Sandwich Squeeze

September 27, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Millions of Americans worry about saving enough for retirement, while also providing for their children’s future. However, most overlook another set of dependents who could cost them even more: their parents.