Despite some amazing advances in science and medicine over the past century, a way to stop the natural aging process has yet to be discovered. This means that all of us will eventually succumb to the physical and mental signs of aging. As a result, you will likely reach a point at which you need assistance with even the daily tasks of living. You may also need regular medical care that often requires a patient to be moved to a long-term care facility. If you are like many people, you may … [Read more...] about Can I Stay in My Home If I Get Sick?
How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Texas?
If you have a parent, or other elderly loved one, who has reached the point where you are concerned that he or she cannot safely live alone and/or make important decisions without assistance it may be time for you to consider petitioning to become his/her guardian. As a guardian you will have the legal authority to protect your loved and/or his or her assets. Unless you have been through the process of petitioning for guardianship before you probably have a number of questions about the process … [Read more...] about How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Texas?
Who Should Have a Last Will and Testament?
You may have heard from family member, friends, or co-workers about the importance of creating a comprehensive estate plan but thought the advice does not apply to you. People frequently think it is necessary to have a large estate before even a Last Will and Testament becomes necessary. The reality, however, is that everyone over the age of 18 should have at least a Last Will in Testament in place. A deeper understanding of what a Will does for you and your loved ones, as well as what can … [Read more...] about Who Should Have a Last Will and Testament?
Can I Get Medicaid to Help Me at Home in Texas?
At some point in your life you may reach the point where you need to move to a long-term care facility. Before reaching that point, however, you may simply need some extra help at home in order to avoid the move to a long-term care facility. Like most people you would likely prefer to remain in your own home as long as possible. If you are eligible for Medicaid you may be wondering “ Can I get Medicaid to help me at home in Texas? ” Fortunately, the answer is likely “yes”. If you have reached … [Read more...] about Can I Get Medicaid to Help Me at Home in Texas?
Can I Be Held Responsible for My Parent’s Nursing Home Expenses?
If you have a parent who is currently in a nursing home, or who will likely spend time in a nursing home in the near future, you are likely aware of the high cost of long-term care. With an average yearly cost of over $75,000, and an average length of stay of 2.5 years, concerns relating to who will cover your parent’s nursing home bill are understandable. Specifically, you may be wondering “ Can I be held responsible for my parent’s nursing home expenses? ” Laws relating to “filial … [Read more...] about Can I Be Held Responsible for My Parent’s Nursing Home Expenses?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Robbie Sue Chasen (1946-2010) - Publicist Robbie Sue Chasen, born Veronica Cohen, in Kingston, New York, was raised in both the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx and the Washington Heights section of Manhattan. Chasen began her career as a publicist for her brother, film director Larry Cohen, who hired her as a publicist for his 1973 film, Hell Up in Harlem. Chasen represented Michael Douglas, Hans Zimmer, and Mark Isham, among others. Chasen directed the Academy Award campaigns for more … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Can I Take Back Assets in a Medicaid Trust?
The Medicaid program is something that may be off your radar if you have been planning ahead for retirement effectively. After all, Medicaid is a program that is only useful for people with virtually no financial resources, right? It is true that Medicaid is a health care insurance safety net for people who have very limited financial capabilities. However, Medicaid becomes quite relevant to a significant percentage of senior citizens. Here's why. Long-Term Care The United States … [Read more...] about Can I Take Back Assets in a Medicaid Trust?
What Is a Charitable Remainder Trust?
Once upon a time, trusts were used almost exclusively by wealthy families as a way to control the family fortune as it made its way through successive generations. Not so today. Today, even the average estate plan typically includes at least one trust agreement. One common type of trust agreement in use today is a charitable remainder trust. Understanding the basics of this type of trust should help you decide if a charitable remainder trust might fit into your comprehensive estate plan. I you … [Read more...] about What Is a Charitable Remainder Trust?
What Is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust?
If you are exposed to the federal estate tax, tax efficiency is going to be very important to you. The wealth that you have been able to accumulate throughout your life can be eroded significantly by this tax, because it carries a 40 percent maximum rate. The federal estate tax credit or exclusion is $5.34 million in 2014, and it will be $5.43 million in 2015. This is the amount that you can transfer to people other than your spouse tax-free. If you are transferring more than this, the estate … [Read more...] about What Is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust?
How Long Does It Take to Set Up A Trust?
You may have heard friends or family discussing the use of a trust in their estate plan and wondered if you should consider creating a trust as well. Trusts have become an increasingly popular estate planning component due in large part to the flexibility trusts offer and the multitude of goals and objectives that can be accomplished with a trust agreement. If you have never created a trust before, however, you may wonder “How long does it take to set up a trust?” There is no simple “one size … [Read more...] about How Long Does It Take to Set Up A Trust?
