What to Do If You Are Appointed Guardian of an Older Adult
Being appointed guardian of a loved one is a serious responsibility. As guardian, you are in charge of your loved one’s well-being and you have a duty to act in his or her best interest.
Medicaid’s Power to Recoup Benefits Paid: Estate Recovery and Liens
Under Medicaid law, following the death of the Medicaid recipient a state must attempt to recover from his or her estate whatever benefits it paid for the recipient’s care.
Three Reasons Why Joint Accounts May Be a Poor Estate Plan
Many people, especially seniors, see joint ownership as an easy way to avoid probate and plan for incapacity, but there are major drawbacks to joint accounts.
Five Estate Planning Myths
There are lots of misconceptions about estate planning, and any one of them can result in costly mistakes. Understanding who needs an estate plan and what it should cover is key to creating a plan that is right for you.
Estate Planning During a Divorce: Four Key Considerations
No matter how well couples plan their estates, no one plans for divorce. Here are some strategies to make sure your wishes are protected during and after the process of separation and divorce.
Charitable Remainder Trusts: Income for Life and a Good Deed at Death
Many people like the idea of leaving bequests to favorite charities in their wills. But instead of leaving money to a charity in your will, you can put that money into a charitable remainder trust and collect income while you are still alive.
The 2020 Social Security Increase Will Be Smaller than 2019’s
The Social Security Administration has announced a 1.6 percent increase in benefits in 2020, nearly half of last year’s change. The small rise has advocates questioning whether the government is using the proper method to calculate increases.
What Is Asset Protection Planning?
Asset protection planning is about protecting your assets from creditors — and it is not just for the super-wealthy.
How to Use a Trust in Medicaid Planning
With careful Medicaid planning, you may be able to preserve some of your estate for your children or other heirs while meeting the Medicaid asset limit.
Tips for Preventing, Detecting, and Reporting Financial Abuse of the Elderly
Reports of elder financial abuse continue to increase, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams or to financial abuse by family members in need of money.