Co-authored by Joanna C. Feldman This question was recently asked at an event we hosted during which we discussed strategies to leave a legacy after death. A Medicaid Trust is an irrevocable trust used to protect assets should one need nursing home care and seek Medicaid to help cover the cost. Because assets in a Medicaid…
While I cannot say whether there are mistakes in your estate planning documents, the wording of your document may be confusing to you as a non-attorney. Legal documents contain a great deal of legalese. For purposes of this response, I am assuming that you are leaving all of your assets to your children. First, it…
Co-authored by Joanna C. Feldman The truth is that very often, “elder law” attorney is a misnomer as it pertains to many of our clients. For example, nearly everyone should have a comprehensive Power of Attorney. Some of our youngest clients have just become adults who come to us for a Power of Attorney before…
I often review existing estate planning documents and in doing so, find that most estate plans consist of a living will and health care proxy which are advance directives dealing you’re your health care matters. A health care proxy is a document that appoints another individual to make your medical decisions if you are…
This is a real fact pattern. I recently met with a family whose 86 year old Mother was admitted to a nursing home for dementia. They sought my assistance in obtaining Medicaid eligibility to pay for the nursing home, which cost $15,000 per month. Mother is still on Medicare which pays for the first 100…
At some point, most people experience that enlightening moment when they realize there is a risk of losing their assets if they fall ill and require long-term care. Some will contact an elder law attorney and receive sound advice; others will contact their friends and relatives, who after all, usually know more than most attorneys…
Estate planning documents need to be regularly reviewed. I often tell clients to review their estate plan every three to five years or upon the occurrence of a significant life event such as a birth, marriage, divorce or death. Documents should also be reviewed for changes in the law. One of the benefits to connecting…
As the parade route approached, I captured my first glimpse of the Grand Marshal. He was a 93 year-old seasoned World War II veteran who exuded confidence, honor and pride. Accomplished in ways that many of us will never experience; a true hero. It was Memorial Day 2016, and the Grand Marshal was my Uncle….
The partners and staff of Maker, Fragale & Di Costanzo, LLP wish to congratulate Salvatore M. Di Costanzo on his selection by the rating service, Super Lawyers, for inclusion in its 2015 Super Lawyers – New York Metro Area as a leading elder law attorney in the Metro New York area. Mr. Di Costanzo was recognized by Super Lawyers in…
