Blog: Newsletter Archive

This month’s ‘Tips and Tales’ focuses on the invaluable benefits of a well drafted Durable Power of Attorney. Tale:   Jane Smith was involved in a catastrophic automobile accident.  Although rendered a paraplegic her cognitive abilities were not affected.  Since she was able to speak and communicate it was not necessary to pursue legal guardianship in order for her to…

As we welcome this new year and new opportunities why not organize your legal and financial affairs? It benefits you, your family as well as your advisors who guide you through legal, tax and investment issues. Here are some tips: Contact your banks and have them confirm whether you have designated beneficiaries and who they are Contact your retirement…

Clients frequently ask “Doesn’t my revocable trust protect my assets if I get sick and require long term care services?”  Clients are surprised when the answer is that their revocable trust assets, which they control, are countable if the client has a chronic illness and wants to apply for Medicaid. Clients want to stay in control of their…

It’s been a long time since we have seen this scenario and surprising that it still happens. You need to know if your client receives government benefits. Inform them the settlement can affect their entitlement, and encourage them to meet with me to obtain the best planning advice. Scenario: a child is injured during the birth…

What happened at * nursing home never should have happened. It is a tragedy that could have and should have been avoided.  Placing a loved one outside of their private home for care can be unsettling for both the elder and their family.  In order to make the best informed decision on placement there are…

by Jo-Aynne von Born, Executive Coach Hurricane Irma was wearisome for many of us but any crises we face can be an opportunity to bring out the best in us. The critical factor is presence of mind. What is that exactly? The ability to remain calm and take quick, sensible action. If this type of…

How well do you think you know your entitlement to social security benefits? Entitlement to benefits is based on a variety of factors such as marital status (including remarriage). How a change in marital status impacts your benefits: SSI Benefits: If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which limits you to owning no more than $2,000.00 in countable…

By Hope Rivera Many Americans spend their entire working lives saving for retirement. Everyone knows the significance of funding their 401k, stashing some money away in securities, and investing in real estate.  The question is:  how do you use those investments once you retire in order to supplement your income? There are many ways to…

Twas the night before settlement at your client’s house where a special needs loved one was beginning to grouse. The elder law attorney advised them Beware! That a special needs trust needs special care. Families and lawyers must know in their heads that equipment is needed like hospital beds Lawyers ran to the courthouse; a settlement–…

By Paul McDermott Life is made up of many special moments that you may want to preserve in photos. Photographs should be fun and tell a story. Holidays are a popular time to capture you, your family or even your pet to share with friends and loved ones. These special moments live on in your photographs. Here…