For many of us, the simple act of creating an estate plan may seem daunting and, once done, we tend to put it in the “completed” pile. But it’s important …
First things first. Everyone who owns something and has wishes about how they age or who might benefit after they are gone needs an estate plan.
Even with the recent cooling of the real estate market, home prices have been on an impressive trajectory for the last several years. If you are a senior in retirement, …
And When Should Some Powers of Attorney be “Durable”? You may have had some exposure to executing a power of attorney in your lifetime. Essentially, a power of attorney, or …
Even with the recent cooling of the real estate market, home prices have been on an impressive trajectory for the last several years. If you are a senior in retirement, …
Do you have a will? If so, we commend you. Having a last will and testament in place will help ensure your wishes regarding the conveyance of your assets after …
It can be hard to imagine a time when we’re not self-sufficient. However, needing some level of assistance as we age is a real probability. In fact, over half of …
If we could name one asset that is the most important to manage when it comes to government-funded nursing home assistance, it would be the family home.
In general, estate planning is a good idea for everyone. It helps address questions regarding who handles your affairs if you lose capacity, as well as the orderly transfer of …
Could It Happen In New Hampshire? Rarely do guardianship arrangements make the national news. The story of Britney Spears is a notable exception, not only gaining the attention of national …
You rely on your Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits to provide much-needed financial assistance, and have consistently received the same benefit amount on the same day every month. Then one …
In New Hampshire, an individual legally becomes an adult at age 18. As a result, there are a number of issues that require consideration well in advance of a family …
One of the most difficult decisions facing seniors and their families is where they will best be cared for in later life. A study of 8,000 seniors reported in the …
For the vast majority of families, parents have the sole responsibility for the care and support of a child with special needs or a disability. We’ve discussed the need to …
As complicated as life can be, reconciling an estate after our death can be a tremendous task for surviving loved ones. Even if a person dies leaving a Last Will …
We all know at least one story of a family relationship harmed by a contentious inheritance fight after the death of loved one. The general rule of thumb is the …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) is the federal agency that oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs. On March 13, 2020, CMS made a number of rule changes …
As a parent, discovering your baby has special needs can be overwhelming. Perhaps it was something you expected because of prenatal testing or birth trauma, or maybe your baby’s disability …
Comprehensive federal legislation referred to as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (the “Secure Act”), became effective on January 1, 2020. The Secure Act makes changes …
Planning for end of life can be more than a little intimidating. (Perhaps that’s why 76% of respondents in a recent survey thought having a Will was important, but only 40% had …
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. What is a non-intrusive, low-risk way to help seniors in a nursing home to reduce stress, relieve boredom, and provide a needed …
Special Needs Planning Basics It’s difficult to know where to start with writing a letter of intent. The information provided here is designed to give you some ideas of what …
Your father recently passed away, and you’ve learned that your sister has been named executor of his estate. Where does that leave you? If you’ve lived through the death of …
Susan’s mother had always been extremely independent, working as a school superintendent well into her 70’s and living alone after the death of her husband over 20 years ago. Then …
Here’s a scenario that may be familiar to families whose adult children receive federal or state benefits, and who are concerned with how various expenses can be covered without negatively …
If you are the parent or guardian of a child or an adult with special needs, the day-to-day demands alone can be overwhelming. Thinking about the future can seem like …
It happens suddenly. A formerly independent family member can no longer navigate life at home successfully without assistance. Is it time to consider moving to assisted living or a nursing …
The journey to get here has been challenging and rewarding. You couldn’t be prouder of your child for successfully navigating an educational system that simply wasn’t built for him or …
If you’ve ever been faced with managing the details of administering a deceased loved one’s estate, you appreciate how confusing and stressful the entire process can be. You probably never …
As a parent or guardian of a child with special needs, you’ve meticulously planned and provided for your child’s educational and care needs. Then, one day, it hits you. All …
Age 21 Transition to adult Medicaid Children who are enrolled in a Medicaid program are entitled to robust medical services, some of which are mandated by the federal Early and …
Providing for a child or adult with special needs requires meticulous planning. Once families have created their special needs trust, ensured medical benefits are in place and preserved, and …
The landscape of need-based VA pensions and benefits is quietly changing this month, including the new requirement of a 36-month “look-back” period to determine financial eligibility. If you’re a …
You’re a responsible individual. You’ve done estate planning to provide for the distribution of your assets to protect those you love. If you’re like most of us, when you hear …
Age 65 Medicare is a health insurance program offering coverage to individuals who are over the age of 65 and eligible to receive Social Security Retirement or Railroad Retirement benefits. …
Age 55 A State’s Right to be Reimbursed for Cost of Medicaid Assistance The age of 55 is relevant because it limits a State’s right to seek reimbursement for Medicaid …
Age 22 is relevant because there are many public benefit programs that require proof that a person’s disability arose before reaching age 22 in order to establish eligibility. While it …
Age 26 Parents of a child with special needs continually look for ways to enrich the quality of their child’s life and ensure his or her future health and wellbeing. …
Divorce is never an easy process and it becomes more complicated when children are involved and parents are considering how to structure custody, support, and visitation. If a child with …
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) Medicaid program offers a number of programs that provide long term supports and services to individuals living in the community. …
Petitioning the court for guardianship over another individual is sometimes necessary when the individual in question is not able to provide for his or her own basic needs such as, …
“In a divorce case where there is a child with special needs or a disability, are there special considerations that the family law attorney should be aware of when requesting …
If you’re a parent of a child with special needs and you’re wondering whether or not a special needs trust is something that you should create to handle future income …
ABLE is just the short name for Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. ABLE is a federal law that allows a person with disabilities to own a taxed advantaged savings …
“My mom died and owned a car. Can my dad register it in his name?” If your parent dies and was married at the time and you still have one …
We have clients that already have a special needs trust in place that is helping them in many different ways and they wanted to know whether it would make sense …
“I moved in with my parents 10 years ago. Can their house be put into my name now that they’re going into a nursing home?” If you have moved into …
A Medicaid look-back period relates to how far back the state of New Hampshire can look at your financial records to determine whether you’re financially eligible for Medicaid nursing facility …
‘I’ve heard about a Medicaid spend-down –what is that?” A Medicaid spend down relates to how much money has to be spent before Medicaid eligibility is achieved. Medicaid is a …
“I heard the state is going to take my house if my spouse gets admitted to a nursing home. Is that true?” We have many clients who have the …
“My mom went into a nursing home and lost everything. I want to put my house in an irrevocable trust. Can you help? Is that advisable?” Should you put your …
If you are the parent or guardian of a child with special needs, you’ve already experienced the various challenges of navigating the complex world of government benefits programs and federal …
In 1900, average life expectancy in the U.S. was about 47. Today, it’s nearly 80. As we are getting older, the chances of needing long-term or nursing home care has …
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, codified at 26 U.S.C. §529A, offers a valuable planning tool for persons with disabilities. Before ABLE …
Is it too late to plan for Medicaid if my spouse already is in a nursing home? Many individuals fully intend to take care of their spouse until the end …
Question: What is the difference between a “living will” and a “durable power of attorney for health care?” Do I need both and, if so, which is more important? Answer: …
The best way to take full advantage of your Medicare benefits is to be aware of the terms of your coverage. A summary of general Medicare coverage information for 2023 …