Category Archives: Estate Planning
Planning for Long-Term Assisted Living and Nursing Care
Seven out of 10 people in the U.S. will require long-term care in their lifetime. This includes help with activities and tasks that a person can no longer perform on their own, such as eating, bathing, dressing and attending to personal health. Whether your eventual need for long-term care results from aging, illness or an […]
Living Trusts Are Powerful Tools To Be Used With Caution
Living trusts are sometimes talked about as though they are the ultimate solution to every estate planning goal. It is certainly true that a living trust — which is simply a trust created and funded while you are alive — can help you accomplish a wide variety of things. But there is no silver bullet […]
Understanding How COVID-19 May Have Affected the Value of Your Estate
The economic and personal upheaval triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to warrant a review of your estate plan, no matter how thorough you think it is. As Americans cope with health fears and financial volatility, it’s worthwhile to determine whether a will, trust, advance medical directive or other legal instrument needs to be […]
What is “Bitcoin” and how do I include it in my Will or on my Taxes
Bitcoin is legally known as cryptocurrency. It is an Internet Asset. As the world expands and “real” life becomes intertwined with the internet, more and more people are going to have internet assets. One of the most popular forms of internet assets is cryptocurrency, for example, “Bitcoin.” Cryptocurrency actually refers to a code with a unique number […]
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack and Stroke
It’s important to catch potential heart attacks and strokes as soon as possible. Below are some indicators that together or separately warn of these medical emergencies. Heart Attack Chest Discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest that lasts for several minutes and occurs intermittently Upper Body Discomfort: Could occur anywhere […]
Holocaust Reparations Can Be Protected from Medicaid
As part of our Elder Law practice, we know things that others don’t. Here’s some important information: Holocaust Reparations and Medicaid You may already know that your assets and income are a big factor in the Medicaid you receive. Almost any money you have can be taken by Medicaid. However, Holocaust reparations are often exempt […]
Important Reminder: POAs for College-Age Kids
My clients all know how much I stress the importance of everyone having a Power of Attorney (POA), even children once they turn 18. This is especially important now that it is time for incoming freshmen to start their first semester of college. What many parents do not realize is that once a child turns […]
“ICE” (In Case of Emergency) Advice
Old School: My clients know that I recommend keeping a card with you at all times that contains all your important personal and medical information in case of emergency. EMTs and paramedics are trained to look for emergency cards in the following places: 1 – Automobile – Glove Compartment 2 – Pedestrians – Wallet or Purse […]
Did You Know? 401(k) Loans
Generally, loans taken from 401(k) plans must be repaid within five (5) years in “substantially level payments,” including principal and interest, at least quarterly. Loan repayments may be suspended for a one (1) year leave of absence, but the loan must still be repaid within the original five (5) year period. If the loan was […]
Premarital Wills
NJSA 3B:5-15 provides that if a person had a Will, and later married but did not update the Will, then the surviving spouse a share of the Estate equal to the “intestate share” as though the Testator died intestate. The Legislature assumes that the person forgot to update his or her Will and would want […]
