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Over the past two years there has been increased focus on the scourge of elder abuse in all its forms. Yet, the awareness effort has not led to any federal legal changes to help protect seniors from things like physical neglect at home to senior financial exploitation. That may soon…
There is a tendency to underestimate the actual risk of suffering mental and physical disabilities as one ages. Everyone knows that seniors often face physical issues and others suffer from cognitive problems, but most relatively healthy individuals convince themselves that they are less likely to face those concerns down the…
This week the Washington Post published an interesting, extended story seeking to share information on life in assisted-living facilities. The article, written by a man living in one of these homes, paints a grim picture of life for seniors needing extra day-to-day care. The text was adapted from a literary…
One of the more unique estate planning feuds in recent memory remains under investigation, three years following the death of the family matriarch that started the debacle. While few families descend into physical violence, our New York estate planning lawyers appreciate that this case is a stark reminder of the…
Senior care advocates repeatedly remind families that oversight is needed in some cases to ensure seniors do not fall victim to financial exploitation. Having an elder law estate planning attorney involved in the process is one way to provide some professional oversight. However, beyond protecting against scammers and hucksters, many…
Our New York estate planning attorneys frequently remind residents that it is important to update an estate plan following major life changes, such as a divorce or marriage. However, that basic advice may be misleading, because in some cases it is crucial to consider updating the plan before the major…
CBS News recently reported on glowing praise for a relatively small program seeking to help seniors live independently. Known as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), the program is being credited with helping many on New York Medicaid avoid being forced to move into nursing homes. For…
Taxes undoubtedly play a determinant role in New York estate planning. Understanding how assets can be transferred and passed on while incurring the lowest tax burden is crucial. Yet, it is a drastic oversimplification to assume that planning involves only looking at taxes. The “human” element is often even more…
No legal news item last week was bigger than the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold virtually the entirety of the Affordable Care Act (so-called “Obamacare”). In a move that surprised many observers, in a 5-4 decision the Court deemed the controversial “individual mandate” portion of the measure constitutional on…
Elder law professionals agree that preventing senior financial exploitation requires acting fast–it is never too early to investigate suspicions about a senior loved one’s finances. As reported in a recent Star-Telegram article, many adult children begin asking questions about their parents finances only when it is too late–after they’ve already…