As recent article in the Star Tribune put it, all but the wealthiest of us have moved from an “inheritance” society to “let’s make sure Mom and Dad have enough to live out their lives scenario.” Ten years ago Americans expected more inheritance from their parents than they do now.…
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New York Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog
Medicaid and Pension Obligations Pressuring State Budgets
A new report from the “State Budget Task Force” released last week found that two issues were by far the most pressing for state and local government budgets: pensions and Medicaid. The full report can be viewed HERE. Chaired by former New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravich, the group creating…
DOMA Challenge Likely Headed to U.S. Supreme Court
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/edie-windsors-fight-for-same-sex-marriage-rights-continues-even-after-partners-death/2012/07/19/gJQARguhwW_story.html In the wake of the passage of marriage equality laws in our state, many assumed that the issue was settled for New York’s same-sex couples–they would be treated the same as all other couples in our state. Not so. Our New York estate planning attorneys are acutely aware of…
Federal Bill to Protect Seniors Advances in Senate
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…
Institute of Medicine Report: 1 in 5 Boomers With Mental Health Issue
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…
Life in an Assisted Living Facility
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…
Bizarre Estate Feud Leads to Drive By Shooting
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…
Losing Home Over $400 Tax Bill
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…
Consider Updating Your Estate Plan Before Remarrying
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…
Is PACE Program Future of Senior Health Care?
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…