Certified Elder Law Attorneys Serving New Jersey Residents Since 1978.
Establishing a special needs trust for a family member with special needs can feel like an impossible feat for many parents and grandparents. Most families do not have hundreds of thousands of dollars in liquid capital to set aside in a trust. Thankfully, financial...
Tax can have a profound impact on the estate planning process. Testators need to consider the taxes that their estate may owe. They may also need to plan in advance for the taxes that their beneficiaries could end up responsible for after their passing. Frequently,...
Long-term care may involve hiring a home health aide later in life when independent living becomes a challenge. It might also entail moving into a nursing home or similar long-term care facility. The costs associated with long-term care often add up quickly and can...
If a family member can no longer make decisions for themselves and they have not given anyone legal authority to act on their behalf, you may need to petition the court for guardianship. This legal process allows you to step in and make important decisions on their...
Yes, Social Security affects Medicaid eligibility, but not in the way many people assume. In New Jersey, your benefits count as income, not assets. While that can impact eligibility, it doesn’t automatically disqualify someone. Here’s how to approach it with the right...
Asset protection planning isn't just for those with multi-million dollar homes and business holdings. Anyone who owns real property may want to think about how to preserve their homes and protect them from claims in the future. During asset protection planning,...
While programs like Medicaid provide essential medical care, they don’t always cover expenses that can improve your loved one’s quality of life. These include specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, educational support and recreation programs, among others. A...
Many people fear conservatorships. They feel an aversion to losing control of their finances. Conservatorships exist to protect people who are vulnerable, not to endanger them. While family members may feel nervous about pursuing conservatorship, the reality is that...
The main purpose of a special needs trust is typically to provide supplemental financial support for individuals who cannot live independently. Parents, grandparents and other family members may fund a trust to help a loved one with special needs live independently,...
When Americans reach the age of 65, they’re typically eligible for Medicare benefits. Medicare is an earned retirement benefit that provides basic medical coverage. Many people assume that Medicare can cover all of their major care expenses. However, there are...
