Jessica Arends

Families with a disabled minor child are usually vigilant about setting up a plan that will care for and protect the special needs of their child. These families understand the value of setting up a special needs trust that will receive the child’s inheritance upon the parents passing. But special planning is also appropriate for […]

Even if your nest is recently empty or down one bird – a mother’s job is never done. Your 18 year-old is now classified as a legal adult. But, we all know, even if your child doesn’t, that your guidance is still key to their success. Be the one to give your child a push

With the difference between Medicare and Medicaid straightened out (see my previous article if you missed it), it is good to explore what Medicaid actually covers. A person that is asset and income eligible has three main scenarios in which government benefits may be received. Skilled Nursing Care. I refer to the first as skilled

Comparing apples to oranges is like comparing Medicare to Medicaid. While the first two are fruits, and the second two are government programs – there are major differences from fruit to fruit and from program to program. But what is the difference? I first explored this question when I decided to practice Elder Law. Most

A revocable trust is a key document for many estate plans. It usually is drafted to give the person setting it up (called the settlor) full control by naming them trustee and beneficiary during their lifetime. It also addresses how the assets will be distributed at the settlor’s death. But many clients ask how this

The home phone rings at your elderly grandmother’s home. She hasn’t upgraded her phone so she can see who is calling. She answers hoping to hear a familiar voice but instead hears a stranger from a collection agency. Your granny is smart and wants these collection calls to stop so she politely tells them to

I regularly talk to clients who are 60 years old and above about how they plan to pay for skilled nursing care if it becomes unavoidable. The major part of this conversation is an explanation of how someone who makes gifts within 5 years of needing care could be penalized before benefits are made available.

Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Click on the attached flyer for more information. Seminar Flyer

I am impressed by the amount of families that have provided care to an aging family member in their own home. Although it takes a ton of time and coordination, these families have delayed the need for their aging loved one to leave home and seek assisted living or skilled nursing care. This is very

Mr. Baby Boomer worked hard his entire life and faithfully maxed out annual contributions to his individual retirement account (IRA). When he passed away, his daughter was devastated by the loss of her father, but thankful to inherit his IRA. Although her father didn’t know, she and her husband were going through major financial stress