The New Normal is adult children who take care of parents—and parents who take care of adult children Many of us travel when we can to visit family we have not seen in a while. This family may be aging parents, or grown children who have started families of their own. Some of us, however, […]
Modern Families – Caring For Our Aging Parents And Adult Children Read More »
The Veterans Administration has announced changes to the eligibility requirements for Veterans to receive Aid and Attendance benefits. The two most significant changes the VA has added is a gifting penalty and a 36-month look-back period for gifts an uncompensated transfers. These changes go in effect October 18, 2016 Overview of VA Aid and Attendance
New VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility Requirements Go Into Effect this Week Read More »
The Texas legislature created a standard, statutory form for the durable power of attorney. This is also known as a Financial Power of Attorney. This document, along with a Medical Power of Attorney, addresses circumstances when an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves. Individuals who execute these documents help their families avoid spending
Updates to the Texas Financial Power of Attorney Read More »
Young Kids Create Special Considerations for Estate Planning When you have kids—especially young adults or minor children—estate planning is more critical than ever. Children introduce several unique concerns. There are more questions to think about, and there’s more riding on getting it right; so this is a crucial matter to think about early. There are
How Children Influence your Estate Plan Read More »
Congratulations, you’ve just signed your will. Now what? It’s important to keep your will in a safe place where someone will be able to find it. Probating a will is very difficult unless the original can be produced. This could add significant time and expense to the probate process. Here are some options to consider:
How to Store your Will to Avoid Issues with Probate Read More »
Wondering whether you can name more than one individual as agent in your power of attorney (POA)? Worried you’ll make the wrong choice? This article contains all the information you need to make an informed decision about when shared agency is useful and how to use it properly. Definition of agent or attorney-in-fact: Principal The
Pros and Cons of Having More Than One Agent Under a Financial Power of Attorney Read More »
What Happens if You Die Without a Will? If you die without a will, it won’t be your problem; it’ll be everyone else’s! Dying without a will is also known as dying “intestate.” It could mean that rather than leaving your heirs an estate, they inherit an expensive and confusing headache. Three Steps to Decide
Disadvantages of Dying without a Will Read More »
If you or a loved one has been receiving Medicare to pay for skilled nursing or therapy care and Medicare suddenly stopped paying, you may want to appeal that decision. The wrong standard may have been applied to your case. JIMMO MEDICARE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT In 2013, the Jimmo Settlement Agreement profoundly impacted Medicare coverage. Before
Revisiting Jimmo v. Sebelius and the “Improvement Standard” for Medicare Coverage Read More »
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 has doubled the Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption amount from $5.6 million to $11.2 million (2018 numbers). This means that if you are married, under portability rules, you and your spouse have a $22.4 million federal estate tax exemption (at least through 2026). Many people may
So the Estate and Gift Tax has doubled – does that mean anything for you? Read More »
Long-Term Care Payment Options Continue to be Limited The Wall Street Journal continues to report on the struggles of the long-term care insurance market. Why is this important? Long-term care insurance was viewed as the middle-class solution to affording long-term care. What steps can individuals take to plan for long-term care? Meet with your Financial
What Are The Long-Term Care Costs in Estate Planning? Read More »