What will happen to your family if you pass away unexpectedly? If you pass away without an Estate Plan in place, the government will decide what happens with your estate. Don’t leave your estate in the hands of the government. This can be an uncomfortable topic to think about, and as a result, many people…
By Scott Collins, Esq. We raised them, fed them, educated them, and sent them into the world to be self-reliant. Yes, some may have “boomeranged” back for a spell after a major life change, but one of our goals as parents is to help our children lead independent lives. So how do we keep ourselves…
By Scott E. Collins, Esq. Are you working with an attorney to navigate Medicaid and long-term care, securing veterans benefits or getting your Last Will and Testament finalized? Want the inside track on what they should be offering you, but aren’t? As an attorney who specializes in elder law, I can tell you what to…
Think you or a loved one could need assisted living in the next six to 12 months? Here’s five easy things you can do now to ease future financial burdens and protect everything you’ve worked for so you can focus on getting the care you need. 1) Establish a caregiver agreement. Even if the caregivers…
The headlines are rife with Britney Spears’ name yet again, and it seems this young woman’s battle with her conservatorship may see its end. As an elder law attorney who deals with guardianship and conservatorship cases, I’ll let you in on a little secret: you don’t need a multimillion-dollar fortune to end up with Ms.…
Since COVID, it seems our lives have had to become e-EVERYTHING. This includes legal documents, like electronic wills, or “e-wills” that are gaining popularity. But don’t be fooled, though they may seem convenient, they can cost you more in the long run without a lawyer’s guidance. “Elder law is so specialized, so focused on an…
As a former minister and now as an attorney, I have been working with families in healthcare emergencies and crisis situations like death and dying since 1991. The death of a loved one is deeply painful, sobering and usually creates conflict within families. Without some preparation on your part, it will create conflict in yours,…
In the largest ever nationwide elder fraud sweep the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has identified more than 260 defendants in fraud accounting for more than 750 million dollars. In each case, the defendants allegedly engaged in financial tactics that either specifically targeted or mostly affected seniors. The fraud operations are evident in every federal…
Doesn’t it make sense for a family member to care for a senior who needs help at home, rather than paying someone else or an agency? Or uprooting the senior into an institution? The family member can pay the bills, balance the checkbook, keep the house clean, shop and make meals, and take the senior…
Your right to vote is a fundamental lynchpin of what it means to be a citizen – yet you could lose your right if you become a ward in a guardianship. Having a strong power of attorney is essential to avoid that drastic, but little-known, consequence. A power of attorney gives a trusted person the…