Focus on Awareness of Legal Options for People with Disabilities October 21, 2021, Richmond – Elder Law Guidance, The Elder Law Practice of Scott E. Collins, PLLC, is celebrating National Special Needs Law Month in October, as established by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). The Richmond-based firm is raising awareness about the…
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.…
The Risks of Hastily Transferring Assets for Medicaid Eligibility My friend’s mother just had a stroke. Another (well-meaning) friend told her if she wanted to make sure she could get her mom into a nursing home soon and get it covered by Medicaid, she should have her mom sign her condo and car over to…
Okay, so maybe we don’t know everything we’re supposed to know as grown-ups. We know why the sky is blue (wavelengths and all) and we can rattle off those math facts like nobody’s business even if we can’t explain our kid’s (or grandkid’s) math to them. But some things, like how to pay for long…
Do I or don’t I need a lawyer for this? If you’ve found yourself pondering this, I encourage you to consider reaching out to an elder law attorney if: You’re over 65 and visit the hospital. Yes, once you’re in the hospital, all you’re thinking about is going home. But if you entertain the idea…
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…
I Just Lost $20K and No One Told Me? I have this kind of conversation every week with a potential client trying to qualify for Medicaid. We find they receive advice by a business office worker at a nursing home or friend with “experience.” They trust them when they advise them to “just spend down…
Many families think of retirement planning like University of Kentucky Basketball recruiting: one and done! That isn’t always the best route. Reviewing your plans now, especially considering the impact of tax deferred instruments such as 401k’s, IRA’s and even some annuities is extremely important to prevent huge tax consequences and losses in the future. If…