Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, left behind a legacy of music that will live on forever. But she also left behind a legacy of estate planning mistakes that have kept her family in court for years. As an elder law and estate planning attorney, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have Read more about From An Estate Planning Attorney: Lessons Learned from Aretha Franklin’s Long Estate Battle[…]

 Trusts are a key tool in order to better protect your assets and property while ensuring they go to their designated beneficiaries after you die. However, not all trusts are equal; some are more appropriate for certain situations than others. This article will guide you through the process of choosing one that best fits Read more about Which Trust Should I Setup?[…]

 Like most people, you want to mitigate risks and plan for the future as you prepare to enter retirement. You want to know that your loved ones are in good hands should you suffer a debilitating illness or have some significant physical life event. If you are incapacitated, who decides if you’re going to Read more about You Need a Medical Power of Attorney, Now![…]

 As a new retiree, a part of your retirement plan should have been an estate plan which includes planning for the unexpected. If you have not had an estate plan created yet, here’s a sample of what you need based upon recommendations from Mindy Felinton, Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney: Comprehensive Financial Power Read more about Just Retired? Here’s What You Need to Do Next as a New Retiree[…]

 Mindy Felinton, Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney, consistently receives a very valid question from her clients, “Why do I need a trust?”. The answer is…. Maybe I do, maybe I don’t! There are several factors to consider in having a Trust which can include: Avoiding the enormous cost of Probate (we’re talking about Read more about Is a Trust Really Needed?[…]

 There is no such thing as a “cookie-cutter” family. Every family unit is individual and has its own needs, whether you are raising children on your own as a single parent, bringing up someone else’s biological children from a previous relationship, or you are raising yours together with your partner. You could be an Read more about Why a Customized Estate Plan is Important![…]

 Did you know that if you do not pre-plan, your estate will go into Probate after you pass on? And while you will not be here to deal with the hassles, your loved ones will. Probate is a complex and complicated legal proceeding where the courts determine how to handle your assets and other Read more about The Complexity & Impact of Probate Court[…]

 With the tough times we have been going through these days, many people have paused to look towards the future. Within that is the crucial step that many miss, Estate Planning. So, with that said, you have several options, including a Revocable and/or an Irrevocable Trust. But many people do not know the difference. Read more about Comparing Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts[…]

 It’s the last thing you want to worry about when your spouse goes into a nursing home, but it’s often top of mind… Paying for your loved one’s care. High costs of nursing care have made planning a critically important issue for seniors and their families. Sadly, many are unprepared for the significant financial Read more about How to Avoid the Enormous Cost of Nursing Home Care[…]

 Preparing for the inevitable… It is something almost no one wants to do, but, with COVID-19, many people who would have avoided creating an estate plan, found themselves doing just that. NBC News reports, “More Americans turned their attention to life insurance, wills and trusts last year as the coronavirus pandemic made the reality Read more about It’s Never Too Early to Create an Estate Plan, Here’s Why![…]

 When you talk about Estate Planning, you often hear the terms “Will” and “Trust” used together. They both have a role in determining who receives your assets after you die, but they are different documents that serve different purposes. Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney, Mindy Felinton, wants to help explain these terms to Read more about Comparing Wills and Trusts[…]

 Pets, they are often called Man’s best friend! Truth be told, some of us would rather spend time with our beloved pets than with some family members. You can be re-assured to know that we can plan for what will happen to Fido or Fluffy after we are gone, by establishing a Pet Trust. Read more about Protecting Your Pet After Passing Away[…]

 If you have aging parents, you know there are some difficult and emotional discussions you must have with them. You do not want to upset them, but planning for the inevitable is essential! In this blog, Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney, Mindy Felinton, will provide you with several tools to help ensure that Read more about Having Difficult Conversations with Parents on End of Life[…]

 In Maryland, it’s not unusual for residents to own a second, out-of-state property, like in Florida. It may be a home or a condo at the beach that provides a place to escape the sauna-like summers. However, if you own homes in multiple states, the Probate court process can make it even more expensive Read more about Estate Planning with 2 Homes in Multiple States[…]

 No matter how old they are, they will always be your little girl or little boy. But legally, once your child turns 18, he or she is considered an adult. Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Mindy Felinton says, “That’s why critical documents need to be created.” An Estate Plan is Not Just About Read more about You Need to Have an Estate Plan for Your Adult Children[…]

 Planning for Death is not something any of us like to do, but most of us understand it is a necessity. We also recommend planning for your incapacity which is essential, and most people do not consider the risks of not having this place. We may have had personal experiences where a friend or Read more about Planning for the Unknown: Your Incapacity[…]

 A Divorce can be stressful and put mental strain on you and your family members. Unfortunately, Estate Planning or updating your Estate Plan is generally not top of mind when you are going through a divorce which can impact your future. Your children, custody issues and the division of your assets and liabilities often Read more about What is the Impact of Divorce on an Estate Plan?[…]

 If you are looking to create a comprehensive estate plan, you absolutely cannot overlook, incapacity planning. Incapacity planning is the process of establishing a financial or estate plan that addresses the issue of incapacity due to a disease or memory loss, or another debilitating condition. Planning Too Late is Risky Business The circumstances surrounding Read more about Incapacity & the Relationship to Estate Planning[…]

 Guardianship is serious business! Guardianship can be used to take away a person’s rights or liberties in order to protect them and is extreme. If someone is threatening to file for Guardianship whether it’s a family member, an attorney or even a neighbor and it’s not necessary, there are a number of options available Read more about What is Guardianship and How Can You Avoid It?[…]

Getting older and needing help can be challenging. Unfortunately, with the rising costs of long-term care, the cost of getting that help adds to the challenge. If you or a loved one need rehabilitation or nursing home care, you might think you will need to drain your bank account before you can get government assistance Read more about How to Use Medicaid to Pay for the Nursing Home[…]

Let’s be honest, no one really likes to discuss estate planning, however it is a critical piece of one’s retirement plans that is often overlooked. Considering today’s climate, it is especially true considering the uncertainty that has happened this year. Here at Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, we are asked, how do you Read more about Why is Asset Protection Important?[…]

When you need an Estate Plan for yourself, or an elderly loved one, you want an attorney who is more than knowledgeable, you want someone you can trust. After all, these are critical decisions that should be along with your retirement plans. Why Mindy Felinton That’s why Attorney Mindy Felinton with offices in Rockville, Maryland Read more about Testimonial & Review of Elder Law Attorney, Mindy Felinton[…]

If you have Medicaid coverage for nursing home care, there is a chance that the state may file a claim to take monies form the value of your house after you pass away. To protect your house after moving into a nursing home, you should take the necessary measures to secure your home and protect Read more about How to Protect Your House After You Move Into a Nursing Home[…]

If you have an elderly parent or family member who needs long-term care, you understand that it can be very expensive. According to Care.com (https://www.care.com/c/stories/10237/cost-of-senior-care/) , the average cost for nursing home care can range from $6,000 even up to $16,000 a month in Florida and Maryland. In most cases, neither the parent or adult Read more about How to Reduce Nursing Home Costs[…]

If your family member is getting older and seems to be at risk for injuries and falls, it’s imperative to look into alternative health care for them. Of course, there are programs that will assist your loved ones who need 24-hour nursing care. If you’re in a position that gives you the authority to make Read more about How to Avoid the Costs of Long-Term and Nursing Home Care[…]

When you notice your parents are showing signs of aging, you need to decide on the best course of action to provide guidance and help. Even if they have their mental faculties are in tack and they are mobile, it’s still recommended to have a plan in place to ensure that they are given the Read more about How to Care for Your Aging Parents[…]

Today, second marriages have created a diverse family lifestyle blending newly born and existing step-children under a single roof. As life gets busy, the lack of having an estate plan or not updating an existing one to include the new spouse and children is common. So are the problems connected to the distribution of assets Read more about Estate Planning for Children with Different Parents[…]

When you die, you will likely have possessions and assets that you want to transfer to your family members or other loved ones. There are two approaches you may take to address how this will occur. You can either see an attorney for estate planning, or you can let the court system in your state Read more about What Are Some Concerns for My Estate?[…]

While there’s no telling exactly what the future holds, we do know that each of us will experience some kind of decline, as we age. Whether that will include physical conditions, cognitive degeneration, or a combination of the two, there’s really no way to know. All we can really do is prepare for the worst Read more about What Happens If I Become Incapacitated As a Senior?[…]

Powers of attorney is a legal document that allows another person (or agent) to make binding decisions on behalf of another person. There are different types of powers of attorney that grant different types of decision-making authority to the agent. Some powers of attorney allow the person the agent to make financial decisions and sign Read more about What is Powers of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?[…]

FELINTON ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING CENTERS believes in delivering the absolute best client experience, and in order to better serve you, we are announcing new appointment times for people who work during regular business hours. Days Hours Monday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 Read more about New Hours![…]

We don’t like to discuss it, even with our closest loved ones, but our later years will be marked by a more than likely decline in physical or mental health. In many cases, both our physical bodies and our cognitive functioning declines, as we get older. That means we have to plan for the probability Read more about How Do I Talk To My Parents About Long-Term Care?[…]

Should you really consider doing your own estate planning? Everyone needs an estate plan but many people don’t believe they have enough assets to warrant estate planning or paying special attention to it. You may have written a will years ago and put it in a drawer or safety deposit box, where it might sit Read more about Doing Your Own Estate Planning? Why You Should Consult an Attorney[…]

Even middle-class Americans with serious health issues might find themselves financially overwhelmed and in need of government assistance with their medical bills. That’s why Medicaid was established in the first place — to help with the high cost of healthcare when patients can’t otherwise afford to pay. Unfortunately, Medicaid will only provide assistance if you Read more about Transferring Assets for Medicaid Eligibility[…]

Whether or not you own a business, the protection of your personal or business assets should be a priority — but not something that keeps you up at night. While unforeseen events can make you unexpectedly vulnerable, most risks to such major assets as your home, rental properties or businesses can be avoided through these 4 Read more about 4 Asset Protection Strategies to Protect Your Home or Business[…]

Medicaid planning can be a stressful and confusing process under even the best of circumstances. But it can be even worse if you’re stressed with trying to place a loved one in a nursing home or through the healthcare system and figure out how to pay for it. Medcaid planning is important because regardless of Read more about Why You Should Use a Lawyer for Medicaid Planning[…]

The price tag for anyone seeking long-term care – whether it’s you or for a loved one -isn’t getting any cheaper. Instead, it’s heading in the other direction. Specifically, in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, you can expect to pay $14,000 on average a month, climbing all the way to $168,000 a year. A survey by Genworth showed Read more about The Cost of Nursing Homes is Rising in the Washington DC Metro Area[…]

In a perfect world, you and your spouse would be on the same page when it comes to retirement topics. Your goals would align, you would have the same objectives and have a similar vision for the future. However, what happens when you disagree about one or more retirement topics? In these situations, it is Read more about Retirement Topics to Discuss With Your Significant Other[…]

We’ll be at Women’s Fest 2017 showcasing our services and speaking to showgoers! Women’s Fest 2017 is an event all focused around women bringing together extraordinary workshops, entertainment and a collaboration of ideas. Stop by our booth and let us know what you think!

How to Ensure Your Parents Don’t Lose Their Home, Bank Accounts, & Assets To Long Term Care Costs A friend relayed a story that is one I hear all too often when it comes for caring for aging parents. Her friend, I’ll call him Bob to protect his identity, has an aging father who is Read more about The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Aging Parents[…]

Estate planning is of crucial importance to adults from all walks of life. This includes individuals with extensive assets as well as people of more moderate means, who nonetheless, have desires regarding the distribution of their property after death. One area of particular importance is not only bequeathing assets to adult beneficiaries but also protecting Read more about Estate Planning and Protecting Your Adult Beneficaries[…]

Probate and real estate can become even more complicated and expensive when a person who died owned real estate in multiple states. Since each piece of property is controlled by the law of the state that it’s situated in, your loved ones would have to go through probate courts in each of those states. For Read more about Probate and real estate in multiple states[…]

Americans are living longer than ever, and services like home-based assistance and long-term care facilities that are designed for the needs of the elderly can be very expensive. Many people may even put off exploring options that might help them live more comfortably and safely if that would mean exhausting their savings and other financial Read more about Estate Planning in Medicaid[…]

Medicare beneficiaries often buy “Medigap” insurance that pays for many of regular Medicare’s deductibles and copayments. But as a result of legislation just passed by Congress, starting in 2020 Medigap plans will no longer be allowed to offer coverage of the Medicare Part B deductible, which is currently $147 (in 2015). However, current Medigap policyholders Read more about Congress Schedules End to Insurance Coverage of Medicare Part B Deductible[…]

Can a person apply for Medicaid before assets are spent down to below $2,000? Once assets are down to $2,000, who is responsible for paying the nursing home costs while waiting for Medicaid approval—the wife, the children?  Yes, people can apply for benefits before they are eligible, with the approval taking effect on the date Read more about Who Pays the Nursing Home While Waiting for Medicaid Approval?[…]

The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States has increased 4.2 percent to $91,250 a year, according to the 2015 edition of a Cost of Care survey that the insurer Genworth has conducted for the past 12 years.  Genworth reports that the median cost of a semi-private room in a nursing Read more about Cost of Private Nursing Home Room Now Averaging $91,250[…]

A power of attorney may seem like a simple document, but there are several important decisions that need to be made when creating one. From whom to appoint to what powers to grant, care and consideration should be put into each choice. A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents Read more about Decisions to Make for Your Power of Attorney[…]

My sister holds the power of attorney (POA) for our mother, but I think she is stealing from my mother. How do I go about getting the POA transferred to me? What documents do I need?  If your mother is still legally competent, she can revoke her existing durable power of attorney and execute a Read more about How Can My Mother Revoke Power of Attorney From My Sister?[…]

My mother has been in a nursing home for the past three years.  When she went to the home I had control of her funds through a power of attorney and have spent almost all of about $350,000 on her care. I did also make an investment that she and I had planned before she Read more about Will Medicaid Count an Investment Gone Bad As an Asset?[…]

We accumulate a lot of stuff over a lifetime and at some point – perhaps due to death, divorce, debt, or downsizing – we need to get rid of it. An estate sale is one way to dispose of possessions that you no longer want or need. There are many companies that help families sell Read more about The Ins and Outs of Estate Sales[…]

Do you want to live out your last days hooked up to a ventilator or a feeding tube?  Whether you want your life to be extended as long as possible or whether you want no life-sustaining measures at all, you need to make your wishes clear beforehand.  Chances are you won’t be able to express Read more about To Ensure Your End-of-Life Wishes Are Honored, an Advance Directive May Not Be Enough[…]

When a person enters a nursing home, who signs the legal documents? Themselves, the wife, the children, the stepchildren? Does signing make the person financially responsible for the nursing home costs?  If possible, the resident should sign the agreement him- or herself. If the resident is incapacitated, someone else may sign the agreement.  Whether this Read more about Am I Financially Liable If I Sign a Nursing Home Agreement for Someone Else?[…]

Planning one’s estate may seem like a daunting endeavor, but it definitely is an endeavor that invaluably saves time and money for your loved ones when settling your Estate. A qualified estate planning attorney is one of the important persons to turn to at moments like these. The attorney you hire must understand your needs. Read more about Questions to Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney[…]

At some point in their lifetime, most Americans will need an attorney for one reason or another — to assist with the purchase of a home, consultation for a new business, or advice regarding the myriad of complicated tax laws. But as we mature, there is a whole new set of legal matters that most Read more about Just What Is an Elder Law Attorney or Lawyer?[…]

2015 is the year when big changes can be expected in Estate Planning. The Green Book of 2014 already outlined certain proposals that give a clue as to what 2015 might hold for Estate Planning. Here’s a look at the estate planning changes for 2015 – • 2009 Rules Applicable for GST, Gift and Estate Read more about Estate Planning Changes for 2015[…]

As a woman, you have many things on your plate. You’re working, taking care of the household, and devoted to your family. With so many obligations, estate planning may not be at the top of your list. However, you need to think about your future and protect yourself. It is an unfortunate fact that nearly Read more about Estate Planning and Women[…]

Choosing Your Estate Planning Beneficiary Planning for what will happen to your estate after you pass is one of the most important decisions you will make to protect those you love. While no one enjoys thinking about these things, choosing your estate planning beneficiary brings the peace of knowing there is a plan in place. Read more about Choosing Your Estate Planning Beneficiary[…]

The terms 401(k) and individual retirement account (IRA) are bandied about quite a bit when discussing retirement planning, but what are the actual differences between the two? The main distinction is that a 401(k) — named for the section of the tax code that discusses it — is an employer-based plan, while an IRA is Read more about Retirement Planning: What Is the Difference Between a 401(k) and an IRA?[…]

Creating a living trust provides an effective means through which the probate process is avoided and assets may be protected from a variety of creditors. In creating a living trust, people commonly think about assets like real estate and investment accounts of different types. Personal property must not be overlooked when it comes to the Read more about Personal Property and Your Living Trust[…]

Your parents’ health could be one of the many factors that long-term care insurance providers take into account when deciding how much to charge you. One large insurer has started rating applicants based, in part, on the applicant’s parents’ medical histories. Genworth, a major provider of long-term care insurance, announced that it would rate applicants Read more about Parents’ Medical History May Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Expensive[…]

Issues in Elder Law: Health Care Decisions for Others One thing to consider in elder law is who can or will make health care decisions for someone else Whether you’ve been thoroughly prepared for a long time, or you’ve been thrust into the situation by a suddenly ill loved one, making health care decisions for Read more about Issues in Elder Law: Making Health Care Decisions for Someone Else[…]

If you are lucky enough to own a vacation home, then you need to figure out what will happen to it after you are gone. Many parents hope to keep vacation homes in the family, but guaranteeing that can be tricky. While meant to be fun and relaxing places to get away from everyday life, Read more about Estate Planning for a Vacation Home[…]

Estate Planning and Refinancing Your Home When you are considering the combination of estate planning and refinancing a home, you must remember that refinancing your home could have an impact on your future estate planning. We do not want to be morbid, but you must consider what would happen if you refinance your home and Read more about Refinancing Your Home Can Affect Your Estate Planning[…]

Elder Abuse in Financial Scams Physical health and mental acuity in elderly individuals may have declined significantly, leaving them easy targets for those who see an opportunity for easy gains. Older people are frequently the targets of well-organized financial scams that steal large sums of money from them before the perpetrators can be apprehended. These Read more about Elder Abuse in Financial Scams[…]

When it comes to legal issues related to wills, trusts, and probate for the elderly, it is critical for people to fully understand the legal ramifications and tax effects involved with implementing these types of legal instruments. Misinformation often leads people to make assumptions that can cause significant problems at inopportune times. Revocable trusts are Read more about Misconceptions with Revocable Trusts[…]

In today’s ever increasing digital world, most people have online accounts for a variety of services. Some of these services are financial ones, such as investment and savings accounts. In addition, items such as websites, social networking accounts, email accounts, airline miles and credit card rewards are also common. One aspect of estate planning that Read more about What To Do With Online Accounts After Death[…]

The decision to put a loved one into a nursing home is often a difficult one. While this event can be very emotional your family, they must also think of finances at this time. How can we afford this care? Is financial assistance available? These are just a few of the concerns that many may Read more about What Happens to Your House If You Enter a Nursing Home?[…]

It’s time to have that talk with your parents! No, not about a nursing home, mom, or, dad, you should think of selling the car. This talk is about estate planning for parents, something your parents and possibly even you have not yet considered. If you bring up the subject, don’t be surprised to get Read more about Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning![…]

Here are two things you probably did not know about estate planning. It’s not just for the wealthy, and it does not have to be complicated. Estate planning is simply a method to decide what will happen to what you own when you die. Death may be inevitable, but estate planning lets you decide now, Read more about Our Estate Planning Checklist[…]

It may seem far-fetched, greedy, or even pessimistic, but now is the best time to start planning over what to do with your assets when you die. However, estate planning can seem expensive, time-consuming, and tortuously difficult to plan and execute. With his simple guide, we will help you cover an overview of the estate Read more about Estate Planning 101: The Basics of Estate Planning[…]

There is a lot of confusion about Medicare, Medicaid and nursing home coverage. Much of that confusion comes down to the differences between the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Nonetheless, any questions about Medicaid patients leaving a skilled nursing facility in order to visit family should be answered before any arrangements are made. Under some circumstances, Read more about Leaving the Nursing Home to Visit Family Could Jeopardize Medicaid Coverage[…]

When you are in a situation that requires you to place a loved one in a nursing home for care, the first thing on your mind is quality. You want to make sure that your loved one is well cared for and that they are comfortable and happy. When you find a place that you Read more about Why You Might Not Want to Sign a Nursing Home Arbitration Agreement[…]

One of the most important decisions that you will ever make for a loved one is choosing his or her long-term care facility. If you are wondering how to choose an assisted living facility, you are not alone. Thousands of family members are concerned about finding a caring and supportive assisted living facility for their Read more about How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility[…]

From the moment they begin their careers, many look forward to retirement. They see retirement as a time when they can kick back, relax and enjoy their life without thinking about work. There are some retirement mistakes that individuals can make when planning for their retirement that can turn this would-be enjoyable time into one Read more about Retirement Mistakes You Need to Avoid[…]

Medicaid is a joint program of the states and federal government that provides health care coverage and long term care for people who don’t have other health insurance, or who have insurance that doesn’t cover everything they need. Unlike Medicare, which is for people over 65 or some people with disabilities, Medicaid has no age-requirement, Read more about Should You Prepare a Medicaid Application By Yourself?[…]

Is a will created on a tablet computer valid? An Ohio judge recently answered that question in the affirmative, but most states have not addressed the issue. As electronic devices become more commonplace, this question will inevitably arise more frequently. Javier Castro was in the hospital and wanted to draft a will. Because there was Read more about Are Electronic Wills Valid?[…]

Looking to help seniors in your community this holiday season? If you live in the Washington, D.C., area, The Washington Post has published a handy guide to local online volunteer databases that will help you find the perfect match. In Montgomery County, The Senior Connection needs volunteers to provide transportation, grocery shopping assistance, and other Read more about How to Help Seniors This Holiday Season[…]

Many people believe that joint accounts are a good way to avoid probate and transfer money to loved ones.  But while joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly.  Adding a loved one to a bank account can expose your account to the loved one’s creditors Read more about Be Aware of the Dangers of Joint Accounts[…]

When one member of a couple moves to a nursing home, we expect that spouse will be the first to die, but this isn’t always the case. What happens if a Medicaid recipient’s spouse dies first? If planning steps aren’t taken, the death of a spouse can affect the nursing home resident’s assets and eligibility Read more about Staying Eligible for Medicaid after the Death of a Spouse[…]

A federal court has ruled that banks can’t foreclose on surviving spouses of reverse mortgage holders when the spouses can’t pay off the mortgage.  The ruling should lead to regulatory changes that will help surviving spouses stay in their homes even if their names aren’t on the reverse mortgage. As ElderLawAnswers reported in 2012, if Read more about Surviving Spouses of Reverse Mortgage Holders[…]

She sat across from me, alternately dabbing at the tears that kept coming and wringing the tissue in her hands. “I can’t do this on my own.” I nodded in understanding, knowing what was coming next. “My husband served during the war, but there is no help for him now that he needs in-home care.  Read more about Veterans, We Thank You[…]

In order to qualify for Medicaid, you can’t have more than $2,000 in assets (in most states). Many people forget about life insurance when calculating their assets, but depending on the type of life insurance and the value of the policy, it can count as an asset. Life insurance policies are usually either “term” life Read more about Can Life Insurance Affect Your Medicaid Eligibility?[…]

Most people are deterred from buying long-term care insurance due to the high cost of the premiums (and the hope that they’ll never need it). Choosing a longer “elimination period” is one way to reduce premiums. The premium level is based on a number of factors, including: Your age Your health The daily benefit you Read more about Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance With a Long Elimination Period?[…]

More than 4 in 10 Americans have at least one step-relative in their family – either a stepparent, a step or half sibling or a stepchild – according to the Pew Research Center. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research estimates that about one-third of all weddings in America create stepfamilies. A recent trust case Read more about Estate Planning in the Age of Stepfamilies[…]

Recently deceased actor James Gandolfini is reported in the New York Daily News of having a $70 million estate for which a federal estate tax of approximately $30 million will be due in large part to his generosity to family and friends. In the article, at least one commentator characterizes this as a tax “disaster.” You can Read more about James Gandolfini: Was His Will a Mistake?[…]

Happy National Senior Citizens Day! Not only are senior citizens the fastest growing demographic in the U.S., they are also among the most technologically savvy and politically aware groups in the country. Make time for the seniors in your life . . . today and every day!

A number of Medicare beneficiaries are spending days in the hospital before being transferred to a nursing home, only to find that Medicare won’t pay for their nursing home stay because they were considered to be under “observation” while in the hospital and not actually “admitted.” Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent Read more about Can You Protect Yourself From Hospital Observation Status?[…]

Smart phones and tablets are everywhere and their use among seniors and their caregivers is growing. A recent Pew Internet survey found that caregivers are far more likely than non-caregivers to consult online resources for assistance. As the wired population ages, a growing number of apps and online programs are catering to them.  Here are Read more about Apps and Online Programs for Seniors and Caregivers[…]

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) is a nonpartisan, issue-based organization dedicated to preserving the integrity of two of the country’s most significant and widespread social and economic benefit programs. Founded by James Roosevelt (the son of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt) in 1982, the NCPSSM today has millions of members across Read more about Social Security and Medicare: Separating Fact from Fiction[…]

Do you wish that your primary care physician could give you more personalized attention? Perhaps a concierge doctor is right for you. Concierge physicians offer enhanced services to their patients that traditional primary care doctors cannot. These include same-day appointments, longer office visits, email consultations, and individualized treatment plans—all for a monthly or annual fee Read more about Is a Concierge Doctor Right for You?[…]

The Senior Connection is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that provides senior transportation services and other assistance to homebound seniors in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Established 19 years ago, The Senior Connection matches the needs of more than 1,000 seniors with a core of about 330 volunteers. Its free, personalized programs save the county’s seniors about $1 Read more about Senior Transportation Services Through The Senior Connection[…]