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The Rochester Elder Law Blog
Practical legal and financial tips to help you achieve your goals.

A last will and testament document with a gold pen.

What a Will Can and Can't Do: Understanding the Limitations

23 Apr, 2024
Many of us know the importance of having a will as part of a comprehensive estate plan. After all, a will is a legally binding document that states who will receive your property after you pass away. Without one, the state gets to decide how to distribute your assets, which may go against your wishes. However, while a will is undoubtedly a crucial tool, it's also important to understand what it can't do. Let's dive in and explore the limitations of a will...
An elderly couple meeting with an elder law attorney looking at a laptop computer.

Safeguarding Medicaid Eligibility: Alternatives to Asset Gifting

16 Apr, 2024
When faced with the daunting prospect of paying for nursing home care out of pocket, many people consider gifting their assets to their children as a way to qualify for Medicaid. However, this strategy is not only flawed but can also lead to penalties and put your loved ones at risk. In this post, we'll explore the dangers of giving away assets to qualify for Medicaid and discuss a better alternative: creating a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust.
A financial info binder is sitting on a wooden table next to a calculator and a notebook.

The Importance of Organizing Your Financial Information

09 Apr, 2024
In the midst of life's busy pace, it's easy to overlook the critical task of organizing your financial information. However, taking the time to prepare and arrange your financial details can provide immense peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By ensuring that your financial situation is properly managed, you maintain control over your end-of-life decisions and legacy. This blog post will guide you through the process of organizing your financial records, highlighting the benefits and offering practical tips to make the task more manageable.
Close up of professional young woman signing her estate planning documents.

Estate Planning for Rochester's Young Professionals in 2024

02 Apr, 2024
Isn't estate planning something only older, wealthy Rochesterians need to worry about? Not so fast. The events of the last few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic uncertainty, have hammered home an important lesson: life can take unexpected turns at any age. That's why estate planning is a smart move for all of Rochester's young adults, no matter their net worth. And here's why...
A black piggy bank with the words Long Term Care in white chalk surrounded by coins

Understanding Medicaid's Role in Long-Term Care

26 Mar, 2024
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides vital assistance to seniors with limited assets and income to afford necessary long-term healthcare. With the rising costs of extended care, which can range from $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, many individuals will require Medicaid support at some point. While the specific timing and level of care needs are unpredictable, proactive Medicaid planning is crucial to protect your hard-earned assets, home, retirement savings, and legacy for loved ones.
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A last will and testament document with a gold pen.

What a Will Can and Can't Do: Understanding the Limitations

23 Apr, 2024
Many of us know the importance of having a will as part of a comprehensive estate plan. After all, a will is a legally binding document that states who will receive your property after you pass away. Without one, the state gets to decide how to distribute your assets, which may go against your wishes. However, while a will is undoubtedly a crucial tool, it's also important to understand what it can't do. Let's dive in and explore the limitations of a will...
An elderly couple meeting with an elder law attorney looking at a laptop computer.

Safeguarding Medicaid Eligibility: Alternatives to Asset Gifting

16 Apr, 2024
When faced with the daunting prospect of paying for nursing home care out of pocket, many people consider gifting their assets to their children as a way to qualify for Medicaid. However, this strategy is not only flawed but can also lead to penalties and put your loved ones at risk. In this post, we'll explore the dangers of giving away assets to qualify for Medicaid and discuss a better alternative: creating a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust.
A financial info binder is sitting on a wooden table next to a calculator and a notebook.

The Importance of Organizing Your Financial Information

09 Apr, 2024
In the midst of life's busy pace, it's easy to overlook the critical task of organizing your financial information. However, taking the time to prepare and arrange your financial details can provide immense peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By ensuring that your financial situation is properly managed, you maintain control over your end-of-life decisions and legacy. This blog post will guide you through the process of organizing your financial records, highlighting the benefits and offering practical tips to make the task more manageable.
Close up of professional young woman signing her estate planning documents.

Estate Planning for Rochester's Young Professionals in 2024

02 Apr, 2024
Isn't estate planning something only older, wealthy Rochesterians need to worry about? Not so fast. The events of the last few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic uncertainty, have hammered home an important lesson: life can take unexpected turns at any age. That's why estate planning is a smart move for all of Rochester's young adults, no matter their net worth. And here's why...
A black piggy bank with the words Long Term Care in white chalk surrounded by coins

Understanding Medicaid's Role in Long-Term Care

26 Mar, 2024
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides vital assistance to seniors with limited assets and income to afford necessary long-term healthcare. With the rising costs of extended care, which can range from $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, many individuals will require Medicaid support at some point. While the specific timing and level of care needs are unpredictable, proactive Medicaid planning is crucial to protect your hard-earned assets, home, retirement savings, and legacy for loved ones.
Older couple smiling and shaking hands with a male attorney.

Getting Older Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming - How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help

19 Mar, 2024
As we age, countless questions and concerns can start weighing on our minds - How will I pay for long-term care? What happens to my assets and life savings when I'm gone? Who will make important financial and medical decisions for me if I become incapacitated? Trying to figure it all out on your own can be daunting and stressful. That's where an experienced elder law attorney can step in to be your trusted guide and advisor.
A person holding a wooden block that says strategic planning.

Estate Planning with Trusts: Avoiding the Probate Nightmare

12 Mar, 2024
When someone passes away, their assets often have to go through the costly, time-consuming, and public legal process known as probate before being distributed to heirs. However, using trusts as part of an estate plan can help avoid the probate nightmare. There are two main types of trusts used in estate planning - revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts...
A notebook with the words Assisted Living on a laptop next to a cup of coffee

Steps To Take Before Moving Your Parents To Assisted Living

05 Mar, 2024
Assisted living communities provide essential care and a sense of calm and peace of mind for your aging parents. Identifying the suitable facility “fit” for your loved one is a journey requiring matching your parents’ needs, budget, and lifestyle with desirable locations. Research and preparation yield the best results when all parties participate by asking questions and engaging in open and honest conversations about expectations.
A spiral notebook with the word eligibility written on it.

How Elder Law Attorneys Help with Medicaid Eligibility

27 Feb, 2024
The cost of long-term care in the United States continues to rise at an alarming rate. Fortunately, Medicaid can provide a critical safety net to help cover these expenses. However, Medicaid has strict income and asset eligibility limits that can make qualifying difficult. This is where strategic Medicaid planning with an experienced elder law attorney can make all the difference.
Three generations of hands holding a jar of money representing Generational Wealth.

Planning for the Responsible Transfer of Family Wealth

20 Feb, 2024
You've spent years building your wealth and legacy to pass on to future generations. But have you considered how this inheritance will truly impact your loved ones? Beyond just finances, your legacy encompasses your values, life lessons, and vision for a better future. That's why thoughtful estate planning is crucial—to ensure your legacy empowers your family for generations to come.
A wooden gavel sitting on top of a document titled Family Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Things to Consider

13 Feb, 2024
Bringing two families together into one new blended family is a beautiful thing. With more people to love and share your life with, a blended family creates new bonds and expands your circle of loved ones. However, blending families also brings up new estate planning considerations. With additional spouses, children, and complex relationships to account for, extra care and communication is required when making an estate plan for a blended family.
An elderly couple hugging each other with a sense of peace now that their estate plan is complete

Affording Peace of Mind: Estate Planning for Seniors

06 Feb, 2024
For many seniors, the idea of creating an estate plan feels daunting and depressing. Thoughts of illness, incapacity and death can instill fear and avoidance. However, proper estate planning is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones. When done proactively, it lifts immense burdens from family members by equipping them to carry out your wishes smoothly.
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