Unlike Medicare and private health insurance, Medicaid covers the costs of long-term care, like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Medicaid is a need-based federal program, however, so obtaining coverage can be complicated. Unless you already qualify based on low income and few assets, you might not know where to turn. That’s where an experienced […]
Can I Write My Own Will in New Jersey or New York?
Can I Write My Own Will in New Jersey or New York? In the age of do-it- yourself, many people wonder if they can write their own wills. In New Jersey, the answer is yes, you can quite literally write your own will. The state is one of about 25 that allow handwritten wills to […]
Considering Unmarried Partners in New Jersey/New York Estate Planning
When planning for the future and determining whether to create a will, the legal status of your relationship with your partner could have a large effect on your decision. Though many unmarried couples describe their relationships as “common law marriages,” believing the term gives them certain marital rights, nearly all states in the United States, […]
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefits For New Jersey/New York Veterans
Many veterans and their families are aware of the basic benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but they are often unaware of a special VA pension that could reduce the cost of assisted living for veterans. This pension, called the Aid and Attendance pension, provides monetary assistance to veterans who need […]
Deciding Whether to Take On Power of Attorney for Someone in New Jersey
Obtaining power of attorney for someone can be a big undertaking that often coincides with an emotional time in your family. A power of attorney gives a person authority to make medical and/or financial decisions on behalf of someone else, should that person become unconscious or mentally incapacitated. New Jersey has a statute that controls […]
Finding the Right New Jersey or New York Senior Care Facility
When you begin thinking about long-term care for yourself or a family member, you might find the options overwhelming. From the level of assistance required to individual personality, you have a lot to consider in arriving at the best choice. Assisted and Independent Living: Assisted and independent living communities often look a lot like ordinary […]
New Jersey Estate Planning Attorneys Discuss Issues Affecting Parents of Special Needs Children
Parents of children who have disabilities face unique challenges, such as the need for financial planning and medical care to meet their child’s special needs. While disabilities can take different forms and vary in type and severity, parents of special needs children might want to consult with an experienced New Jersey estate planning attorney to […]
When You Need a Prenuptial Agreement as Part of Your Estate Plan
Many people contemplating marriage presume that the mere mention of a prenuptial agreement may torpedo their romance. Prenuptial agreements frequently are viewed as a way to “hedge one’s bets” or to avoid complete commitment to one’s partner. These marital contracts carry this stereotype even though most people insist on a formal written agreement when entering […]
Frequently Overlooked Details of a New Jersey Estate Plan
When constructing an estate plan in New Jersey, it is important not to lose sight of the trees through the forest. Does this sound backward? The reason is that most people focus on big picture issues when estate planning, such as determining what to leave to each beneficiary, or whether to use a will or […]
3 Common Questions About Revocable Living Trusts
Although a simple will can be part of an estate plan, the use of revocable living trusts has increased significantly in recent years according to AARP. Although you might consider a living trust because of the savings in money and expense of the probate process, this estate planning tool can provide many other advantages over […]
