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A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is one option a person may consider to protect their assets from Medicaid and nursing homes or long-term care.  A MAPT is an irrevocable trust created during your lifetime. The primary goal of a MAPT is to transfer assets to it so that Medicaid will not count these assets …

The Pros and Cons of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust  Read More »

While a guardian can support the protected person by making important decisions, in some cases, an individual may wish to change or dissolve the arrangement.  The ward, their family, or other involved people might feel that the guardian is not doing a good job. They may then petition the court for the removal of the …

Ending Guardianship of an Adult Read More »

By: Shannon K. Mumaw – Associate Attorney One of the first questions people ask when they discover they have been appointed as the personal representative under a loved one’s Last Will and Testament or as the trustee under a Trust is – “What do I have to do?” Serving as a personal representative or trustee …

Inheriting the Responsibility of Serving as a Personal Representative or Trustee Read More »

By: Renee Q. Boyd – Associate Attorney Oftentimes when I meet with clients to discuss their estate planning needs or to review their documents, I am asked “If we move to another state, will our documents be valid in the new state?”.  Generally, the answer is yes.  It is likely that you won’t need to …

If We Move to a New State Will Our Documents Be Valid?  Read More »

November marks National Family Caregivers Month. Today, roughly 3 million children reside with grandparents who have committed to being their primary caregivers, according to Pew Research Center estimates. Grandparents may step in when the child’s parents can no longer take care of the child, when the parents pass away, or when a court takes away …

Honoring “Grandfamilies” During National Family Caregivers Month: Resources for Grandparent Caregivers Read More »

November marks National Family Caregivers month. Studies show that looking after those with special needs exacts a toll on caregivers. This holiday season, shift your focus and remember that you must take care of yourself if you want to continue caring for others. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” If …

5 Helpful Tips When Caring for Loved Ones With Special Needs Read More »

A power of attorney is a document that grants various powers and responsibilities to a trusted third party or “agent” who can act on your behalf. This document usually only allows an agent to make non-medical decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney can be a valuable planning tool that lets you decide in …

What Is the Difference Between a Springing and Non-Springing Power of Attorney? Read More »

Trusts are great tools for leaving assets to your heirs while maintaining control over their access to those assets. In many cases, you would tell your beneficiaries that you have made a trust for them. However, this is not always desirable — and this is where a “quiet” trust may be helpful. A quiet trust is …

Don’t Yet Want Your Heirs to Know About Your Assets? Use a Quiet Trust in Your Estate Plan Read More »

If you have a child with disabilities, it is crucial to set money aside for the child’s future. At the same time, you need to consider your child’s access to public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as the state and federal tax implications. The two major vehicles to accomplish …

ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs Trusts: Why Not Have It All? Read More »