On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. If you have the means to do so, almost everyone - including veterans - might want to consider setting up a formal legal plan to protect your assets. This plan can protect you and your children, while protecting your eligibility for government benefits.In general, by protecting yourself and your loved ones through proper estate planning, you will create peace of mind. While you may be healthy now, you...
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Elder Law 101: What Exactly is Elder Law, Anyway?
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Monday, August 24, 2015. What exactly is Elder Law, anyway? This may have been a question you've asked yourself somewhere along the way. As the country's population ages and baby boomers find themselves facing their golden years, more and more people find themselves asking the questions: "How can I make sure my estate is settled the way I want it to be after I'm gone?" and "How do I plan ahead now so that I'll be taken care of ...
Special Needs Planning
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Thursday, August 20, 2015. It's never easy to discuss end of life plans. It's even more difficult when those plans must include determining care for a child or family member with special needs.There are the obvious issues of determining guardianship, establishing trusts, and implementing power of attorney and then there are the hidden dangers of improper estate planning. How you leave your assets to your child can impact their ...
Veterans' Aid & Attendance: A Closer Look at an Underutilized Benefit
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Monday, August 17, 2015. We have already covered the Veteran's Aid & Attendance Pension, but as it is such a misunderstood and underutilized program, it's worth taking a second, more in-depth look.To recap briefly, A&A is a monthly pension benefit above and beyond the basic VA pension. It is awarded when a veteran, a surviving spouse, or even in some cases the spouse of a veteran still living has a medical disability that requi...
How do Veterans Access Aid and Attendance Information?
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Friday, August 14, 2015. Veterans who qualify for a pension also may be able to access an additional benefit. If you need help with daily living activities, be sure to investigate the requirements for the Aid and Attendance program.Once you have decided you would like to apply, write to the Veterans Administration regional office where you filed a claim for pension benefits. If you don't know where the regional office is - perh...
Caregivers' Contributions Eased by Veterans' Aid and Attendance
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Wednesday, August 5, 2015. AARP's Public Policy Institute has published an updated report called "Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update - The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving." The report recognizes the critical support of family to ill loved ones, but details the substantial personal costs to caregivers. It says that costs to U.S. health care and long-term services would increase astronomically if family care...
Celebrating Veterans' Caregivers with a High Five
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. When a veteran needs help, the first person he or she usually turns to is family. A spouse, children, or parents can play such big roles in the lives of veterans when life is difficult because of illness.As we celebrate Veterans Day in September, we honor the service our veterans have given to our nation over the years. But we also widen our embrace to include their families, and especially those who c...
When do you review an estate plan?
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Once your estate plan is created, how often are you supposed to review it? According to some estate planning professionals, you should review it annually or bi-annually. Though this is a common safeguard, you should also review your estate plan if you have any significant life changes that impact your estate plan's accuracy.Marriage and DivorceYour spouse is listed as a beneficiary and often a healthcar...
Expecting a New Arrival? Be Prepared with an Estate Plan
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Monday, July 13, 2015. Expecting parents or even parents of a newborn will need to reconsider their estate. If you already have an estate plan in place, now is the time to amend that plan to meet your current life situation. If you do not have an estate plan, you might want to consider a few of these tips for getting started and ensuring your child's future if protected. Consider purchasing life insurance to support your child ...
Estate Planning Questions You Won't Like
On behalf of The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC on Monday, June 1, 2015. Thinking about mortality is bad enough for most people, but when you meet with an estate planning attorney you will be forced to face questions that might make you squirm.Who Will Raise Your Children?Children under the age of 18 are considered minors by the court. That means they will need a guardian and that guardian should be selected by you. This person should be someone you trust and someone you would ...