Like many people, you likely have at least a rudimentary idea of how a power of attorney works and what one is used for in the normal course of business and/or your personal life. Unfortunately, it is this very familiarity that often causes people to either execute a power of attorney when they shouldn’t, or to use the wrong type of power of attorney. For instance, you may have heard of a “durable power of attorney” before; however, do you know when a durable power of attorney should be used and … [Read more...] about When Is a Durable Power of Attorney the Best Option?
New Hampshire Nursing Home Uses Companion Dog to Help Alzheimer Patients
With good reason, the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s disease has become one of the scariest parts about growing older. If you have a family member or loved one who has the disease it can be heart-wrenchingly painful to watch them struggle to remember the simplest of things or complete the easiest of tasks. Ultimately, the majority of Alzheimer’s patients end up in a nursing home because they require around the clock care that even the most well-meaning family members cannot provide. Putting … [Read more...] about New Hampshire Nursing Home Uses Companion Dog to Help Alzheimer Patients
Is a Medicaid Trust Helpful for Asset Protection?
You may not know it, but your need for long-term care could be one of the greatest threats to your assets at some point during your lifetime. If you have spent a lifetime accumulating assets, and then investing those assets wisely in the hope of leaving behind a sizable estate for your loved ones when you are gone, you undoubtedly don’t want to lose those assets at the last minute because of the need to pay for long-term care. That is precisely what could happen, however, if you fail to plan … [Read more...] about Is a Medicaid Trust Helpful for Asset Protection?
Why You Should Appoint a Professional for Trust Administration
A comprehensive estate plan generally includes additional estate planning tools and strategies beyond a simple Last Will and Testament. Although the tools and strategies you choose to include in your estate plan will depend on your individual goals, needs, and objectives, a common addition to any well drafted estate plan is a trust agreement. Over the last several decades, trusts have evolved to the point where there is a specialized trust for almost any purpose – and if a specialized trust does … [Read more...] about Why You Should Appoint a Professional for Trust Administration
Does New Hampshire Probate Law Offer an Alternative for Small Estates?
In the normal course of events, formal probate is required following the death of an individual. Formal probate, however, can cost the estate a considerable amount of money and cost the beneficiaries in terms of time. If you are involved in the probate of an estate in the State of New Hampshire, you may be wondering if New Hampshire probate law offers an alternative to formal probate for small estates. The good news is that if the estate qualifies it may be possible to avoid both the time and … [Read more...] about Does New Hampshire Probate Law Offer an Alternative for Small Estates?
Should I Create a Family Trust?
Estate planning requires you to make a number of important decisions along the way to creating a comprehensive estate plan. Ideally, you will work closely with an experienced New Hampshire estate planning attorney when making all of those decisions; however, you will also undoubtedly take some time to contemplate additions to your estate plan yourself. For example, you may have heard of a “family trust” and wondered if you should have one as part of your estate plan. Understanding the basics of … [Read more...] about Should I Create a Family Trust?
Will Massachusetts Medicaid Pay My Nursing Home Expenses?
The cost of long-term care in the United States is high across the country – and is expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future. If you find yourself (or a spouse) in need of nursing home care in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you may be wondering how you are going to afford that care. Over half of all seniors rely on Medicaid to cover the high cost of nursing home care, which may lead you to ask “Will Massachusetts Medicaid pay my nursing home expenses?” The answer to that … [Read more...] about Will Massachusetts Medicaid Pay My Nursing Home Expenses?
Common Signs of Elder Abuse
Sadly, the issue of elder abuse is not a new problem in the United States; however, it is a growing problem. For older Americans, and those who care for them, the threat of abuse can be paralyzing. If, for example, you have a parent who needs long-term care, who can you trust to care for your parent? Can you even trust your own family members? Unfortunately, the answer may be “no.” If, however, you are unable to provide around the clock are for your parent you will have to place your … [Read more...] about Common Signs of Elder Abuse
Leaders Fight Elder Financial Crimes in New Hampshire
Susan Staples, Coordinator for the Coalition Against Later Life Abuse (CALLA), recently addressed a standing room only crowd at the public library for a forum entitled "Combating Elder Financial Exploitation in New Hampshire." One of the first things Staples did was to ask the audience of bankers, veterans administrators, law enforcement officers and health care workers for a show of hands from anyone who knew an older person who'd been the victim of financial exploitation. Not surprisingly, … [Read more...] about Leaders Fight Elder Financial Crimes in New Hampshire
When Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
Despite understanding the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan in place, over half of all Americans have yet to create one. If you are among the minority and actually have an estate plan in place, you should be proud of the fact that you have taken such an important step. Creating your estate plan, however is only the first step required to ensure that you, your loved ones, and your assets are protected. The next step is to make sure you review your estate from time to time. Knowing … [Read more...] about When Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
