Elder Law 101

A little-known feature of the Social Security system is that in addition to paying retirement benefits for the retired worker, it may provide benefits to the worker's spouse, an ex-spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, and dependent...

Elderlaw 101

When your loved one can no longer live independently, you may consider options for long-term care. It’s time to talk to your loved one about their care. The conversation can be challenging and emotionally fraught.

Elderlaw 101

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan may overrule your doctor and refuse to cover a treatment or procedure that it deems to be medically unnecessary or experimental. However, there is an appeal process to resolve these conflicts. ...

Elderlaw 101

In most states, anyone interested in the well-being of an individual who may be incapacitated - called the “proposed ward” - can request a guardianship for that person. ...

Elderlaw 101

The standard under which a person is deemed to require a guardian differs from state to state, and sometimes even within state, depending on whether a complete guardianship or only a conservatorship over finances is being sought.

Elderlaw 101

The federal government provides Social Security retirement benefits, a form of financial assistance, to individuals who have reached retirement age and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes during their working years.

Elderlaw 101

Roughly 68 million individuals receive monthly Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. You may be surprised to learn that these benefits may in fact be subject to taxes in many circumstances.

Elderlaw 101

The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) are sometimes called the "granddaddies" of college savings accounts. Your valuable gifts also lower your tax liability.UGMA and UTMA Accounts...

Elderlaw 101

If you think you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you should fill out an online disability report and then call your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to complete your application. ...

Elderlaw 101