A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, or MAPT, is a specialized trust designed to preserve assets for loved ones rather than spending them on nursing home care or home health aide services. Think of a MAPT as a safe with an instruction manual and a countdown timer. How Does a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust Work? Let’s...Read More

You’ve spent a lifetime building your legacy, but now you’re tossing and turning at night, worried about how your heirs might handle it. As an elder lawyer, I’ve sat across the desk from countless clients who share these concerns. They wonder: Will my wishes be respected? Could one of my children challenge my decisions? Might...Read More

As an elder lawyer in New York, I’ve noticed a recurring theme when helping families navigate the downsizing process. Parents often struggle to part with possessions because they hope to pass them down to their children. Yet when meeting with adult children after their parents’ passing, we frequently hear a different perspective: they feel overwhelmed...Read More

I often meet grandparents who want to financially support their grandchildren while ensuring their generosity doesn't inadvertently create complications. Whether considering college funding or creating a lasting financial legacy, strategic planning can help maximize your gift's impact.Read More

We’re tackling a situation many families face with little warning: what to do when a family member unexpectedly enters a nursing home. If you’re in this situation, you may be overwhelmed by questions about costs, eligibility for assistance, and protecting family assets. This is where crisis planning becomes essential. The Financial Reality of Nursing Home...Read More

Understanding the tools available for managing your estate is crucial when planning for the future. Two common tools in estate planning are revocable and irrevocable trusts. Both types of trusts help individuals manage their assets during their lifetimes and provide for the distribution of these assets after death. However, each type of trust serves different...Read More

Regarding long-term care in a nursing home, Medicaid is often the primary payer for individuals who require such services. However, qualifying for Medicaid isn’t as simple as filling out an application. A crucial eligibility factor is the “Medicaid Lookback Period.” Specifically, Medicaid applicants for institutional care need to be aware of the five-year lookback period,...Read More

A Pooled Income Trust is a valuable financial tool for individuals who need to qualify for Medicaid in New York while still maintaining control over their excess income. As of 2024, Medicaid eligibility in New York is determined based on the applicant’s assets and income. There is a set income limit for eligibility, and if...Read More

The decision to place a parent in a nursing home rarely comes easily. Apart from the emotional toll, significant financial and legal adjustments are often necessary. While immediate well-being takes priority, it’s vital to safeguard your parent’s assets and long-term care needs with proactive estate planning. Questions to Guide Your Consultation Elder law attorneys focus...Read More

Navigating the complexities of Medicaid eligibility can be a daunting task, especially when it involves the protection of your hard-earned assets. One effective tool in this arena is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). In this blog, we’ll explore what MAPTs are, how they work, and provide real-life examples to illustrate their benefits. What is...Read More