Many of our clients express a heartfelt fear: “I don’t want to be a burden on my family.” It’s a deeply human concern—wanting to preserve dignity, independence, and peace of mind for your loved ones. This is where thoughtful elder law and estate planning can make all the difference. At Estate and Elder Planning, LLC, we help you: Design powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives so your wishes are known and respected Plan for long-term care costs, so your children don’t have to choose between their future and your care Set up trusts and care arrangements that provide…
Probate and estate taxes are two words that can cause anxiety for anyone planning for the future. Probate can be time-consuming, public, and expensive. Death taxes—both federal and state—can erode the assets you’ve worked hard to accumulate. But with proper planning, you can minimize or even avoid many of these concerns. At Estate and Elder Planning, LLC, we focus on: Creating trusts to avoid probate and preserve privacy Designing efficient estate plans that minimize or eliminate estate taxes Ensuring your assets go directly to your loved ones without unnecessary court involvement You’ve spent a lifetime building your legacy. Don’t…
Will You Outlive Your Assets? Here’s How to Plan for Financial Longevity One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is the fear of outliving their assets. With increased life expectancy and rising costs of healthcare and long-term care, this is not an irrational fear—it’s a realistic one. But here’s the good news: With the right planning, you can create a financial safety net that provides security for years to come. At Estate and Elder Planning, LLC, we help clients develop personalized plans that include: Long-term care planning, including strategies to protect your home and savings Medicaid asset…
One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is the fear of outliving their assets. With increased life expectancy and rising costs of healthcare and long-term care, this is not an irrational fear—it’s a realistic one. But here’s the good news: With the right planning, you can create a financial safety net that provides security for years to come. At Estate and Elder Planning, LLC, we help clients develop personalized plans that include: Long-term care planning, including strategies to protect your home and savings Medicaid asset protection, to help you qualify for care without losing everything you’ve…
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based, SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid over time. What is SSDI? SSDI offers monthly benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for Medicare coverage after a 24-month waiting period from the date your disability benefits begin. In short, SSDI…
When it comes to planning for the future—whether it’s protecting your hard-earned assets or ensuring long-term care through Medicaid—there’s no room for guesswork. These are complex areas of law that affect your financial security, your healthcare choices, and your family’s well-being. Hiring an experienced elder law attorney can make all the difference. Medicaid Rules Are Complex—and Constantly Changing Medicaid is a joint federal and state program with strict income and asset requirements. The rules differ by state and are often updated, making it incredibly difficult for the average person to understand, let alone navigate. One wrong move—such as giving away…
When a loved one needs long-term care, the emotional toll is heavy. Families are often overwhelmed, trying to navigate a complex healthcare system while making critical financial decisions. One of the biggest hurdles? Applying for Medicaid. It might seem like just a matter of paperwork, but the reality is far more complicated—and costly if done incorrectly. As elder law attorneys, we’ve seen too many families come to us after mistakes have already been made. Here’s why applying for Medicaid without legal guidance can be a risky move. Unintended Penalties from Gift Transfers Many people don’t realize that Medicaid looks back…
If you are in a committed relationship but not legally married, you may be wondering how Maryland Medicaid will treat your application. Medicaid eligibility rules primarily consider legally married spouses, meaning that if you are unmarried, you will file as a single applicant. However, Medicaid may still assess certain financial aspects of your relationship, including: Shared Assets – If you and your partner jointly own property or financial accounts, Medicaid may count your portion as part of your resources. Household Contributions – If your partner provides financial support, it could impact income calculations. Gifts & Transfers – Transferring assets…
Going through a divorce is a challenging and emotional process, but it’s also a crucial time to review and update your estate plan. Many of your existing legal documents likely name your former spouse as a beneficiary or decision-maker, and failing to revise them can lead to unintended consequences. Here’s what you need to do to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed after a divorce. 1. Update Your Will Your will likely names your former spouse as a beneficiary or executor. After a divorce, you should: Remove your ex-spouse from any roles they hold in your…
Welcoming a new child into your family—whether through birth or adoption—is a joyous occasion that also brings important financial and legal responsibilities. Updating your estate plan is essential to ensure your child’s future is secure and their needs are met if something happens to you. Here are key steps to take after the birth or adoption of a child. Update Your Will A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan, and if you don’t have one, now is the time to create it. Key updates should include: Naming a legal guardian to care for your child if you…
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