In the movie, On Golden Pond, Connecticut’s own Katherine Hepburn protested that she was not old, but rather middle age. In response, Henry Fonda’s character said, “We are not in middle age. People do not live to be 150 years old.” Hepburn’s comment points out the fact that many people do not want to discuss death. I recently had a …
Estate Planning and Probate
Fear That State Will Lien The House If One Applies For Benefits?
Over the years, as an elder law attorney, I have heard clients say that they do not want to apply for medical benefits (Medicaid) that they are entitled to for fear of the state at some point seeking recovery. While I understand this fear, in most cases it doesn’t make sense. This is especially true when you are discussing married couples and …
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Difference Between Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorneys
Elder law is a specialty area of legal practice that involves understanding and meeting the unique needs of elder clients and their families. The main difference between estate planning attorneys and elder law attorneys is that elder law attorneys focus on planning for a wide variety of “later-in-life” or “end-of-life” needs, whereas estate …
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A joint bank account is not a Medicaid planning solution
Dear Attorney Tully: I am an 85-year-old widow. I am considering adding my children’s name on all of my bank accounts in an attempt to protect them if I need nursing home care in the future. What do you think about that? ANSWER: In Connecticut, the State Department of Social Services says that adding someone else’s name to a bank account …
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Tools To Help You Stay in Your Home
Studies show that older Americans prefer to stay in their homes if they possibly can. It is no surprise, then, that most care of older persons is provided at home, whether by family or by hired help. While many consider in-home care preferable to institutional care, there are public benefits and legal considerations, some of which may …
