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Question: I want to start looking into creating a trust to protect my assets for Medicaid but the idea is over-whelming, can you explain the process?

Question: I have an estate plan in place including a will, power of attorney, and healthcare documents. Is there anything else I need to do?

When planning for the differently-abled, the use of Supplemental Needs Trusts as part of your estate planning will ensure that you have provided protections for those with special needs and disabilities. When considering your estate planning it is important to consider any beneficiaries who may have special needs or disabilities.

Question: My brother is the Executor of my mother’s estate. It has been three years since she died, and he has not distributed anything. What do you recommend I do?

Question (About a Contested Guardianship): I received Court papers that say that my brother is trying to take control of my mother’s finances and make medical decisions for her. I have been taking care of my mother for years and my brother is estranged from me and my mother. What should I do?

Question: I am a teacher and currently off for summer break. Now that I have time to myself, what should I be thinking about over the summer regarding my estate plan? What about retirement? What actions should I be taking?

Question: My son is 18 and is leaving for his first year of college in September. Someone told me that there were some legal documents I should have in place before he leaves. This is the first that I have heard of this, as his school did not say anything. Is my friend correct?

Many families (erroneously) disinherit a disabled child, believing that this is in the child’s best interest and instead leave assets to other family members so that they can care for the disabled individual. Even with the best of intentions, circumstances may arise in their lives that could directly affect their ability to provide for a disabled family member.

In New York State, any individual over the age of eighteen may designate an individual to make medical decisions on his/her behalf by signing a health care proxy and designating a health care agent. The health care agent is only authorized to act if your doctors determine you can no longer make your own medical decisions.

Question: What is the SECURE ACT and how might it affect my retirement benefits?