Estate planning is an important legal process for everyone to take on but for many different reasons individuals choose not to do it. Some New Yorkers may not believe that they own enough property to make estate planning necessary, while others may simply not know where to start to create plans that serve their needs and interests. What readers of this legal blog should know is that estate planning does not have to be complicated and that it can be greatly facilitated by the support of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney.
Consider guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities
Those living in New York with a family member who has a developmental disability already likely know about the special considerations involved in caring for someone with a disability. Even with excellent support in place, those with developmental disabilities may not ever be able to provide for their own daily self-care or live truly independently.
What is spousal refusal for Medicaid planning?
Medicaid is a government program that helps individuals pay for long-term and nursing home care once they have reached an advanced age. Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid, and there is an income threshold under which individuals must be in order to receive support. New Yorkers who are interested in learning more about Medicaid as an option for funding their long-term medical needs may want to discuss their questions with elder law and Medicaid planning attorneys in their communities.
Managing an estate when no will exists
If there is one thing that readers of this New York estate planning blog should take away from its many posts it is that everyone should have an estate plan. An estate plan does not have to be a complicated scheme of inheritance and conditions: estate plans need only be enough to fulfill the wishes of their testators and satisfy the requirements of New York law. Wealthy or of modest income, with children or single, all individuals can and should build the estate plans that they want.
Do you have long-term care plans for a disabled loved one?
If you have a developmentally disabled child or sibling, you probably provide quite a bit of support to help them live a healthy, fulfilling life. It may not be pleasant to think about, but you need to plan for a future where they still require services but you are not there to take care of them.
How much does nursing home care cost?
New York residents who own their own homes may plan to stay in their residences for as long as possible before making the decision to move into a nursing home or other assisted living facility. It can be difficult to uproot one's life and move to a strange new place, as a person must leave behind the home and memories on which they have built their life. For that reason, it is good for individuals to begin planning for their long-term care long before it becomes necessary.
