Social Security Benefits for Spouses and Children- Cleveland Elder Law Attorney
In addition to retirement benefits, Social Security also provides benefits for spouses, dependent children, grandchildren and ex-spouses. Below is a brief summary of these benefits. Survivor's Benefits. If your spouse has reached full retirement age by the time of your death, he or she will begin receiving Social Security benefits. [...]
Where to Get Help When Caregiving Becomes Overwhelming- Cleveland Elder Law Attorney
Caregiving is an admirable job, but over time the task can become daunting. Fortunately, there are private and public agencies you can reach out to for assistance, including: Home health care agencies that can provide part-time or 24-hour care Adult day care centers Respite services that can provide a caregivers [...]
What is the Difference Between a Trust and a Will?
A trust and a will are two legal documents that no estate plan should be without, yet they serve entirely different functions. Both documents work together to ensure your wishes are fully carried out after you die. A will becomes effective immediately upon your death, whereas a trust goes into [...]
When You Should Update Your Estate Plan- Cleveland Elder Law Attorney
Certain life events necessitate making an appointment with your elder law attorney to review and update your estate plan. These events are: Increase or Decrease in Assets. Your estate may subject to taxes if it has significantly increased. On the flip side, you may need to modify your estate plan [...]
Ways to Spend Down Assets to Qualify for Medicaid – Cleveland Elder Law Attorney
Medicaid is jointly funded state and federal health insurance program to help low-income individuals receive medical care and defray the cost of prescription drugs. The program also provides benefits Medicare normally does not cover, such personal care services and nursing home care. If you're eligible for Medicaid in your state, [...]
Estate Planning When Step-Family is Involved
A recent court case shed light on the importance of taking not only current family relationships into consideration when planning your estate, but also potential step-relatives that may join your family later on. The case involved a North Dakota couple who set up two trusts for their grandson. The trust [...]
How a Spouse’s Death Effects Medicaid Eligibility
No one expects the spouse of a nursing home resident to die before the resident, but it can and does happen. If no plan was put in place beforehand, a nursing home resident who receives Medicaid may find his eligibility in jeopardy after his or her spouse dies. A nursing [...]
What are Medical Directives?
A medical directive, also referred to as an advance directive, is a directive that typically accompanies a health care proxy, but it may also be a separate document. A medical directive outlines specific instructions as to the type of medical care a person wants to receive, such as instructions to [...]