Don’t Lose What You’ve Built — Get Peace of Mind With Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection
At The Stano Law Firm, we help families across Northeast Ohio protect what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with a care crisis today, we’ll guide you through every legal and financial decision with confidence, compassion, and more than 25 years of elder law experience.
Call for your free consultation: (440) 888-6448
A Real Story That Happens Every Day
John and Martha Tabor thought they had everything in order. John had retired after 50 years as a local accountant. They planned to spend retirement traveling and enjoying their grandchildren. But one evening at the dinner table, John suffered a massive stroke. He survived, but was placed in a nursing home upon hospital discharge. That’s when Martha learned the cost: over $10,000 per month. Martha was devastated. Their savings quickly disappeared. She was forced to sell their home and take a job at a local store just to make ends meet. This kind of crisis happens to families every day. With the right planning, it can be avoided.
Medicaid Planning
When Long-Term Care Costs Become Overwhelming
Nursing homes in Ohio often cost $10,000 or more per month. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term stays, and many families assume they have no choice but to drain their savings. They don’t know that Medicaid may cover much of the cost — if they plan correctly. We help families qualify for Medicaid benefits legally, ethically, and effectively — even if a loved one is already in a nursing home.
Two Types of Planning We Offer
Emergency Medicaid Planning
When a loved one is already receiving care and you’ve been told you don’t qualify, we can still help. The system is complex, but we know how to protect assets quickly and navigate the red tape.
Advance Medicaid Planning
We also help families plan ahead. By structuring your finances early, you can ensure your assets are protected long before care is ever needed.
How We Help You Qualify Without Losing Everything
- Evaluate your eligibility under current Medicaid rules
- Use Medicaid-compliant annuities to protect income
- Create Miller Trusts (Qualified Income Trusts) to meet income thresholds
- Help you understand Medicaid spend-down rules and avoid unnecessary losses
- Coordinate benefits if you or your loved one is a veteran
“My 86-year-old mother had a stroke and needed around-the-clock care. The financial burden was overwhelming. Paul Stano guided us through every challenge. We followed his advice, and everything worked out better than we ever imagined.”
— Lorraine P., Parma Heights, OH
Asset Protection
Don’t Let Nursing Home Costs Destroy Your Legacy
Many couples want to leave something behind for their children or grandchildren. But without legal protections in place, nursing home bills and Medicaid requirements can consume everything. We help you safeguard your:
- Family home
- Life savings
- Retirement accounts
- Personal property and heirlooms
Whether you’re in a crisis or planning ahead, we’ll show you how to protect what you’ve earned.
Legal Strategies That Work
- Use of Medicaid-compliant annuities to convert countable assets into protected income
- Creation of Miller Trusts for income qualification
- Establishment of irrevocable trusts to protect assets legally
- Strategic repositioning of financial assets
- Review and updating of power-of-attorney documents to ensure they still work for today’s laws
“A friend of mine was working with another attorney and wasn’t getting clear answers. We chose Paul Stano, and I’m so glad we did. He moved fast, explained everything, and helped us keep what mattered most.”
— Lorraine P., Parma Heights, OH
“He’s helped my family in so many ways over the years — living wills, estate planning, Medicaid… He’s still my go-to lawyer.”
— Bruce K., Cleveland, OH
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Too many families delay planning and find themselves forced to sell their homes or empty their bank accounts. By then, options are limited.
“John Tabor lies in a nursing home bed. His wife, Martha, now lives in a cramped apartment and works retail to pay off the bills. Their home is gone. Their savings are gone. All because they didn’t plan ahead.”
— A true story from one of our clients
We help families avoid that outcome — every day.
Why Families Trust Paul Stano
- More than 25 years of Elder Law experience
- Author of several legal guides and Medicaid planning books
- Speaker and media expert featured on TV and radio
- Known for fast action and honest, clear communication
- Provides tailored strategies — no cookie-cutter plans
What Our Clients Say
“Paul’s team protected our mother’s house even after she was admitted to a nursing home. Other attorneys told us we had no options. Paul showed us what was possible.”
— Amanda S., Strongsville, OH
“Paul speaks in plain English. No legal jargon. He made us feel empowered during a really hard time.”
— Dave M., Parma, OH
Common Questions
Is it too late to protect assets if someone is already in a nursing home?
No. Even after admission, legal strategies can preserve significant assets.
Can we qualify for Medicaid if we have savings or own a home?
Yes, with proper planning. Many families are surprised by how much they can keep.
What’s a Medicaid-compliant annuity?
A financial tool that turns savings into income, allowing couples to qualify for Medicaid while preserving assets.
What is a Miller Trust?
It’s a type of legal trust used to meet Medicaid income limits. Without one, you may be disqualified even if you meet all other requirements.
Do I need to update my Power of Attorney?
Absolutely. Many POA documents become outdated. If yours hasn’t been reviewed in five years, now is the time.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re planning for the future or facing an urgent care situation, The Stano Law Firm is here to help.
Call us today at (440) 888-6448
Or fill out the contact form below to get started.