Blog

Tips for a MaineCare Application

April 1st, 2018

In Maine, the Medicaid benefit is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is called MaineCare. MaineCare can help pay for long-term care services for individuals who are both medically and financially eligible for the b… Read More

Categories: Medicaid / MaineCare

Third-Party Special Needs Trusts: Protecting an Inheritance for a Loved One with Disabilities

April 1st, 2018

Estate planning is especially vital for those who have loved ones with disabilities who receive and rely on public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid (called MaineCare in Maine). This includes parents and grandparents of ch… Read More

Categories: Special Needs Planning

The Forgotten Step in Estate Planning: Beneficiary Designations

April 1st, 2018

Individuals often believe that a last will and testament is sufficient estate planning. However, a complete estate plan includes a last will and testament and planning for incapacity with a financial power of attorney and an advance health care direc… Read More

Probate vs. Nonprobate Property

April 1st, 2018

When creating an estate plan, it is important to understand the difference between probate and nonprobate property. When you die, the assets you own will be distributed depending on what type of assets they are and how you own those assets. A basic u… Read More

Categories: Probate

Modification of Irrevocable Trusts

April 1st, 2018

A revocable trust can be revoked at any time, usually by the grantor or creator of the trust. An irrevocable trust cannot simply be revoked by the grantor. Historically, irrevocable trusts have been considered etched in stone—unchangeable, immovabl… Read More

The Forgotten Step in Estate Planning: Beneficiary Designations

March 6th, 2018

Individuals often believe that a last will and testament is sufficient estate planning. However, a complete estate plan includes a last will and testament and planning for incapacity with a financial power of attorney and an advance health care direc… Read More

Categories: Uncategorized

Family Camp

January 1st, 2018

Whether you call it a camp, a cottage, or a cabin, the place where your family comes together is special. There are several techniques for transferring the family camp to the next generation. It is imperative to consider your family’s goals and dyn… Read More

Duties and Responsibilities of Agents

January 1st, 2018

What Is an Agent? As an agent (or “attorney-in-fact”) under a financial power of attorney, you have been appointed to act on behalf of the principal with respect to his or her property and financial affairs. This is a serious responsibility as yo… Read More

Why Consult an Estate Planning Attorney?

January 1st, 2018

What Is Estate Planning? An “estate” consists of the real and personal property owned by an individual or over which the individual has some control. “Estate planning” is the process of arranging for the protection and transfer of your estate… Read More

What Professional Advisors Need to Know About Special Needs Trusts Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1396p (d)(4)(A)

January 1st, 2018

Why Does 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)(A) Matter to an Individual with Disabilities? Many individuals with disabilities depend on public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Maine Medicaid (MaineCare). Those benefits are “means-tested”… Read More

Categories: Special Needs Planning