Blog

The Five Ds: When to Call Your Elder Law Attorney

You met with an elder law or estate planning attorney, discussed your goals, and signed documents reflecting your wishes. With a sigh of relief, you store your documents away and check that item off your to-do list. But wait! Don’t forget to mark y… Read More
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Three Ways to Avoid a Reduction in SSI Benefits Due to In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

Only individuals with limited income and assets are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI. (Do not confuse SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is a very different program.) If an individual who receives SSI is… Read More
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How to Administer an Estate: A Guide for the Personal Representative

A personal representative (aka executor) administers the estate of a deceased person. This blog serves as a general guide when probate is needed, but some circumstances will require additional steps. We encourage you to reach out to an attorney for a… Read More
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Categories: Probate

What is Elder Law?

Elder law is more about the clients we serve than the type of legal services we provide. It’s not just wills and trusts, and it isn’t just for folks we would traditionally consider “elderly.” Our planning solutions apply long before most peop… Read More
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My spouse is in a nursing home, should we get a divorce?

Your spouse is going to need long-term care or is already in a nursing home and you have heard that the State will take all your money. Is getting a divorce to qualify for MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) a good idea? We get this question more… Read More
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Retaining SSI and Medicaid While Working

Retaining SSI and Medicaid While Working Employment is about more than making a living. Working and earning a wage promotes dignity, self-worth, and independence and provides community. Fortunately, a person with disabilities can participate in the w… Read More
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The Community Spouse Resource Allowance

Many individuals rely on MaineCare (Maine Medicaid) benefits to help pay for expensive long-term care services. The MaineCare rules and asset limits are confusing, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. In addition, the available strategies for leg… Read More
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Litigators, Do No Harm: Eight-Point Checklist for Minimizing Loss of Public Benefits for Plaintiffs Receiving a Settlement or a Judgment

You worked hard to achieve a good result for your client. Your client is now due – or already may have received – a settlement or a judgment to compensate them for some harm or loss. But will that recovery threaten your client’s eligibility for… Read More
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Highlights and Updates in Special Needs Planning

Planning for individuals with disabilities is typically referred to as “special needs planning.” Stetson University College of Law presented its 23rd annual National Conference on Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Trust in mid-October. Thi… Read More
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Protecting the House

How do I protect my home from the State? When applying for the Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) benefit that pays for long-term care services, the applicant’s primary residence does not count towards the $10,000 asset limit in most circumstances. This me… Read More
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