by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 27, 2020 | Elder Law
Seniors and retirees should know that they may be able to use online tax preparation software free of charge. Most low- and middle-income Americans qualify for the free help, but do not take advantage of it. And all seniors are eligible for free counseling assistance...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 24, 2020 | Elder Law
Many people are not prepared for the shift from employee to retiree. Uncle Sam has strict rules on when you can and, later, must begin withdrawing funds from tax-deffered retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Here’s a rundown of the basic rules, which...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 22, 2020 | Elder Law
Just before the end of 2019, Congress passed and the President signed a spending bill that includes significant changes to retirement savings accounts. Known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, this legislation changes rules...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 20, 2020 | Elder Law
Recognizing the huge problems caused by opioid addiction in the United States, Medicare is adding a new outpatient opioid treatment benefit, paying for methadone and related treatment in certain facilities. Under a new rule taking effect in January 2020, Medicare will...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 17, 2020 | Elder Law
Having enough financial resources to support someone with special needs is an ongoing worry for many families. If resources are short, one increasingly popular option is to set up a crowdfunding campaign through such outlets as GoFundMe or Kickstarter. While this can...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 15, 2020 | Elder Law
As baby boomers age, more and more millennials are becoming caregivers. Many are taking on this role while just getting started in their own lives, leading to difficult decisions about priorities. Proper planning can help them navigate this terrain. The term “sandwich...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 13, 2020 | Elder Law
Below are figures for 2020 that are frequently used in the elder law practice or are of interest to clients. Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2020 The new minimum community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) is $25,728 and the maximum CSRA is $128,640. The...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 10, 2020 | Reflections of Our Managing Attorney
Old age should come with a caution label for many reasons. Most of us expect to live longer than our parents and grandparents. And with longer life come difficulties – and sometimes financial predators. Our vulnerability to predators is made worse by another problem:...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 8, 2020 | Elder Law
If the house is sold, the proceeds should be divided three ways with your mother receiving a third. This is also true of any rental income. A key issue after your mother’s death is whether she, your sister, and your brother-in-law own the property as joint tenants or...
by Samantha Shepherd | Jan 6, 2020 | Elder Law
When choosing a beneficiary for a retirement plan, it is important to understand how your spouse will be treated under the plan. Surviving spouses are treated differently under 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). While a 401(k) provides protections for...
Recent Comments