Have you ever thought about what you want to happen to your “digital assets,” including your Facebook page, after you pass away? This is a question that Big Tech giants have spent the past few years grappling with as more and more of our lives are lived online. As such, companies like Facebook have started...

Choosing to serve as someone’s conservator is a huge responsibility.  A conservator for an adult person with special needs is generally tasked with overseeing that individual’s physical well-being, medical care, housing, day-to-day needs, and sometimes his or her finances. In the majority of cases, it’s a biological parent (or parents) who will apply to become...

One thing the COVID-19 crisis has brought to the forefront of many people’s minds is the need to update older estate plans, including their Last Will and Testaments. We were collectively reminded that having an updated estate plan is incredibly important, no matter how old you are. In general, a Milford estate planning lawyer will...

Let’s be honest: a major obstacle to proper estate planning for many people is the cost. Sometimes it’s hard to see how estate planning can save money, time, and headaches in the future when there’s a significant price tag in the present. That’s why Milford estate planning lawyers want to let people in on some...

There are many options available to seniors who would like access to liquid assets, and reverse mortgages are one of the most common – and the most misunderstood. Our New Haven elder law attorneys have outlined everything you need to know about reverse mortgages, so you have the information you need to make the best...

The power of attorney is one of the most important documents in your estate plan, but there are some common mistakes that could render it ineffective. Knowing how to spot these mistakes is key to make sure that you get the most out of your power of attorney and all the benefits it provides. Here...

When was the last time you took a look at your Last Will and Testament? If it was five years ago or more, then you should consider dusting it off and reading through to make sure it’s up to date. Remember, a lot can change in five years: the birth of new family members, marriages...

Now that vaccinations have started and "normal" life is within our grasp, many couples are starting to resume their wedding plans. Those who have had to postpone their big day or got engaged during the pandemic are once again starting to put deposits on venues, purchasing gowns, and even planning honeymoons. However, Milford estate planning...

Have you ever wondered what is the worst that can happen if you become incapacitated or pass away without an estate plan in place? If you have, you’re not alone. This is a common question our Trumbull estate lawyers receive, especially from those in close-knit families who believe that their kids (or other loved ones)...

Many veterans and their families are unaware of the availability of the Aid and Attendance pension benefit for veterans over the age of 65 through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits can be used to help offset long-term care costs for older veterans who served during a period of war, whether they receive care...

Trusts are an excellent tool for estate planning and asset protection purposes. The most common type of trust is a Revocable Living Trust, which holds your assets and helps avoid the probate process when you pass away. However, Revocable Living Trusts do not help much when it comes to asset protection planning. What Can I...

It is well known that probate in Connecticut is not only costly but has the potential to be very time-consuming. Many look for loopholes in the system as an attempt to shorten or eliminate the probate process. Some believe that adding their child’s name to their bank accounts or even placing their child’s name on...

If you plan on leaving money to minor children in your Last Will and Testament, you’ll have an important issue to consider: Who will be in charge of managing the inheritance and keeping the child’s money safe from being lost or squandered if the parents pass away? Estate planning is often easier for married couples...

National Healthcare Decisions Day is on April 16th, and it’s an important reminder for every adult to begin having conversations with loved ones about their most private wishes for medical and end-of-life care. Far too many people assume that their families would make the choices they would want in an emergency. Yet every day we...

More than half of Americans now have at least one chronic health condition, mental disorder, or substance abuse issue. That is a staggering statistic that Trumbull estate planning lawyers who work with sick and disabled clients confront every day. There are varying definitions of what it means to be “chronically ill.” One definition is having...

The IRS recently announced the 2021 federal estate tax rate limits, which are $11.7 million for individuals and $23.4 million for married couples. This is increased from $11.58 million and $23.16 million respectively in 2020. Under this new guidance, wealthy Americans will be able to leave up to $23.4 million to their heirs without being …

Estate planning offers legal protection for families and individuals through all of life’s transitions. By using tools such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, estate planning helps individuals protect their wishes, safeguard their assets, and ensure provision and care for their loved ones following their death or incapacity. What Does My Estate...

In part one of this series, we provided a general overview of the ways that seniors are preyed upon by scammers and those who would seek to gain control of the elderly person’s finances for their own benefit. However, in order to stop fraud, it’s important to know the specifics. The following post will walk...

Elder fraud and financial exploitation have become an epidemic. As , we are seeing more than ever before, con artists and family members alike taking advantage of their elderly relatives, friends, or neighbors. The best defense against elder fraud is having caring friends or family with the senior's best interests at heart. But those friends...

A serious health diagnosis can force some tasks – especially ones you’ve been putting off – to the top of the priority list. Milford will lawyers know that estate planning is one of these tasks that’s often left for another day, as people don’t like to think about sickness or death when they are feeling...

Do you know what could happen to your assets if your spouse ever needs to go into a long-term care facility? There are a lot of misconceptions out there about Medicaid asset and income requirements, which is dangerous because getting any one of those requirements wrong can lead to a denial of Medicaid benefits. One...

Most Milford elder lawyers agree that Medicaid is one of the best programs provided by the government for senior citizens who need help paying for long-term care. Medicaid is a needs-based program with strict income and asset limits that must be followed; otherwise, seniors can face penalties if they do not meet those limits. There...

As we close out 2020 in hopes of a better 2021, Trumbull estate planning lawyers are encouraging their clients to reflect on legal changes that may have gone overlooked in the past year. Last January, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was rolling out. There was a lot of discussion about...

Dying intestate, or without a will, is unfortunately very common. If you die without a will, your property will go through a court process called probate and will ultimately be distributed according to Connecticut’s intestacy law. Here are some common events that may happen if you die intestate: Your immediate next of kin, whoever they...

Family relationships can be complicated. Not every parent remains in his or her child’s life, which can complicate matters when the child has a disability or special needs. This can create financial issues too, especially if the other parent is absent but still living and the child’s eligibility for benefits is impacted as a result....