One of the most popular, and important, components of a comprehensive estate plan is Medicaid planning. You may have made it through several decades without ever needing to qualify for Medicaid; however, that could change rapidly once you reach your retirement years if you need long-term care. You may have also heard several disconcerting things about Medicaid eligibility, most of which likely revolve around the loss of assets because of the need to qualify for Medicaid. If you have a 401(k) … [Read more...] about Does My 401(k) Account Count for Medicaid Eligibility?
Senior Care Options
As much as we prefer not to think about it, the reality is that the longer we live, the greater the odds are that we will need some type of care. The idea of ending up in a nursing home facility probably does not sit well with you. The good news is that there are numerous options for senior care that might help you avoid, or at least put-off, the need for nursing home care. Toward that end, the Essex Junction elder law attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explain various senior care options that … [Read more...] about Senior Care Options
Is an Oral Will Valid in Vermont?
One of the primary reasons for creating an estate plan is to avoid dying intestate (meaning without a Will or trust in place to distribute estate assets). What happens though, if a loved one who is on the verge of death makes a last-minute oral Will? Is that Will valid? The Essex Junction estate planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC discuss the validity of an oral Will in Vermont. What Are the Basic Requirements for a Valid Will in Vermont? For any Will to be valid in Vermont, the … [Read more...] about Is an Oral Will Valid in Vermont?
The Intersection of Asset Protection Planning and Estate Planning – Part II
As part of the Estate Planning process, an attorney explores numerous topics with the client to help create a unique plan tailored to the client’s circumstances. Many estate plans use a trust as the centerpiece of the plan. Some clients want to explore asset protection and let the attorney know they want to consider offshore planning. Sometimes, offshore planning works, but often it causes additional issues. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Intersection of Asset Protection Planning and Estate Planning – Part II
The Intersection of Asset Protection Planning and Estate Planning – Part I
As part of the Estate Planning process, an attorney explores numerous topics with the client to help create a unique plan tailored to the client’s circumstances. Many estate plans use a trust as the centerpiece of the plan. Inevitably, clients want to understand the degree, if any, of asset protection that will result from the creation of a trust. There are numerous ways to achieve asset protection planning for a client. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Intersection of Asset Protection Planning and Estate Planning – Part I
Vermont Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors
There is a significant chance you will need to qualify for Medicaid during your retirement years to cover the high cost of long-term care. If so, the Medicaid eligibility guidelines could prevent you from qualifying if you did not plan accordingly. To help make sure you are eligible if you need to qualify, the Essex Junction Medicaid planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explain the Vermont Medicaid eligibility guidelines for seniors. Why Would I Need Medicaid When I Am a … [Read more...] about Vermont Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors
Are Alzheimer’s and Dementia the Same Thing?
If you have a parent, grandparent, or other older family member who is starting to show signs of physical and/or mental deterioration, the fear of Alzheimer’s may loom large. Maybe your loved one has already been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia and you do not know what to expect in the future. Although we often use the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably, they are not the same thing. An Essex Junction elder law attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explains dementia and … [Read more...] about Are Alzheimer’s and Dementia the Same Thing?
Common Estate Planning Questions Answered
Despite understanding the importance of having an estate plan, over half of all Americans do not have one. At least one reason for this phenomenon is the simple fact that estate planning can seem rather mysterious and confusing to the average person. Both the tools and concepts used in estate planning are things most people have never come across before and, therefore, know nothing about. To help take some of the mystery out of creating an estate plan, the Essex Junction estate planning … [Read more...] about Common Estate Planning Questions Answered
How to Provide for Your Non-Citizen Spouse in Your Estate Plan
For many people, a primary reason for creating an estate plan is to ensure that their spouse is protected in the event something happens to them. If that is one of your primary goals, and you are married to a non-citizen, the need for asset protection strategies within your estate plan is heightened. Unlike many married couples who can always fall back on the unlimited marital deduction to transfer assets to a spouse tax-free, your estate could lose a considerable amount of its assets to estate … [Read more...] about How to Provide for Your Non-Citizen Spouse in Your Estate Plan
What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
When you create your Last Will and Testament you will have to make several decisions. Although you may not realize it, one of the most important of those is the appointment of your Executor. To help you better understand why you should choose your Executor carefully, an Essex Junction estate planning attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explains the duties and responsibilities of an Executor. Executor Duties and Responsibilities While an Executor may have additional duties and … [Read more...] about What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
