Q. Our property taxes are due soon and we worry that we may not be able to pay them, as my wife and I had large care expenses this year. Are there any programs that we might turn to for help? A. Yes. California lawmakers have reinstated a program called the “Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 19
Legal Tips When Hiring a Senior Caregiver
Q. I plan to hire a full-time caregiver for my husband, and I want to make sure that I handle everything legally. Do you have any suggestions as to how I handle payment or anything else? A. Yes. There are specific rules about handling the payroll, tax and employment law aspects of hiring household help,… Read More »
New Laws May Protect Seniors from Surprise Nursing Home and Hospital Bills
Q. My wife was recently in the hospital for two days, and was then transferred to a rehab facility for a three week recovery. Medicare later refused to pay the hospital and rehab bills, claiming that she spent those two days only in “observation”, and was therefore not covered. Any idea what’s going on? Can… Read More »
Will Medi-Cal Pay for Assisted Living Care?
Q.I was obliged to move my wife into an Assisted Living Facility, where she now resides in the memory care unit. It costs almost $6,000 a month and I see our savings dwindling. If we qualify financially, will Medi-Cal help with the cost of her care? A. Maybe. Here’s is how it all works: Short… Read More »
A Primer on Adding Children to Bank Accounts
Q. My wife and I are thinking of adding our son and daughter to our bank accounts. What is the best way to do this and how should we title the accounts? A. Good question. The manner in which you add your children to your accounts will affect their rights of ownership, access to the… Read More »
Proving Undue Influence May Void A Will or Trust
Q. I sometimes hear the term “Undue Influence” as a basis to contest a Will. What does that term mean? A. To say that a Will or Trust was signed as the result of “Undue Influence ” means that it was the result of excessive persuasion by someone which overcame the Will-Maker’s own free will,… Read More »
New Law: Medi-Cal Dramatically Scales Back Estate Recovery
Q. My husband receives a Medi-Cal subsidy to help with his nursing home expense, and I have long worried about protecting our home from a later Medi-Cal “payback” claim. I heard there might be some changes coming. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes, indeed, there are big changes coming! Gov. Jerry Brown just signed… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
Q. What is the difference between a will and a trust? Some of my friends seem to use the terms to mean the same thing? A. Yes, many people do use the terms interchangeably, but in reality they are quite different, although they often work together to form a complete estate plan. A will is… Read More »
Is Medi-Cal Planning Legal?
Q. My wife is being cared for in a nursing home and the cost is running about $9,500 per month. I see our life savings and financial security dwindling rapidly, and I am concerned about my own financial future. I was thinking about taking steps to qualify her for a Medi-Cal subsidy, but I wonder… Read More »
If I Act As Agent For My Friend Under POA, Do I Become Responsible for His Debts?
Q. A good friend is setting up a financial power of attorney and has asked me to be his agent. He feels his own children are not responsible. If I agree, am I putting my own assets at risk? He is in declining health and I may have to take over his financial affairs soon…. Read More »