Q. My husband was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but still seems to be generally okay. Are there legal steps we should take by way of planning for the future? Yes. Once you or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important to take action to get your affairs in order. Here is my… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Elder Law
May Someone With Dementia Create a Will?
Q. My husband and I would like to make wills, but I am concerned because he has been recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Legally, can he still make a will? A. It depends, but very often the answer would be yes. Under the law, he must have what is called “testamentary capacity”. This means that… Read More »
Can I Keep My SSI If My Ex-Spouse Pays Me Support?
Q. I recently qualified for SSI and Medi-Cal, but I am going through a divorce . I worry that when my ex-spouse is ordered to pay me Spousal Support, I may then lose my SSI and Medi-Cal. Is there a way that I can keep my public benefits and also receive support? I am now… Read More »
The IHSS Program: Financial Help for Care at Home
Q. Our 85 year-old mother is frail but wishes to remain at home. She has limited financial resources, so my sister is living with her and providing care without pay. Are there any government programs that might help us hire a caregiver and give my sister some relief? A. Yes. There are a number of programs, but… Read More »
Consider Tax Savvy Year End Gifts To Family
Q. Last year around this time, you wrote an article on year-end gift planning, but I cannot find the copy I saved. My wife and I are considering making large gifts to our two children to help them remodel their homes, and we would like to do so in a way that is “tax wise”…. Read More »
Are You Missing Out on Benefits?
Q. Is there any resource on the Internet which has a compilation of benefit programs for seniors, all in one place and that’s easy to use? A. Yes! You may be unaware that seniors have access to hundreds of federal and state benefits programs that may assist them. Many retirees meet the requirements for these… Read More »
Filial Responsibility: Are Children Responsible For Their Parents’ Care?
Q. My wife and I are concerned that our adult children might be held financially responsible for our care in the event we run out of our own resources. Our children are good kids, but they have their own financial responsibilities, including putting their own kids through college. Can you shed any light on this?… Read More »
Senior Alert: Medi-Cal Eligibility Rules Are Changing For Those Over 65!
Q. I heard that the Medi-Cal rules to qualify for a long-term care subsidy are about to change. This would be very important to us, as my husband, now aged 85, will soon need care in a nursing home, and we are very concerned about the cost. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes,… Read More »
Should We Sell Mom’s Home To Pay For Her Care?
Q. Our mother is in assisted living and may need to go into a nursing home soon. To raise money for her ongoing care, we are thinking of selling her home which is now vacant. Any thoughts as to whether that makes sense? A. Well, here’s the thing: selling mom’s home may undermine her ability… Read More »
How To Assist Physically Impaired Persons to Sign Legal Documents
Q. My husband suffered a stroke and is essentially paralyzed. However, his mind is sharp. I need him to sign a Power Of Attorney so that I can take care of our financial affairs. Is there any way to do this? A. Yes. Where a person has sufficient mental capacity to understand the nature of… Read More »