February 26, 2019 – 2:09 pm
The Facts: My mother had a savings account which held nearly $50,000. About a year ago while my daughter was visiting my mother, my mother and daughter went to the bank to make a deposit. While there an employee of the bank advised my mother that it was important that she name a beneficiary on […]
January 29, 2019 – 2:06 pm
The Facts: My elderly aunt, Mary, has no spouse or children and is getting to the point where her heath is failing and she is forgetting to pay her bills. Mary has a will and a healthcare proxy but, she has not appointed anyone to handle her financial affairs or assets. The Question: What do […]
August 28, 2018 – 1:52 pm
The Facts: I am in my late fifties and am thinking about purchasing a long term care insurance policy. The Questions: What are some of the factors I should consider before I purchase a policy? The Answer: Long term care insurance can be very confusing and may not be the best option for some people. […]
The Facts: I want to be sure that I do not receive end of life medical treatment that will do little other than prolong my life. The Questions: Is the document in which I can state my end of life wishes called a living trust or a living will? The Answer: The document in which […]
September 3, 2014 – 11:39 am
The Facts: My father has decided to gift his house to me and my brother and to retain a life estate for himself. This is part of his Medicaid planning. The Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of making this transfer? The Answer: The advantages of putting the house in your names now is […]
May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May to be “Senior Citizens Month”, May has been the month in which communities across the nation acknowledge the important contributions older Americans have made and continue to make to our country. In 1980 President Jimmy Carter changed the designation to “Older […]
The Facts: My lifelong friend Mary recently suffered a massive stroke. She has lost the ability to speak, cannot walk and cannot handle her affairs due to the cognitive impairment caused by the stroke. Mary is currently living in a nursing home. A few years ago Mary had her attorney prepare a Will as well as […]
November 10, 2011 – 6:57 pm
The Facts: My mother opened a joint account with my sister Jane so Jane could pay my mother’s bills. At the time of her death, my mother had $100,000 in the joint account. Jane is claiming that the money in the account is hers since she is the joint account holder. My mother always said she […]
August 18, 2011 – 6:58 pm
The Facts: My aunt is widowed and living alone. Lately it has become clear that she cannot continue to live independently and cannot handle her finances. She is confused and does not appear to be eating well or bathing regularly. Unfortunately, there are no family members in a position to take care of my aunt. She […]
The Question: Despite a strained relationship with my daughter-in-law Jane, I have cared for my grandson in my home three days a week since he was born 5 years ago. My son died tragically a few months ago. Jane made new arrangements for my grandson’s care and will no longer allow me to see him. What […]
In November, 2010, a new law took effect in New York which allows senior citizens 65 years of age or older, to designate a third-party to be notified by insurance carriers in advance of the cancellation or non-renewal of the senior’s health insurance or long term care insurance policy. Recognizing that many seniors can no […]
