Blog
Should I update my estate plan from another state if I moved to Arizona?
Maybe. Although Arizona will generally recognize a will, trust, or powers of attorney validly executed in another state, there may be legal or practical considerations to ensure the most favorable outcome. For instance, a client complained that a hospital rejected his parent’s power of attorney for health care decisions. If
What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is a general term that refers to severe memory loss and problems with thinking, behavior, and social skills that interfere with daily life. According to the National Institutes of Health, this neurological condition affects one in seven adults over age 71. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and
What to Do If Your Medicaid/ALTCS Application Is Denied
If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid [ALTCS in Arizona] and your application is denied, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals, so it has strict income and asset eligibility requirements. Qualifying for ALTCS
Professional Trustee: Corporate vs. Licensed Fiduciary?
Should you appoint a professional to handle your trust or estate? A crucial part of estate planning is selecting the right individual to make decisions for you when you are unable to, whether due to your death or incapacity. This may be under your trust, will or powers of attorney
ALTCS’ “Snapshot” Date and Its Crucial Impact on a Couple’s Financial Picture
When a married couple applies for Medicaid (also known as Arizona Long Term Care System or ALTCS in Arizona), the ALTCS must analyze the couple’s income and assets as of a particular date to determine eligibility. The date that the agency chooses for this analysis is called the “snapshot” date
Guardianship: When Can Someone Be Declared Legally Incapacitated?
If a loved one is experiencing memory loss or suddenly making poor decisions, you may want the court to appoint a guardian, which requires a declaration of incapacity. Determining whether someone is incapacitated to make their own decisions is a complicated process. What is a Guardian? If a loved one
ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs Trusts: Why Not Have It All?
If you have a child with disabilities, it is crucial to set money aside for the child’s future. At the same time, you need to consider your child’s access to public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as the state and federal tax implications.
What is the Difference Between Elder Law and Estate Planning?
Lots of people don’t fully understand the difference between elder law and estate planning— and that’s okay! We get it. Many elder law attorneys also specialize in estate planning, as the two often go hand in hand. This can make it a little confusing to differentiate one from the other.
What is the ALTCS Five Year Look Back Policy?
Many people fear the ALTCS/Medicaid Five-Year Look Back Policy—and they should! (ALTCS stands for Arizona Long Term Care System, which is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long term care, such as assisted living or nursing homes.) The Policy is intended to punish ALTCS applicants or recipients who attempt to hide their
Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living?
Yes! You may qualify for Veterans benefits for assisted living. The Veterans Administration offers an Aid and Attendance Pension to reimburse wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses for out of pocket medical and care expenses. Never heard of that? Not many have because their military service may have been decades
