As the U.S. population ages, more non-lawyers are starting businesses that offer Medicaid planning services to seniors. While using one of these services may be cheaper than hiring a lawyer, the ultimate costs may be far greater. If you use a non-lawyer to do Medicaid planning, they may not have any legal knowledge or training. Bad advice can lead seniors to purchase products or take actions that won’t help them qualify for Medicaid and may actually

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for a review of the so-called fiduciary rule, which was intended to prevent financial advisers from steering their clients to bad retirement investments by requiring these advisers to act in the best interests of their clients. The order delays the rule, which was scheduled to go into effect in April 2017, and the rule may ultimately be repealed. Prompted by concern that many financial advisers have a

Saying that there has been “undue influence” is often used as a reason to contest a will or estate plan, but what does the term mean? Undue influence occurs when someone exerts pressure on an individual, causing that individual to act contrary to his or her wishes to the benefit of the influencer or the influencer’s friends. The pressure can take the form of deception, harassment, threats or isolation. Often the influencer separates the individual from

Passing down a Roth IRA can seem like a good idea, but it doesn’t always make the most sense. Before converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA to benefit your heirs, you should consider the tax consequences. Earnings in a traditional IRA generally are not taxed until they are distributed to you. At age 70 1/2 you have to start taking distributions from a traditional IRA. By contrast, contributions to a Roth IRA are taxed,

Assisted living facilities are a housing option for people who can still live independently but who need some help.  Costs for these facilities can range from $2,000 to more than $6,000 a month, depending on location.  Medicare won’t pay for this type of care, but Medicaid might.  Almost all state Medicaid programs will cover at least some assisted living costs for eligible residents. Unlike with nursing home stays, there is no requirement that Medicaid pay for

Giving your house to your child or children can have tax consequences, but there are ways to accomplish this tax-free. The best method to use will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. Leave the house in your will The simplest way to give your house to your children is to leave it to them in your will. In 2017, as long as the total amount of your estate is under $5.49 million it will not