It can be extremely upsetting to be told by a nursing home that your loved one must leave. Unfortunately, sometimes a nursing home will have an ulterior or nefarious reason to want to discharge a resident from the facility. Perhaps the resident is difficult. Or maybe the family members are being difficult. It may even… Read More »
Posts Tagged: Advance Directives
Just Released—New York Elder Law and Special Needs Practice, 2019 Edition
I am excited to announce the release of an updated and expanded edition of my book, New York Elder Law and Special Needs Practice, which, much to my delight, has been and continues to be a working tool for many elder law and special needs practitioners. The new edition addresses the planning needs of everyone… Read More »
Do I Need a Power of Attorney?
YES, YES, YES! If you are over the age of 18 (and chances are if you’re reading this you are), you should have a power of attorney. Unless you would rather leave it up to a judge. A power of attorney is a legal document where you are giving your agent(s) the power to sign… Read More »
Are Gifts Made During My Lifetime Includible In My Estate For Estate Tax Purposes?
The answer to the question “Are gifts made during my lifetime includible in my estate for estate tax purposes?” depends on several factors. Federal For purposes of the Federal Estate Tax, yes, any taxable gifts you make during your lifetime are includible in your estate. However, this does not necessarily mean that those gifts… Read More »
Seminar: How to Qualify for Medicaid and Protect your Assets
Join Vincent J. Russo for this Free Educational Seminar and Learn: How to Access Quality Long Term Care How to Pay for Long Term Care How to Protect your Assets and Income What will Happen if you Don’t have a Plan Date: Jul 17, 2019 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant… Read More »
What are Letters Testamentary?
Sometimes when a loved one passes away, an individual who believes he or she inherited assets from the decedent will be told at a bank or financial institution that they will need “Letters Testamentary” in order to collect those assets. The question most people have at that point is “What are Letters Testamentary?” Letters… Read More »
Alzheimer’s Disease and Planning for the Possibility of Incapacity
June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to show support for the millions of people struggling with this debilitating disease—and, a good time to think about planning for the possibility of needing long-term care. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that leads to memory, thinking, and behavioral problems. It is… Read More »
Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Generally, the answer to this question is “No”. However, Medicaid does have a program, aptly named the “Assisted Living Program” (or “ALP”) that does provide Medicaid coverage for an assisted living. There are a number of facilities in New York, and about a half-dozen or so on Long Island, in the ALP program. Most assisted… Read More »
June is Men’s Health Month
With Father’s Day quickly approaching, I am reminded (not that I need to be) that although I will be celebrating as the proud father of four great kids, my own father is no longer with us. It’s hard to believe that this will be my 6th Father’s Day without my dad. June not only contains… Read More »
Who Has The Right To Control What Happens To My Body When I Die?
The short, but perhaps not so obvious answer to the question “Who has the right to determine what happens to my body when I die?” is, YOU – provided you planned ahead of time. We advise many of our clients about the benefits of planning ahead for the disposition of their remains. Under New… Read More »
Estate Planning 101 Seminars
Join us for our upcoming Estate Planning 101 Seminars
Do I need a death certificate to probate a Will?
The practical answer to the question “Do I need a death certificate to probate a will?” is yes. In a practical sense, the Surrogate’s Court generally requires a death certificate in order to probate a Will, as it needs the certificate to prove that the Testator is deceased, and that the court has jurisdiction over… Read More »
NAELA Attorney Receives Theresa Award
Tim has mentored and educated attorneys throughout the country to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities had, and continue to have access to qualified elder law and special needs planning attorneys. We thank Tim for his efforts on behalf of seniors and people with special needs. Naming him this Year’s NAELA Theresa Awards Honoree… Read More »
Reverse Mortgage: It May Not Be All It’s Cracked Up To Be
A reverse mortgage is a mortgage loan, usually secured over residential real property, which enables the borrower to access the equity value of the property. Specifically, it is a financial agreement in which a homeowner relinquishes equity in their home in exchange for regular payments or a lump sum of money based largely on the… Read More »
Casual For The Cause
Russo Law Group’s staff is proud to support Casual For The Cause Long Island’s Biggest Dress-Down Day Is Happening Wednesday, May 22, 2019 HR Executives of Long Island: Long Island Cares needs your help to raise $50,000 in one day for Long Islanders in need! All you have to do is get your favorite pair of shorts out of the… Read More »