Category Archives: Elder & Special Needs
What Does It Mean to Be Board-Certified?
One of the qualities that sets us apart from almost all other elder law firms in West Palm Beach is the fact that our lead attorney, G. Mark Shalloway, is certified as a specialist in Elder Law by The Florida Bar. Just so you know that board certification isn’t just some “participation trophy” that… Read More »
What Is Elder Law?
Elder law is a vital area of legal practice that focuses on the needs of older adults, particularly in areas like estate planning, healthcare, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, and, notably, planning for Medicaid and long-term care. As we age, the likelihood of requiring long-term care services increases, making it essential to understand how an… Read More »
What Can a Special Needs Trust Be Used and Not Used to Pay For
Governmental programs such as Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide necessary assistance to individuals who need care but lack the funds. Those programs help a person with disabilities afford many of the basic necessities of life, including housing and medical care. However, if a person earns too much income, or is gifted too… Read More »
What is a First Party Special Needs Trust and When is it Useful?
Special needs trusts can be an invaluable tool for elder and estate planning. A special needs trust allows you to set up a loved one with income without affecting their eligibility for needs-based governmental programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Most of the time, when you hear about a special needs trust, you are actually… Read More »
Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
Preparation is key to entering your golden years with confidence and peace of mind. You wouldn’t leave your most important affairs in the hands of just anyone. A qualified elder law attorney can help you establish a plan that will protect you no matter what life has in store. Whether it’s arranging your finances… Read More »
What Questions to Ask an Elder Care Attorney
Elder care is an important but little-understood area of law. It’s just as important as estate planning, but many people give it little thought until it’s too late. If you are thinking about your plans for long-term care and have a meeting with an elder care attorney, there are a number of important topics… Read More »
Is There a Difference Between a Supplemental and Special Needs Trust?
Special needs trusts and supplemental needs trusts have similar names and appear to serve a similar purpose: They are meant to offer resources to persons who also receive public benefits such as Medicare and Medicaid without upsetting their eligibility to receive those benefits. Are they actually the same thing, or do the terms describe… Read More »
Housing Options for Adults With Special Needs
Caring for children with special needs can be a challenge, involving added expense, effort, and complications to the typical hurdles that go with raising any child. When those children become adults, or if an adult otherwise becomes disabled due to illness or injury, the attendant costs and challenges are multiplied. Thankfully, we are no… Read More »
Can I Create a Special Needs Trust and Be Eligible for Medicaid and SSI?
If you or your spouse has special needs, you know that it can be costly to ensure that your or their needs are met, especially if you’re dependent on public benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While it can be costly to afford basic expenses along with all of the treatments… Read More »
Special Needs Trusts and Medicaid Eligibility
If the novel coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of planning for the unexpected and having your ducks in a row should unexpected illness or injury occur. Estate planning, especially planning for special needs and government assistance eligibility, is more important now than ever. If you have a child or… Read More »