Retirement is supposed to be the golden years. However, today the issue of how much money you need in retirement is becoming a much more complex issue. Although it is important to save for retirement, you shouldn't scrimp and deprive yourself for a retirement that may never happen. The big problem is running out of money while you are retired. … [Read more...]
President Obama Orders the Creation of New Retirement Accounts
On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, President Obama gave his State of the Union address. During the course of his address, he ordered that a new type of employer sponsored saving account be created for the purpose of helping people save for retirement. The President suggested creating this new class of retirement saving account would help middle class … [Read more...]
Foreclosure Action Stopped by Death
Nettie Francis had executed a mortgage. The holder of the mortgage brought a foreclosure lawsuit against her. In May of 2010, the court had declined to sign a proposed judgement of foreclosure and sale. The court took this action because there had not been a submission of an order showing the mandatory residential foreclosure court conference had … [Read more...]
Long Term Care
Approximately ¾ of all Americans, at some time in their life, will need some form of long term care. This is pursuant to a study of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Seniors over 65 have approximately a 1 in 3 chance of at some point in time finding themselves in a nursing home. Approximately 20% of these seniors will spend up to 5 … [Read more...]
Spousal Refusal And Medicaid Planning
In the States of Connecticut, Florida and New York spousal refusal to pay for a spouse's medical expenses can be an acceptable Medicaid planning technique. The spouse of an individual who goes into a nursing home and applies for Medicaid is referred to as the "community spouse." This spouse can keep approximately $3000 a month of the family's … [Read more...]
Retirement Problems
Do you have enough money to retire? This is a question baby boomers are starting to think about. How much money do you need before you retire? What is the best way to plan for retirement? When Should You Start Saving? Experts agree that you should start saving for your retirement as early as possible. The longer you defer putting aside money in a … [Read more...]
Decedent Considered Married Despite Not Having A Marriage License
The Surrogate Judge of Kings County, Diana Johnson, recently held a hearing related to the probate of a decedent's estate. She was presented with the issue of whether the decedent and the objectant, Avrumson, were legally married. The marriage took place before Rabbi Dembitzer at the Rabbi's residence. However, there was no marriage license. The … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Documents
Will The purpose of a will is to set down the manner and disposition of an individual's assets and his or her estate, at the time of his or her death. A will has no effect during a person's lifetime. It only deals with the disposition of the person's assets at the time of death. The will should be crafted by an experienced estate planning lawyer. … [Read more...]
The Right To Die
There was a recent case in Long Island, New York concerning issues surrounding "the right to die." Sungeon Grace Lee, age 28, decided her life was no longer worth living. She advised her doctors she wanted to end her life by cutting off the life support system keeping her alive. Her parents, who are deeply religious, vehemently opposed their … [Read more...]
Amending Irrevocable Trusts
Irrevocable trusts are an invaluable estate planning resource. However, due to tax changes (fiscal cliff) and other issues, irrevocable trusts with an estate plan in mind, need to be changed related to subsequent modifications of estate tax laws. Can irrevocable trusts be amended? The answer to that is yes, in certain circumstances. New York … [Read more...]