A reverse mortgage is a means by which seniors utilize the equity in their homes. The equity is turned into cash. It can be used to supplement social security, pension payments, and 401K plan withdrawals. In most situations, the proceeds of a reverse mortgage are taken out in a lump sum. Arrangements can be made to have periodic payments over … [Read more...]
Retirement Financial Pitfalls
Planning for retirement is difficult. Today, nest eggs are much smaller than they have been in the past. Many individuals and families plan for retirement at the last minute. This can cause problems. Save And Invest Americans need to save today, not tomorrow. It takes a lot of will power to forego today’s pleasures and have money for the long … [Read more...]
Estate Planning
Who needs estate planning? Probably you do! Estate planning does not relate to an individual’s net worth. The purpose of an estate plan is to see to it that your financial goals and the financial goals of your family can be met even after you die. There are several elements of an estate plan. A will, a power or attorney, a living will and a … [Read more...]
Garden of Eden Adult Home in Brooklyn is “A Garden Of Hell”
The Garden of Eden Nursing Home is located in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. The residents of this adult facility have been forced to live in a poorly maintained residence and under unsanitary living conditions. Multiple lawsuits have been brought related to complaints of mistreatment from the residents. The State Health Department has sited the … [Read more...]
Surrogate Judge Accused of Letting Lawyer Friends Overcharge
The investigators have accused Bronx Surrogate Judge Lee Holtzman of letting his attorney friends overcharge Bronx residents who died without wills for the handling of their estates. Judge Holtzman has been accused of letting lawyers, including his chief campaign fundraiser, responsible for client's estates to remain with him for more than ten … [Read more...]
Prosecutor Investigating Reclusive Heiress’s Fortune
Ms. Huguettem Clark owns a 52-acre estate in New Canaan, Connecticut. The estate has been unoccupied for more than twenty years. During this entire period, Ms. Clark has been residing in a hospital. She has been active in the society pages of various newspapers and has made many charitable contributions. Ms. Clark in now 104 years of age. … [Read more...]
What Wills Can’t Do
There are many very important uses for wills. However, there are things for which wills were not designed and cannot accomplish. The following are a list of things that can NOT be dealt with in a will: 1. If you own assets in a "joint tenancy" with another individual, or a "tenancy by the entirety" (a marital estate), you cannot dispose of … [Read more...]
Caring For An Elderly Parent
Americans today are living longer than prior generations. As individuals grow older, their needs may increase. Long-term care often involves children caring for their elderly parents. Children who have careers and/or families of their own may find it difficult to help care for their parents as they grow older and infirm. Healthcare Aids and … [Read more...]
Wills And Trusts Can Reduce Estate Taxes
Individuals with significant assets can reduce their tax liability upon their death by using sophisticated wills and trusts. In 2010, the wills, trust and estate area is facing a unique situation. For the 2010 calendar year there is no federal estate tax. After 2010, the federal estate tax exemption will go back to one million dollars. Well … [Read more...]
Life is Unfair, and So are Wills
Wills do not have to be fair. An individual has the absolute right to dispose of his or her property at the time of his or her death the way he or she sees fit. This means a mother or father can disinherit his or her children. Husbands can disinherit their wives and vice versa. However, it should be noted in the State of New York a spouse has a … [Read more...]
