For years there was something that bothered me about my estate planning practice and I could never quite tell what it was.  We had lots of clients.  They chose the plans they though fit the need.  What was wrong?

The problem was that the clients didn't know what they needed.  How could they?  They don't have a crystal ball and they don't know what problems they will face in the future.  It was all a guess about which tool they may  need.  

So, we eliminated the guessing game.  We just provide a toolbox to our clients that has all the tools they could likely need.  

Listen to this episode to figure out how we cracked the code on giving your family the best possible plan.

You read that title correctly.  In Pennsylvania, nursing homes can sue adult children for their parents' care under our Filial Support law.  It only applies in limited situations and can be avoided with proper planning.  Listen to this weeks episode to learn how to avoid this nightmare. 

In this episode, Tim discusses the three time periods when people do planning:

1. Young with young kids
2. Empty Nesters
3. Retirees

The goals of each of these groups vary.  The tools we use to accomplish the goals may vary.  But a few things remain constant.  Regardless of your stage of life, you want your money to support your family.  You don't want it to be lost to broken government rulebooks and wast.  Let's set your family up for true success. 

Shhhh..... Here's a dirty secret.  Most law firms don't fund trusts.  If you have a trust already, there's a decent chance it's not funded properly (or at all).  

In this episode Tim talks about why most firms don't fund trusts and how estate planning works when done properly.  

Of all the cruel legal rules impacting seniors, the Estate Recovery Program  has got to be the worst!  It's sole purpose is to take your house after you die!

A new piece of legislation seeks to end the program.  Will it pass?  Who knows... but I wouldn't bet on it.

I'd rather you understand now how to avoid the awful program and keep your savings out of the clutches of the government.  Listen up folks... this one is important.

I recently asked our Managing Attorney, Amy Rees, the questions she gets asked the most.  Her Answer:

1. Should I have a will or a trust?
2. Revocable trust or Irrevocable Trust?
3. How can I avoid paying taxes when my home sells?
4. Can you explain the 5 year look back for nursing homes?
5. Should I give my house to my child?

Curious about these questions?  Let's tackle them together. 

Let's face it... we're all going to get sick.  We're all going to eventually pass away.  If we are bold enough to accept this truth, then we can be bold enough to plan well.  

Someone is going to need to communicate with our doctors.  Do you know who that is?  Have you explained to them how you'd want to be treated?

This isn't fun to think about... but it's necessary.  Let's be bold. 

I was asked this question a year and a half ago by my business coach.  To be honest, it kinda rocked my world.  Although we had a successful law firm working hard to help people with great plans, he was making the point that we could be doing even better.
As a result,  we went on a mission to improve our systems in a way that would get people better plans at a better price.  Listen to this episode to find out how we've changed everything about our firm... and maybe our industry.  

Most Estate and Elder Law problems are easily avoidable.  Listen to this weeks tips to learn about some common mistakes you'll want to avoid. 

In October 2019, the US Government voted to steal your childrens' inheritances.  How did they do it?  Who are they going to do it again?  Check out this episode to find out.