Creating a Special Needs Trust for a child or grandchild is a terrific idea.  It will provide peace of mind and protect them from losing any of their benefits when they inherit assets that you want to leave to them.  The creation of a Special Needs Trust can be done within the parameters of your will but you have to be aware of how this works now and at your demise.  Listen to Lawrence discuss in very simple language what a special needs trust is, why you should consider creating one, and how it works. 

Sit back and listen to why you should seriously consider planning if you or your spouse are in a second marriage.  Assets from either spouse in a second marriage do not pass automatically to those who may or may not be entitled making for a sticky situation that can be completely eliminated with careful planning.  When one spouse dies, the children of the deceased spouse may be disinherited if no planning was done to protect them.  Assuming that the living spouse will do the "right" thing is taking a big risk.  Listen to Lawrence explain what can be done to ensure family harmony and that everything passes the way it was intended.

Gifting.  How much can you gift?  How often can you make gifts?  How does it affect my taxes?  Do I have to file a gift tax return?  These are just some of the questions that will be clearly answered in this podcast.  The rules and limits keep changing and it's best to stay on top of the information so you have options and know how to use them.

Medicaid planning, Medicaid eligibility, and Medicaid application are all notoriously confusing, complex, and daunting.  The process can be overwhelming but what's worse is the perception and the erroneous information that is out there causing unnecessary stress and concern.  This podcast highlights three of the most common misconceptions regarding the Medicaid program and why they are so misleading.  These are common misconceptions that will be cleared up during the discussion.

Revocable Trusts...Irrevocable Trusts...Medicaid Trusts...Funding a trust...Using assets from a trust...it's ALL so confusing and if you are unsure of what to do you can completely undo all the good you were trying to do!  In other words, you need to understand the objectives of your trust and how whatever you do may influence its effectiveness.  Listen to this podcast:  "Don't screw up your trusts!" so you can truly understand how they work.

Listen to Lawrence address this serious and often misguided concept in great detail.  You will learn what happens if you do transfer the title of your home and the ramifications of such a serious decision.  Lawrence will also offer alternative solutions that will accomplish your goals.

Listen to Lawrence go through the specifics of how to protect assets from Medicaid in cases you need to apply for eligibility.  He will dispel the myths and explain how the use of certain and specific trusts can accomplish your goals.

Listen to Lawrence discuss whether or not it's necessary to set up a Revocable Trust just to avoid Probate.  He'll first explain what Probate is and how it works which will allow you to understand if a Revocable trust is right for you.

Recent changes to Medicaid have caused confusion and concern.  Listen to Lawrence discuss what the Medicaid lookback is, how it works and how it is about to change for at-home care.

Welcome to “Listen to Lawrence” presented by Lawrence Eric Davidow, Senior and Managing Partner of Davidow, Davidow, Siegel and Stern, one of the first and most successful Elder Law, Special Needs and Estate Planning firms on Long Island.  This podcast series is based on his “Listen to Lawrence” seminars and will teach you how to plan in advance to protect your own assets and those that you leave to your children and grandchildren.  Mr. Davidow is a Past President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a published author, and an accomplished and educational speaker so sit back and Listen to Lawrence!  This Listen to Lawrence episode explains exactly what a Health Care Proxy is, how it works and why everyone needs to have one.