Maureen L. Anderson Elder Law LLC
Elder Law Blog
Can my parents legally gift assets to avoid Medicaid penalties?
Families often feel anxious about the possibility of their parents' life savings and cherished family home being drained by long-term care costs. You may have heard about gifting property to children or establishing trusts as methods to preserve family wealth while...
Limited or plenary guardianship: Which one do you need?
Are you considering estate planning for yourself or a loved one? One crucial aspect to consider is guardianship. As we age or face health challenges, we may need someone to make decisions on our behalf. In Pennsylvania, there are two types of guardianships: limited...
Creating a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a crucial legal document and an important part of your estate planning. This document allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. In Pennsylvania, a POA is not just a good idea. It is...
How often should you revise your estate plan?
As most adults know, having an estate plan is one of the most important things they can do to protect their assets and, ultimately, their families. While most people have estate plans, many fail to revise them, which can hurt them because what they include in their...
Understanding the Medicaid lookback period
For seniors in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, planning for long-term care is an essential part of managing their later years. When it comes to qualifying for Medicaid, understanding the lookback period is crucial. Medicaid sets an asset limit for eligibility, and the...
Which trust is best for my legacy? Three options
Estate planning is a critical process for individuals looking to manage their assets and provide for their loved ones after they pass. One of the fundamental tools in estate planning is the creation of a trust. Trusts can offer control, privacy, and sometimes tax...
Qualifying for Medicaid through Medicaid spend down
As Pennsylvania residents grow older, many will eventually need some type of long-term care when they are no longer able to independently care for themselves. Unfortunately, long-term care is prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for some people to receive the...
Should a spendthrift trust be part of your estate?
Creating an estate plan can be challenging for anyone in Pennsylvania. You may have multiple loved ones to whom you want to leave assets after your passing. However, you may already know that some potential beneficiaries don't spend their money wisely. For these...
Establishing a special needs trust in Pennsylvania
Caring for an elderly relative in Pennsylvania comes with some rewards but also many challenges. Those needing to establish a trust to provide financial security for their loved one probably have a lot of questions about the procedure and options. The most common type...
Can I protect my assets from nursing home costs?
As people age, the need for long-term care becomes increasingly common. This care can be expensive for many individuals and quickly deplete their hard-earned savings. One of the primary concerns for those facing the need for long-term care is protecting their assets...