Adding beneficiaries to your checking and savings accounts is an important step in financial planning, especially for individuals with dependents or loved ones. By designating beneficiaries, you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes upon your passing, streamlining the process and avoiding potential legal complications. Understanding Beneficiaries A beneficiary is an individual or entity that you designate to receive the assets in your account upon your death. This can be a spouse,
Funeral planning is a sensitive and often overlooked aspect of life. It can be very difficult to consider, and plan for our eventual mortality. In Indiana, as in many states, residents have the right to information regarding funeral prices. This transparency is crucial for making informed decisions about end-of-life arrangements. Clients routinely ask during consultations regarding the process of preplanning, and pre-paying for a funeral. Understanding Your Rights Indiana and Federal law mandates that funeral
When a loved one is in, or needs to enter a nursing home, the financial and emotional challenges can be overwhelming. Many families, trying to do what’s best, often turn to well-meaning relatives or nursing home staff for advice on how to protect their loved one’s assets. However, when it comes to something as complex and legally sensitive as asset protection, it is crucial to seek the advice of an elder law attorney instead of
A major change has gone into effect regarding the retirement accounts of spouses of those who are applying for Medicaid on or after July 26, 2024. This change will impact married couples who are faced with one spouse needing long-term care, either at home or in a skilled care nursing facility. The retirement accounts of the healthy spouse had previously been exempt, or “off the table”, as a resource during the Medicaid application process. The
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, assists those requiring long-term care in nursing homes. In order to qualify for Medicaid to help pay for long-term care, one must meet strict financial eligibility requirements. Clients often ask if they can just “give away” assets to friends or family to qualify for Medicaid. Typically, any significant transfer of assets made within five years of a Medicaid application will result in penalties. In Indiana, a one-month penalty