Elder Law Matters — a monthly blog by Glenn A. Deig

Legal Checkup: Avoiding Probate

Posted on February 25, 2025 
Probate can be a costly, time-consuming, and often frustrating legal process for families after the passing of a loved one. One of the most effective strategies is to ensure that all accounts and assets have designated beneficiaries. An elder law attorney can review beneficiary designations. The Last Will and Testament, if one is in place, and the beneficiaries need to be coordinated according to your wishes. Understanding Probate and Its Drawbacks Probate is the public 
Applying for Medicaid to help cover nursing home costs can often feel overwhelming. With complicated eligibility rules and financial requirements, it’s easy to make mistakes that could result in a denial of coverage. Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding common missteps can save you time, money, and stress.Here are 7 common mistakes people make when applying for Medicaid to cover long-term care in a nursing home in Indiana: Failing to 
Elder Law

New Year Checklist for Indiana Residents

Posted on December 25, 2024 
As we embark on a new year, it’s a great time to review and update your affairs. Here is a checklist of tasks that Indiana residents may want to consider: 1. Review Your Will and Estate Plan:  * Update Beneficiaries: Ensure your beneficiaries are still accurate, especially if you’ve experienced significant life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.  * Review, or have prepared, Financial Power of Attorney: Verify that your designated agents are 
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, 

Preplanning Funerals

Posted on October 25, 2024 
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