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

When I first become an attorney in 1988, the Last Will and Testament (“Will”) controlled most, if not all, of the distribution of a person’s probate assets upon their passing. Today, assets can be distributed at death in other non-probate ways. As to real estate, there are several ways non-probate transfers can occur. Many clients establish revocable living trusts and/or irrevocable trusts in which they deed real estate into these trusts that will transfer according 

Guidance in a land of confusion

Posted on July 25, 2020 
Usually when we meet with clients regarding loved ones who need help now, or soon; they do not know what to do. By the time they come to us, they have heard different things, mostly inaccurately, from different people. People incorrectly say there is nothing you can do, other than sell everything and pay for nursing home. Many get confused regarding gifting and Medicare days; or thinking it is too late; or that they have 

Pandemic, and the impact on elders

Posted on June 26, 2020 
As an elder law attorney, the pandemic has impacted my practice including my safeguards to meet with people, and our screening and thorough cleaning processes. The impact on my clientele has been devastating, both emotionally and physically; and it is a period of awakening and focus in all our lives. Statistics abound such as 800 people are dying daily in the United States with 80% of the deaths from Covid-19 for those over age 65: with 
During recent months, I have met with many families who have expressed concerned about their own, or a loved one’s, declining health. Their concern is magnified, given the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes across the country. Nursing homes can certainly provide a level of care that is not always possible at home, and there are times when that is the best option for the safety of the loved one and his or her family; 
When the Governor issued a list of essential services that included legal services, my office was relieved. The number of people who need legal assistance has actually increased in many ways, especially in my area during this pandemic, elder law. Statistics show as much as 80% of deaths in China were over the age of 60. Many of my current/future clients are not directly infected with the virus but may have end-of-life cancer, or other