I. LONG TERM CARE DEFINED Long term care can be defined as that care which is expected to last for no less than thirty days. Long term care normally involves services of a custodial nature, the assistance necessary for a person to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Because of the custodial nature of the
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When Do I Need An Estate Plan?
By Nicole R. Plottel, Attorney at Law HARRIS & PLOTTEL, LLP Many people think an estate plan is only for the wealthy. Not so. In order to know when you need an estate plan, you must first understand its purpose. People often think an estate plan is solely intended to distribute assets at death, perhaps
Continue readingUse Of Durable Powers Of Attorney In A Long Term Care Planning
Many people often confuse Estate Planning and Long Term Care Planning. Although Long Term Care Planning may involve the same planning documents (Will, Trust, Durable Powers, etc.) as found in an Estate Plan, the powers and authorities provided and/or retained in those documents can be quite different. For example, a Trust may be very effective
Continue readingThings To Consider When Estate Planning
What exactly is an Estate Plan? Isn’t it only for the wealthy? An Estate Plan is designed not only to pass assets at your death, but also to provide management of your personal and financial affairs while you are living. Wealth is only one factor when considering whether to do an estate plan. A properly
Continue readingVeteran’s Pension Benefits: Aid & Attendance
What is the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit? The Veteran’s Administration (VA) Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension provides benefits for eligible veterans and/or their surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. Individuals who are blind or
Continue readingIs My Home Really Protected Under Medi-Cal?
“Is My Home Really Protected Under Medi-Cal?” by Neil A. Harris, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) Harris & Plottel, LLP Perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts in Medi-Cal is the principal residence exemption. Unfortunately, discovering the limitations of that exemption often occurs too late for corrective action. The following is a brief overview of
Continue readingDomestic Partners and Long Term Care Planning
DOMESTIC PARTNERS AND LONG TERM CARE PLANNING By Neil A. Harris, Certified Elder Law Attorney While most of us are familiar with the term “Domestic Partners,” many believe that Domestic Partnerships are available only to same sex couples. Actually, both same sex and older heterosexual couples can take advantage of Domestic Partnerships. In fact, many
Continue readingVA Look Back & Penalty Period Proposed to Congress
VA Look Back & Penalty Period Proposed to Congress by Nicole R. Plottel On Wednesday, June 6, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its investigative report and recommendation to Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement a “look back” and “penalty period” for the VA’s improved pension program. The VA pension program,
Continue readingDurable General Power of Attorney: FAQS
The California Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Purposes What is it? A financial power of attorney allows an agent to conduct financial transactions for the principal (the person who signed the power of attorney.) These transactions might include depositing or withdrawing money from bank accounts, signing income tax returns, or transferring assets to a
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California Advance Health Care Directive What is it? The Advance Health Care Directive can be used to appoint a family member or friend to make health care decisions for you if you are physically or mentally unable to make those decisions yourself. Similar documents are also called Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care. This
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