Practice Areas
- Medicaid
- Living Trusts
- Estate Administration and Probate
- Asset Protection
- Veterans Benefits
- Special Needs Trust
Blog 
Medicaid
Estate Administration and Probate
- Finding Tips On Estate Planning at the Theatre
- Update on the Status of Federal Estate Tax
- Michael Jackson Estate Makes Land Mark Estate Deal With Sony
- The Governator Says Health Reform Will "Beat Up" California
- When a will isn’t enough
Asset Protection
- "Do I Qualify For Financial Assistance For Nursing Home Care?"
- Free Asset Protection Seminar For Anyone Considering Long Term Care Planning
- Medicaid Compromise in Health Care Bill On the Chopping Block
- Medicaid and Caregiving: Who Are the Ones Taking the Lead?
- Avoid Pitfalls of Medicaid
Veterans Benefits
Special Needs Trust
- IMPORTANT REPORT EVERY SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MUST KNOW ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING
- Planning for your autistic child’s future can bring peace of mind
- Five estate planning mistakes made by parents with special needs children
- Could you benefit from a Special Needs Trust?
Caregivers
- Three Things To Consider When Hiring Private Caregivers For Someone With Alzheimer's Disease
- Ask These Ten Questions Before Going Into a Retirement Community
- Elder Independence: Developing Your Own Personal Health Care Goals
- Caregivers: Take Care Of Yourself First
- ELDER CARE, HEALTH CARE, AND CARING IN GENERAL
General
- Secrets To Happy Retirement
- Free Webinar From Pennsylvania AARP
- 2010 Blizzard and the Ghosts of Winters Past
- ELDER CARE, HEALTH CARE, AND CARING IN GENERAL
- Elder Law, Elder Care, and a Little Bit of Everything
News
- New Free Report! A Guide To Alzheimer's Care...
Posted on 7/27/2010 - How Britain Plans to Confront Its Long Term Care Crisis...
Posted on 7/20/2010 - Rendell Says States Unlikely To Get Extra Medicaid Funds...
Posted on 7/16/2010 - Upcoming Client Seminars...
Posted on 6/28/2010 - Recent Round-Table With Geriatric Care Workers on Elder Law Topics...
Posted on 6/2/2010
Library
Medicaid
- Paying the Nursing Home: A Married Couple's Concerns, and What To Expect in the Medicaid Planning Process
- Home care is growing as a result of the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and is the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for seniors.
- "Why a 30-Minute Consultation? Do I Really Need One?"
- Are There Still Ways To Save the House? Transferring Property the Right Way ...
- Why Attend Our Seminar On Medicaid, Long Term Care, Vet Benefits and Estate Planning
Living Trusts
- What is the difference between a will and a trust?
- Lessons On Probate and the Benefit of a Trust From Michael Jackson's Estate Distribution
- Myths about Revocable Living Trusts, Lawyers and Estate Planning. You want the best Elder Law Attorney and Estate Planning Attorney on your side. Call us for a FREE consultation at (800) 879 0984
- Is your living trust complete?
- Living Trust Overview
Estate Administration and Probate
- When Pennsylvania Estate Recovery Can Take Place By Law
- Joint Bank Accounts - Risks and Benefits
- Guidelines for Gifts and Joint Accounts
- Intestacy Laws Of Pa: Dangers of Not Having a Current Living Will
- Drafting Wills That Protect Clients' Interests: Every situation is different, which is why we select vehicles that meets each client's needs
Asset Protection
- 10 Reasons to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance
- Solve Eligibility Problems Using the Personal Care Contract
- What Can Seniors and Their Families To Legally Protect Themselves In These Dire Times?
- Gift tax annual exclusion to remain unchanged in 2010. Contact us to see how this factors into your estate plan
- Gift tax annual exclusion to remain unchanged in 2010. Contact us to see how this factors into your estate plan
Veterans Benefits
Special Needs Trust
- Part 11 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
- Part 12 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
- Part 9 of 12 Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
- Part 7 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Should Know About Estate Planning
- Part 8 of 12 - FACTS EVERY SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MUST KNOW
General
- Alzheimer Care: 6 Advantages to Hiring Home Health Aides Through Agency
- Feel overwhelmed about a loved one's Long Term Care Planning? Start by ordering one of our many FREE reports found below, and contact us for a FREE Initial Consultation
- 21 Tips For Adapting a Home For Senior Living
- Martha Stewart shares her cargiving experience as well as a plea for the Health Care Bill to include support for the growing elderly population
- If you find a Seminar that you are interested in attending, PLEASE CALL 1-800-459-1843 to Reserve Yours Seats for these FREE Seminars.
Elder Law Offices of Shields and Boris Library
Library Categories
- Medicaid
- Living Trusts
- Estate Administration and Probate
- Asset Protection
- Veterans Benefits
- Special Needs Trust
- General
Medicaid
- Paying the Nursing Home: A Married Couple's Concerns, and What To Expect in the Medicaid Planning Process
Description: This article has only served to outline the basic issues and rules facing a married couple when one spouse must enter a nursing home. Protection methods, such as the use of Irrevocable Trusts, will help to ensure that individuals may preserve assets for themselves and their future beneficiaries. Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in Pennsylvania Elder Law and Estate Planning, for the right guidance to your matters. - Home care is growing as a result of the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and is the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for seniors.
Description: Home care is growing as a result of the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and is the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for seniors. One in eight people aged 65 and older (13 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. This national trend could confirm a growing need for more resources. - "Why a 30-Minute Consultation? Do I Really Need One?"
- Are There Still Ways To Save the House? Transferring Property the Right Way ...
Description: So how should Sarah document her care for Mom? The best thing would be to keep a log or journal that sets forth specific incidents or events that, but for the child’s care, might have resulted in Mom’s institutionalization. For instance, note things like gas burners not being shut off, water left running in the tub, Mom’s wandering or other medically dangerous actions. - Why Attend Our Seminar On Medicaid, Long Term Care, Vet Benefits and Estate Planning
Description: Come to listen and interact with legal and financial professionals who have helped over a thousand families, couples, and individuals with estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorneys, living wills, probate, special needs planning, Medicaid planning, and asset protection from nursing homes. Attorneys Jim Shields and Tom Boris are authors of notable books including, "The Truth About Revocable Living Trusts and Estate Planning, What To Do When A Loved One Dies, and The Consumer's Guide To Estate Planning, and are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Living Trusts
- What is the difference between a will and a trust?
Description: People always ask, what is the difference between these two documents? Will or trust, I'm still leaving my assets to the people I care most about, right? Sure, that is true, but there are several key differences between the two. - Lessons On Probate and the Benefit of a Trust From Michael Jackson's Estate Distribution
Description: A trust, unlike a will, can avoid the probate court process when used properly. By not transferring assets into your trust, however, you undermine some of the key benefits of a trust privacy, avoiding probate court and decreasing the chances of a family fight. - Myths about Revocable Living Trusts, Lawyers and Estate Planning. You want the best Elder Law Attorney and Estate Planning Attorney on your side. Call us for a FREE consultation at (800) 879 0984
Description: If you are interested in speaking with an expert Pennsyvania Estate Planning Lawyer, contact us for a free consultation at (800) 879-0984. We are experienced Pittsburgh Elder Law Attorneys proud to help those too often forgotten about. Myths about Revocable Living Trusts, Lawyers and Estate Planning. You want the best Elder Law Attorney and Estate Planning Attorney on your side. Call us for a FREE consultation at (800) 879 0984 - Is your living trust complete?
Description: If you have a living trust or are thinking of creating a living trust, there are certain components that your trust should contain. There are also documents and information that you should include in or with your trust to ensure that your trust is properly executed. Don’t leave your loved ones in a state of confusion – take the time to review your living trust with your estate planning lawyer to ensure that it is complete. - Living Trust Overview
Description: A living trust can be a very important document to help manage your estate, protect your assets and your privacy, and give you peace of mind. An experienced elder law attorney like those at Shields and Boris can help you better understand living trusts and how they can work for you. Contact us at 800-879-0984.
Estate Administration and Probate
- When Pennsylvania Estate Recovery Can Take Place By Law
Description: Upon the death of a medicaid recipient, the Department of Public Welfare must pursue recovery of funds expended for the decedent. Estate recovery is required for any person age 55 years and older, and for whom Pennsylvania paid for nursing facilities services or care received from home and community based services. If an estate is probated, the personal representative must obtain a release by DPW that no repayment of funds is due to the Commonwealth. - Joint Bank Accounts - Risks and Benefits
Description: There is also the inheritance tax risk that, if the younger co-tenant dies first, the older one will owe inheritance tax on the portion he/she inherits which often means he/she will be paying inheritance tax on his/her own money! - Guidelines for Gifts and Joint Accounts
Description: The joint ownership of property may affect Medicaid eligibility. Joint ownership of accounts will certainly be countable resources subject to the rights of the community spouse. An outright gift is the simplest and easiest technique. An outright gift removes the asset from the donor's estate immediately. However, thought must be given to the amount, use, and financial experience of the recipient. - Intestacy Laws Of Pa: Dangers of Not Having a Current Living Will
Description: Many do not realize that, at the death of a child, the deceased child's spouse is not an automatic heir. Many do not even realize that Pennsylvania's intestate law does not care which relatives sent Christmas cards, or, at least, kept in touch, and which one have not been heard from in years. Sometimes, the more detached relatives turn out to be those favored under intestate law. - Drafting Wills That Protect Clients' Interests: Every situation is different, which is why we select vehicles that meets each client's needs
Description: Proper estate planning should also include a Financial Power of Attorney, and a Healthcare Power of Attorney, as well as Living Will. Trusts may be included in the Will as Testamentary Trusts or may be set up separately and include Revocable "Living Trusts" or an Irrevocable trust.
Asset Protection
- 10 Reasons to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance
Description: We believe there are many benefits to Long-Term Care Insurance, and here are 10 reasons why one would consider Long-Term Care Insurance. Of course, as with all legal, financial planning, its vital to speak with an experienced expert you can trust to take care of your best interests. Call us today at (800) 879-0984 - Solve Eligibility Problems Using the Personal Care Contract
Description: For an asset to be considered transferred for fair market value, the transferor must receive something in return. A transfer for love and consideration, for example, is not considered a transfer for fair market value. Like most planning options, the personal service contract is not without risk. Many case workers do not recognize a personal service contract as a transfer for fair consideration and could initially deny benefits. You may be required to request a fair hearing. - What Can Seniors and Their Families To Legally Protect Themselves In These Dire Times?
Description: It feels like the sky is falling. Every week a client is coming telling us of a job loss or home loss. Medicaid has cut back on funding. The local senior service agencies have three to six month waiting lists for home health care services. The Visiting Nurses are telling us that Medicare has changed how it pays for home care after a hospital stay as well. It looks like quite a few people will be losing services. So what can you do to legally protect yourself in these dire economic times? - Gift tax annual exclusion to remain unchanged in 2010. Contact us to see how this factors into your estate plan
Description: The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that the 2010 gift tax annual exclusion will remain unchanged at $13,000. The annual amount of the exclusion is based upon the Consumer Price Index, and the exclusion has increased gradually from $10,000 in 1997 to $13,000 in both 2009 and 2010.
As such, so long as your gifts to an individual are less than $13,000 in 2010, there is no gift tax return required to be filed and no gift taxes are due. A married couple can gift $26,000 to each individual, as each spouse receives an exclusion without creating a gift tax liability. - Gift tax annual exclusion to remain unchanged in 2010. Contact us to see how this factors into your estate plan
Description: The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that the 2010 gift tax annual exclusion will remain unchanged at $13,000. The annual amount of the exclusion is based upon the Consumer Price Index, and the exclusion has increased gradually from $10,000 in 1997 to $13,000 in both 2009 and 2010.
As such, so long as your gifts to an individual are less than $13,000 in 2010, there is no gift tax return required to be filed and no gift taxes are due. A married couple can gift $26,000 to each individual, as each spouse receives an exclusion without creating a gift tax liability.
Veterans Benefits
- Veterans: do you qualify for more than just a pension?
Description: Veterans who are struggling to make ends meet, take heart: you could qualify for VA benefits in addition to your pension. Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits are available for disabled veterans who need special care or for veterans confined to their home or living space. The attorneys at Shields & Boris can help you with your veterans benefits claim.
Special Needs Trust
- Part 12 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child’s financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you.
This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner.
You are Your Child’s Biggest and Most Important Advocate - Part 11 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
Description: As the parent of a special needs child you and your family confront many challenges. However, securing your child’s financial future doesn’t have to be one of them. Taking the time now to develop a comprehensive financial plan means a secure, comfortable life for your child and piece of mind for you.
This report is designed to inform families with special needs children about the various kinds of estate plans, suggest the advantages and disadvantages of each, and assist you in identifying the kind of information to gather and share with your lawyer and financial planner. - Part 9 of 12 Facts Every Special Needs Family Must Know About Estate Planning
Description: Call 1-800-879-0984 for a no-obligation review of your plan or come to one of our upcoming special needs seminars. The peace of mind that proper planning for your special needs child gives you will far outweigh any time and expense it takes to get a plan in place. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve that peace of mind for you and your special needs child. - Part 8 of 12 - FACTS EVERY SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MUST KNOW
Description: Call 1-800-879-0984 for a no-obligation review of your plan or come to one of our upcoming special needs seminars. The peace of mind that proper planning for your special needs child gives you will far outweigh any time and expense it takes to get a plan in place. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve that peace of mind for you and your special needs child. - Part 7 of 12 - Facts Every Special Needs Family Should Know About Estate Planning
General
- Alzheimer Care: 6 Advantages to Hiring Home Health Aides Through Agency
Description: Many care options are available to a family caring for an Alzheimer's patient. These include services such as Private In Home Care. In home care workers can be hired privately, but we reccomend going through a home health agency. There are many advantages to seeking their help: - Feel overwhelmed about a loved one's Long Term Care Planning? Start by ordering one of our many FREE reports found below, and contact us for a FREE Initial Consultation
Description: Click One of the following Links to Order one of our FREE Books, or Reports, and you will also receive a copy of our brand new Infomercial "Ask-A-Lawyer" for absolutely no charge! - 21 Tips For Adapting a Home For Senior Living
Description: If you are thinking of moving into a home, building one that you can retire in, or wondering how you can make your elderly parent’s home easier to live in – there are some things to look for to make living as a Senior Adult or a person with a disability easier. Here is a list of 21 proven helpful ideas and tips. - Martha Stewart shares her cargiving experience as well as a plea for the Health Care Bill to include support for the growing elderly population
Description: As the health care bill winds its way through Congress, sparking passions, heated debate and countless news stories, I have been struck by the dearth of discussion about a looming health care crisis: In 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers will start turning 65. We, as a nation, are utterly unprepared for this rapidly approaching "silver tsunami." - If you find a Seminar that you are interested in attending, PLEASE CALL 1-800-459-1843 to Reserve Yours Seats for these FREE Seminars.
Description: If you find a Seminar that you are interested in attending, PLEASE CALL 1-800-459-1843 to Reserve Yours Seats for these FREE Seminars.
Both Tom Boris and Jim Shields and members of the National Elder Law Association, and are accredited to handle benefits for Veterans. They've helped thousands of clients and are experienced legal and financial professionals.
Elder Law Offices of Shields and Boris
109 VIP Drive
Suite 102
Wexford, PA 15090
Phone: (724) 934-5044
Toll Free: (800) 879-0984
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Videos
General:
questions
Medicaid
Living Trusts
- What is "funding" my Living Trust?
- Do I lose control of my assets when I have a revocable living trust?
- Will a living trust make me ineligible for Medicaid?
Estate Administration and Probate
- When Can Estate Recovery Take Place By Law?
- Do witnesses have to actually witness the signing?
- What is a reasonable attorney fee for probating an Estate?
Asset Protection
- What Is Long Term Care?
- What are examples of services that can be included in a "Personal Care Contract"?
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What are the most commonly used approaches to managing and protecting assets through legal and financial asset protection?