If you ask the typical person on the street to explain what estate planning is, he or she would probably say that it is the act of drawing up a last will. In fact, in many cases there is going to be a lot more to it. As we all know, you can use a last will to state your final wishes regarding the distribution of your monetary resources after you die. However, a last will is not always the best choice for a number of different reasons. Probate Process When you hold on to your personal property … [Read more...] about What Is Estate Planning?
Estate Planning
What is Estate Planning In Pennsylvania?
What is Estate Planning in Pennsylvania? from Joseph M. Masiuk In this presentation we have provided some basic information on estate planning in Pennsylvani and if you would like to learn more about estate planning in Pennsylvania, contact our firm to request a free consultation. … [Read more...] about What is Estate Planning In Pennsylvania?
Free Report: What Are the Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
A closer look at the differences between medicare and medicaid in Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on the elder law implications. Medicare and Medicaid are both health insurance programs. Medicare is largely intended for seniors, and you earn coverage by accumulating retirement credits. Medicaid is available to people of all ages, and it is available to people who can demonstrate financial need, regardless of their work history. Click here to read the whole article or download the PDF. … [Read more...] about Free Report: What Are the Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
My wife broke her right wrist a little while back. This event posed a particular problem for her, since she is also right handed. After the Emergency Room visit, we went to an orthopedic surgeon. As a result, she needed surgery, when the doctor inserted a plate and some screws. While listing the options of whether my wife should undergo surgery as opposed to just wearing a cast for a long time, the doctor told us something that I believe to be relevant to estate planning: If we do nothing, he … [Read more...] about Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
Being Good “Parents†to Our Parents
One of the toughest things in my elder law practice is to get the sons and daughters of an incapacitated parent ready to face this truth: The kids are now the "parents" to their parents. Just what does this mean? Well, for openers, it means that the kids now are the ones responsible for the health and well-being of their parents. It means that the kids will make decisions for their parents that involve things like Where will mom or dad live? How (or what) will they eat? How much (if any) … [Read more...] about Being Good “Parents†to Our Parents
Estate Planning and Matters of the Heart
Im finding that most people believe that there is only one way to do estate planning. You and your spouse would go to a lawyer to prepare what are commonly known as I Love You wills. Everyone and his brother know how these wills work: If I die first, my spouse gets everything. If my spouse dies first, I get everything. When the last of us dies, our kids divide everything equally. And well make our oldest kid the executor (or executrix). Done and done. Simple, right? Not any more. Because … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Matters of the Heart
The Wrong Joe- Estate Planning is the story of your life
One of the many reasons that Estate Planning is so fascinating is that everyones life is a Story. To create the optimal estate plan, it is importantalmost essentialto learn That Persons Story. Details like where one grew up, how (s)he met their spouse, how did (s)he choose their lifes work, what ones kids are likeall of these richly unique details help to bring about an Estate Plan which is a true reflection of ones own values, personality and legacy. The more stories Ive come to know, the … [Read more...] about The Wrong Joe- Estate Planning is the story of your life
Two Aunts + One Wedding Ring = Disaster
For all the time I spend urging clients to understand that the best things in life are not things and to plan their estates and legacies with the notion that there are principles worth more than who gets what and how much, in some cases, it inevitably comes down to the things. And, more often than not, its the little things that cause the most trouble. For the best example of how a little thing in an estate can cause the greatest of problems, I need look no further than my own family. My … [Read more...] about Two Aunts + One Wedding Ring = Disaster
So, How Bout Them Phillies?
Ive told you here that, at Flood and Masiuk, were members of a minority of lawyers who, with a few exceptions, dont charge by the hour. That wasnt always the case. About 25 years ago when Flood and Masiuk first hung out a shingle, and were looking for Anything to come in the door to help pay the bills, we were referred a client by another lawyer who didnt have the time to handle the matter. Youll really like him, I was told. His nickname is Big Al. Hes been sued in a minor contract … [Read more...] about So, How Bout Them Phillies?
