It has been eleven months since I stepped aside as the owner of Sinclair Prosser Gasior and I continue to work at the law firm with Attorney Jon Gasior as the principal. I have been an attorney for 29 years, recently celebrated 23 years at the firm, and owned and operated Sinclair Prosser Gasior for 15 years. Going from being the owner of the law firm to an employee has been a big transition for … [Read more...] about Passing the Torch
Creating a Why
As I have reflected on this past year and the transfer of ownership to me from Colleen Sinclair Prosser, I often consider my “why.” “Why do I do estate planning? Why do we show up to work each day?” At the heart of my why is a desire to help others. Many businesses make the claim that their purpose is to “help others,” but as an estate planning and estate administration law firm, we do more than … [Read more...] about Creating a Why
Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
"Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility" by Attorney Laura T. Curry Crowdfunding or fundraising websites, such as Kickstarter, YouCaring, and GoFundMe are quickly becoming a popular source for donations where ordinary people may raise money from others for anything from new inventions to helping a neighbor or family member in need. Over time, crowdfunding has morphed into a platform … [Read more...] about Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
The SECURE Act
"The SECURE Act" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior (Audio) On May 23, 2019, the House of Representatives passed the SECURE Act. The SECURE Act fundamentally changes how retirement assets are treated both during the account owner’s lifetime, as well as at death. The current rules allow for retirement assets to be “stretched” out over the lifetime of the beneficiary that inherits that retirement … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act
Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules
"Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules" by Attorney Alex Pagnotta Almost half of all seniors currently in long-term care rely on Medicaid to help cover the cost of that care. If you, or your spouse, are facing the need for long-term care (LTC) in the near future, you may also find yourself turning to Medicaid to help. The Medicaid eligibility guidelines and application procedures, however, … [Read more...] about Medicaid’s Spousal Impoverishment Rules
Elder Fraud Sweep
"Elder Fraud Sweep" by Attorney Laura T. Curry On May 7, 2019, the Attorney General and U.S. Attorney announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases brought during this sweep of elder fraud involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly. The offenders allegedly engaged in financial … [Read more...] about Elder Fraud Sweep
Some Unintended Results of Do it Yourself Estate Plans
With the rise of companies such as Legal Zoom, TotalLegal, Law Depot and Do Your Own Will.com, more and more consumers are attempting to create do-it-yourself estate plans without the assistance of a lawyer. While it is possible to create a Will or other legal documents with the assistance of any of these companies or others, doing so can often lead to unintended results. An example of the … [Read more...] about Some Unintended Results of Do it Yourself Estate Plans
When Should My Children Accompany Me To My Estate Planning Meetings?
"When should my children accompany me to my estate planning meetings?" By Attorney Jon J. Gasior When setting up an estate plan, one thing that many families struggle with is whether to bring their children to their estate planning consultations. Estate planning consultations can be difficult for many families. The discussion often revolves around death, disability, money, and control of … [Read more...] about When Should My Children Accompany Me To My Estate Planning Meetings?
What Happens to Tangible Personal Property when Settling an Estate?
"What Happens to Tangible Personal Property When Settling an Estate?" by Attorney Colleen Sinclair Prosser An important part of the process of settling an estate is to consider the decedent’s tangible personal property, i.e. furniture, jewelry, china, crystal, artwork, electronics, and vehicles. The first duty of the representative of the estate is to obtain an appraisal of these items. The … [Read more...] about What Happens to Tangible Personal Property when Settling an Estate?
Your Family Situation May Affect Your Legacy Plan
"How Does Your Family Situation Affect Your Legacy Plan?" (Audio) A legacy plan is vital to control what will happen to your assets after you pass away. Most people hope to leave their families better off with the inheritance they receive. However, it is important to adjust your estate plan to account for your personal family situation so you do not inadvertently place loved ones in a worse … [Read more...] about Your Family Situation May Affect Your Legacy Plan
