Estate Planning

Estate Planning and Love: How to Protect Your Spouse and Family

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In the journey of life, love and protection for our spouse and family are often at the forefront of our priorities. As we grow older, one of the most profound ways to express this love and care is through thoughtful estate planning. Estate planning is not just a financial task; it’s a heartfelt gesture of ensuring that your family is taken care of even when you are not around. Let’s explore the essential components of estate planning that intertwine with love to protect your spouse and family.

Understanding the Essence of Estate Planning

Estate planning involves more than just distributing assets after one’s passing. It’s a comprehensive process that includes appointing guardians for minor children, ensuring the financial stability of a surviving spouse, and preserving assets for future generations. It also involves making critical decisions about your own healthcare and end-of-life care.

Protecting Your Spouse

The first step in protecting your spouse through estate planning is to ensure they have the financial support they need if you pass away before them. This can be achieved through:

  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy can provide immediate financial support to your spouse, helping them manage living expenses and maintain their standard of living.
  • Trusts: Setting up a trust can be an effective way to manage and protect assets. A marital trust, for instance, can provide income to your spouse with the remainder going to other beneficiaries after their death.
  • Joint Ownership: Consider assets owned jointly with your spouse, ensuring they have immediate access without the need for probate.

Securing Your Children’s Future

Estate planning is also crucial in securing your children’s future, especially if they are minors or have special needs. Consider these steps:

  • Guardianship: Designating a guardian for your minor children in your will is crucial. This ensures they are cared for by someone you trust in your absence.
  • Education Trusts: Setting up trusts for your children’s education can ensure they have the resources they need for their academic pursuits.
  • Special Needs Trusts: If you have a child with special needs, a special needs trust can provide for their care in a way that doesn’t disqualify them from receiving public benefits.

Incorporating Healthcare Decisions

Estate planning also includes making decisions about your healthcare, which is a form of love and care for your family. By outlining your wishes through healthcare directives, you relieve your family from the burden of making tough decisions during emotional times.

  • Advance Directives: These documents specify your wishes regarding medical treatment and life-sustaining measures.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: This allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.

Addressing Complex Family Dynamics

In today’s world, family structures can be complex. Whether it’s a blended family, estranged relationships, or second marriages, your estate plan should address these dynamics clearly to avoid future conflicts.

  • Clear Wishes: Be explicit about your wishes in your will to prevent misunderstandings and disputes among family members.
  • Separate Trusts: In blended families, consider setting up separate trusts to ensure that children from previous marriages are treated fairly.

Regular Reviews and Updates

Life is ever-changing, and so should your estate plan. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan ensures that it aligns with your current life circumstances and reflects your wishes accurately.

  • Periodic Reviews: Review your estate plan every few years or after significant life events like the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, or the death of a loved one.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

Estate planning can be complex, especially when it involves significant assets, business interests, or complicated family dynamics. Seeking professional guidance is crucial in navigating the legal landscape and creating an effective estate plan.

  • Legal Expertise: Partner with an estate planning attorney who understands your unique family situation and can provide tailored advice.

A Legacy of Love and Protection

Estate planning is ultimately a profound expression of love and protection for your family. It’s about making thoughtful decisions today that will safeguard their tomorrow. At  Donohue, O’Connell & Riley, we understand the importance of family, legacy, and peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the estate planning process, ensuring that your plan is a true reflection of your love and care for your family.

 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update an existing plan, contact us today. Let’s work together to create an estate plan that not only protects your spouse and family but also honors the legacy you wish to leave behind. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your family’s future.



February 1, 2024

Special Needs Trusts

Special Needs Trusts: Ensuring Care for Disabled Loved Ones

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When it comes to providing for a disabled loved one, there are many considerations to take into account to ensure they receive the care they need without compromising their eligibility for vital government benefits. One key tool in achieving this balance is a Special Needs Trust (SNT). An SNT allows a person with a disability to have an account that can pay for supplemental needs while still qualifying for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What is a Special Needs Trust?

Special Needs Trusts, also known as Supplemental Needs Trusts, are carefully crafted legal arrangements. They are designed to hold assets for the benefit of an individual with disabilities, without disqualifying them from receiving public assistance. This trust can be used to pay for expenses that government benefits do not cover, such as personal care attendants, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and other life-enhancing expenditures.

Types of Special Needs Trusts

There are primarily two types of Special Needs Trusts:

  • First-party trusts: These are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, perhaps from an inheritance or a legal settlement. They must include a payback provision to reimburse Medicaid upon the beneficiary’s death.
  • Third-party trusts: These are funded with assets belonging to someone other than the beneficiary, typically parents or other family members. Unlike first-party trusts, they do not require a Medicaid payback provision.

Why Establish a Special Needs Trust?

The reasons for establishing an SNT are numerous, but they revolve around the beneficiary’s quality of life. Here are a few:

  • Protecting Eligibility for Public Benefits: Properly structured, an SNT will not affect a disabled individual’s eligibility for benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
  • Providing Financial Security: An SNT ensures that the beneficiary has the financial means to pay for additional services and care that are not covered by public assistance.
  • Peace of Mind: For family members, creating an SNT is a proactive step in planning for the future care of their disabled loved one.

Choosing the Right Trustee

Selecting a trustee is one of the most important decisions in creating an SNT. A trustee manages the trust’s assets and makes all decisions related to disbursements. The trustee should be someone who is not only trustworthy but also has an understanding of the beneficiary’s needs and the complexities of government benefit programs.

Setting Up a Special Needs Trust

Establishing an SNT requires careful planning and adherence to legal standards. Here's an overview of the process:

  1. Assess the Beneficiary’s Needs: Determine what the beneficiary's future needs may be, including medical care, living arrangements, and personal care.
  2. Choose the Type of Trust: Decide whether a first-party or third-party trust is more appropriate based on the source of the funds.
  3. Select a Trustee: Choose a responsible party or professional to manage the trust.
  4. Create the Trust Document: A legal document must be drafted by an attorney that specializes in disability and trust law.
  5. Fund the Trust: Transfer assets into the trust, being careful not to interfere with benefit eligibility.

Considerations for a Special Needs Trust

When planning for an SNT, it’s important to consider:

  • The long-term needs of the beneficiary.
  • Current and anticipated future assets.
  • Eligibility for government benefits.
  • Who will manage the trust after the primary caretaker can no longer do so.

Conclusion: Plan with Confidence

A Special Needs Trust is a vital tool for ensuring the well-being of a disabled loved one without jeopardizing their access to public benefits. While the process may seem complex, with the right guidance and planning, you can secure a stable financial future for those who need it most.

If you’re considering setting up a Special Needs Trust, Donohue, O’Connell & Riley can provide the expertise and support necessary to navigate these delicate matters. Contact us to discuss how we can tailor an SNT to fit the unique needs of your family and provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is cared for.



 

January 22, 2024

New Year's Resolution, Medicaid

New Year's Resolution: Preparing for Medicaid's Five-Year Lookback

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The new year brings an opportunity for resolutions to ensure future well-being and financial security. For many seniors and their families, understanding Medicaid's five-year lookback period is an essential part of that preparation. Let's delve into what the five-year lookback entails and how you can prepare for it as part of your New Year's resolutions.

What is Medicaid's Five-Year Lookback?

Medicaid's five-year lookback is a rule that applies to those seeking long-term care through Medicaid. When an individual applies for Medicaid, any gifts or transfers of assets made within the five years prior to the application date are scrutinized. If ineligible transfers are found, they can result in a penalty period during which the individual is ineligible for Medicaid benefits.

This policy aims to prevent people from reducing their assets simply to qualify for Medicaid coverage. The lookback period is intended to ensure that Medicaid helps those who genuinely need assistance after spending their own resources.

The Importance of Timely Estate Planning

Understanding the five-year lookback rule underscores the importance of timely estate planning. Engaging in proactive planning can help protect your assets and ensure eligibility when the time comes. Consider the following points:

  • Asset Transfers: Gifting assets or transferring them to a trust can be a wise move, but it must be done with an eye on Medicaid's timeline to avoid penalties.
  • Trusts: Irrevocable trusts can be an effective tool for managing assets outside of your estate, but they must be established and funded five years before applying for Medicaid.
  • Legal Guidance: Navigating Medicaid rules can be complex, and missteps can be costly. Legal advice is invaluable in crafting an estate plan that aligns with Medicaid regulations.

Proactive Strategies to Consider

As you look ahead to the future, consider implementing these strategies to prepare for Medicaid's lookback period:

  1. Early Planning: Begin your Medicaid planning at least five years before you anticipate needing long-term care.
  2. Consult Professionals: Work with an elder law attorney to understand how the lookback period applies to your specific situation.
  3. Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all asset transfers and financial transactions to demonstrate compliance with Medicaid rules.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some exceptions to the five-year lookback that allow for asset transfers without penalty:

  • Transfers to a spouse are exempt from the lookback period and do not incur penalties.
  • Specialized trusts for a disabled child or grandchild can also be created without triggering a penalty.
  • Transfer of a home to a caretaker child who has lived in the home and provided care, allowing the senior to avoid institutionalization, may also be exempt.

Penalty Period Calculations

If transfers are made during the five-year lookback period that do not meet exemptions, a penalty period may be imposed. The length of the penalty period is determined by dividing the value of the transferred assets by the average monthly cost of private nursing home care in your state. This calculation yields the number of months the individual will be ineligible for Medicaid.

Navigating the Lookback with Professional Help

Professional guidance is crucial in navigating Medicaid's complex rules. An elder law attorney can provide insights into strategies that may include:

  • Purchasing annuities that comply with Medicaid regulations.
  • Creating caregiver agreements that compensate family members for providing care without violating Medicaid rules.
  • Utilizing Medicaid-compliant promissory notes.

It's also essential to be wary of advice that seems too good to be true or suggests circumventing the rules. This can lead to significant penalties and jeopardize your financial future.

Your Next Steps

As you make your New Year's resolutions, consider the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for Medicaid's five-year lookback. Early and thoughtful planning can secure your legacy and ensure you have the care you need when the time comes. Take action now to ensure your estate is in order as you enter the new year. Remember, the earlier you start, the more options you have. Let’s make this New Year’s resolution count for your peace of mind and security.

If you're looking to understand more about Medicaid planning or need assistance with your estate plan, our expert team at Donohue, O’Connell & Riley is ready to guide you through every step. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your future and your loved ones.

 



January 17, 2024

Estate Planning

Estate Planning in Your 30s & 40s: A Guide for the Younger Generation

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In your 30s and 40s, estate planning might not seem like an immediate priority. However, this period is often marked by significant life events – such as starting a family, buying a home, or advancing in your career – that highlight the importance of having a plan in place. Estate planning is not just for the elderly or the ultra-wealthy; it's a crucial step for everyone, including the younger generation, to protect their assets and loved ones.

Why Start Estate Planning Early?

Starting your estate planning early has several benefits. It ensures that your assets, no matter how modest, are distributed according to your wishes and not left to the default laws of your state. It also allows you to make important decisions about your healthcare and the care of your children, should you become unable to make those decisions yourself. Furthermore, early planning can help avoid unnecessary taxes and legal complications for your heirs.

Key Components of Estate Planning in Your 30s and 40s

Wills and Trusts: A will is essential for anyone, regardless of age or wealth. It dictates how your assets will be distributed and can designate guardians for minor children. Trusts, on the other hand, offer more control over how and when your assets are distributed and can provide tax benefits and protection from creditors.

Life Insurance and Retirement Accounts: These are often the first forms of estate planning young adults encounter. Life insurance can provide financial security for your dependents, while retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are crucial for your future financial stability. Both require beneficiary designations, which should be kept up-to-date.

Healthcare Directives: Also known as living wills, healthcare directives specify your wishes for medical care if you become unable to communicate them yourself. Alongside these, a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare can appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Power of Attorney for Finances: This document appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so, ensuring that your bills are paid and your financial life stays on track.

Estate Planning and Family Dynamics

Your 30s and 40s are often a time of growing family responsibilities, which can complicate estate planning. If you're part of a blended family, have children from previous relationships, or have other unique family dynamics, it’s crucial to address these in your estate plan to avoid potential conflicts and ensure that your wishes are honored.

Updating Your Estate Plan

Life is constantly changing, and your estate plan should evolve with it. Significant life events, such as the birth of a child, a marriage or divorce, buying a home, or receiving an inheritance, are all reasons to update your plan. Regular reviews, ideally every three to five years, will ensure that your plan reflects your current situation, wishes, and the latest laws.

Estate Planning Misconceptions

Many people in their 30s and 40s believe they don't have enough assets to warrant an estate plan or think that estate planning is too costly and time-consuming. However, estate planning is not just about assets; it's about making decisions now that will affect your and your family's future. And with professional guidance, the process can be more straightforward and affordable than many realize.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Navigating the intricacies of estate planning can be challenging, especially when balancing it with the demands of a growing career and family. Seeking professional advice is key. An estate planning attorney can provide valuable insights tailored to your unique situation, helping you to make informed decisions and create a plan that meets your goals.

Plan Now for Peace of Mind

Estate planning in your 30s and 40s is a proactive step toward securing your and your family's future. It provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order, and your loved ones are protected. At Donohue, O'Connell & Riley, we specialize in helping individuals and families at all stages of life with their estate planning needs. Whether you are just starting or need to update an existing plan, our team is here to guide you through the process.

If you're ready to start your estate planning journey or have questions about updating your existing plan, contact us today. Let us help you build a secure foundation for your and your family's future.



January 17, 2024

News

BEASLEY & FERBER, P.A. AND THE NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFICE OF DONOHUE, O’CONNELL & RILEY PLLC COMBINE TO FORM DONOHUE, BEASLEY & FERBER PLLC

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The combination will give Beasley & Ferber clients the opportunity to benefit from the firm’s local Seacoast presence and regional scope for sophisticated estate, tax and elder law planning.


Beasley & Ferber P.A. has been in existence for over 30 years and is looking forward to the next chapter in the firm’s long historyAttorney Edward “Ted” Beasley met Attorney Joseph M. Donohue through mutual business colleagues in Exeter and they found common ground in their deep commitment to helping families in the community in the areas of estate, tax and elder law.  The combined firm, Donohue, Beasley & Ferber, PLLC will continue to operate at 55 Hall Street in Concord, 18 Hampton Road in Exeter and offices in Bedford, Nashua and North Andover, MA.

Ted, David, Ted’s nephew, Timothy O’Brien, along with their staff will be working closely with Joe and his team to ensure a smooth transition of relationships and files. Clients will be in good hands, as all three attorneys will continue in an active roles with the new firm.

Donohue, Beasley & Ferber, PLLC, will operate as the New Hampshire division of Donohue, O’Connell & Riley PLLC, a Northeast firm with has attorneys admitted in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The firm also has co-counsel relationships across the country and the world, to help with planning that can cross state lines and international boundaries. The firm has advised over 20,000 clients on how to structure their affairs and businesses in order to minimize taxes and assure the smooth transfer of wealth between generations.

We want to thank you for the privilege of helping you with your legal needs and look forward to serving you and your family in the future.

January 3, 2024