Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is A Trust Right For Your Elderly Loved One?
No one wants to think about estate planning, but it becomes increasingly necessary as people age. In the United States in particular, it is crucial to approach estate planning with the realization that you may need long-term care, as Medicaid will only cover such care for those with small amounts of assets. A living… Read More »
When Is A Guardianship Appropriate For Your Elderly Loved One?
No one likes to be told that they need help managing their own affairs, but it is simply a fact of life that many of us will require it. If you have an elderly loved one that you believe may require some help, New York law allows family members to step in and request… Read More »
Changing Your New York Will After “Gray” Divorce
In days past, it was much more common for people to remain married until the end of their lives, whether out of love, loyalty, or an inability to escape. Nowadays, so-called ‘gray divorce’ is more common in the United States, with the rate for those over age 50 remaining high in recent years while… Read More »
Explaining New York’s Probate Process
When a loved one starts to reach their golden years, it is a good idea for them to start thinking about their estate plan. It can be difficult to get our more stubborn family members to discuss such a topic, but it is crucial, particularly if they have significant assets that run the risk… Read More »
Advance Directives vs Power Of Attorney
No one wants to think about their own mortality, but as we age, it becomes more and more important. If a sudden medical event happens to us, most of us are not in a position to then start planning for long-term medical care or financial adjustments. One of the cornerstones of a strong estate… Read More »
Supplemental Needs Trusts In New York Law
According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 20 percent of the U.S. population is disabled. The percentage generally increases with age, with roughly 36 percent of those over the age of 65 being registered as having at least one disability. If that disability is cognitive, caring for a family member in Westchester County… Read More »
Crisis Planning For Your Elderly Loved One
Estate planning has become more and more popular in recent years in Westchester County, as people are living longer and longer. However, sometimes life simply happens, and the need for sudden nursing home or hospice care can leave a family reeling if no plan has been put in place. If this has happened to… Read More »
Ensuring Your New York Will Is Valid
While it can be an unpleasant task, those over the age of 65 are highly encouraged to execute a valid Last Will & Testament at some point, to ensure that they have the final say as to who receives their possessions after their passing. That said, it can be difficult to know how to… Read More »
Will Medicaid Cover Assisted Living Care?
Providing an elderly person meets certain financial qualifications, Medicaid will help them cover long-term medical care. Most of the time, families use this for nursing home care – but it is also possible, in certain situations, for Medicaid to cover assisted living care as well. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide a high level of… Read More »
Estate Planning Options: A Will Or A Living Trust?
When a person is planning their estate in Putnam or Westchester County, they have the option of doing so in the way that fits their family situation best. Most people will execute a Last Will and Testament, which will often be perfectly sufficient for their needs. However, some estates may be better served by… Read More »