When most people think about Medicaid, they focus on the financial component — income and asset limits that determine eligibility. For some Medicaid programs, however, the focus needs to be on both financial and clinical...more
As more Americans redefine what retirement looks like, many are choosing to continue working even after they begin receiving Social Security benefits. Whether it’s for additional income, personal fulfillment, or simply a...more
Hot off the press!
The latest issue of our Elder Law, Probate Litigation & Special Needs Newsletter is here!
This month’s highlights include:
• Don’t Rely on Medicare or Medicaid for Your Long-Term Care
• When...more
9/30/2025
/ Divorce ,
Elder Issues ,
Estate Planning ,
Long-Term Care ,
Marital Assets ,
Medicaid ,
Medicare ,
Power of Attorney ,
Probate ,
Spouses ,
Surviving Spouse ,
Wills
As Americans live longer than ever before, planning for long-term care (LTC) is no longer optional—it’s essential. Yet, many people still mistakenly believe that Medicare or Medicaid will be there to cover the costs when the...more
9/29/2025
/ Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) ,
Estate Planning ,
Health Insurance ,
Healthcare ,
Home Health Care ,
Long Term Care Insurance ,
Long-Term Care ,
Medicaid ,
Medicare ,
Nursing Homes ,
Skilled Nursing Facility
Red Bank is setting a new standard in supportive housing with Thrive Red Bank, a pioneering apartment community designed specifically for adults with autism. This project represents a major step forward in providing safe,...more
August was National Make-A-Will Month, but September is a good time to revisit another key component of estate and elder planning: powers of attorney (POAs). These documents are critical tools for ensuring trusted individuals...more
9/10/2025
/ Breach of Duty ,
Breach of Trust ,
Elder Care ,
Elder Issues ,
Estate Planning ,
Fiduciary Duty ,
Incapacitated Persons ,
Liability ,
Misappropriation ,
New Jersey ,
Power of Attorney ,
Risk Management ,
Vulnerable Victims ,
Wills
Heirs, Assets, and Arguments: Why Elder Law Attorneys Are Key in Probate Litigation -
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries and debts are settled....more
6/30/2025
/ Beneficiaries ,
Elder Care ,
Elder Issues ,
Estate Planning ,
Heirs ,
Living Will ,
Minor Children ,
Prenuptial Agreements ,
Probate ,
Special Needs Adults ,
Special Needs Trust
Managing a Special Needs Trust (SNT) comes with tremendous responsibility. Trustees are not only tasked with safeguarding the financial future of a beneficiary with special needs, but they must also ensure that trust assets...more
Why estate planning matters—regardless of age or wealth - Many people believe estate planning is something to consider later in life, or only if they have significant assets. But the recent and tragic passing of Liam Payne,...more
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries and debts are settled. While many estates pass through probate smoothly, disputes can and do arise—sometimes...more
Careful planning for a loved one with disabilities is one of the most important and compassionate acts you can take as a parent or caregiver. It’s not just about securing their financial future, it’s about preserving their...more
5/30/2025
/ Asset Protection ,
Beneficiaries ,
Estate Planning ,
Guardianships ,
Life Insurance ,
Medicaid ,
Power of Attorney ,
Special Needs Adults ,
Special Needs Children ,
Special Needs Trust ,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ,
Tax Planning ,
Trusts
For parents of children with special needs, planning for the future goes far beyond drafting a will. One of the most complex — and important — pieces of the puzzle is ensuring that your retirement assets are distributed in a...more
5/19/2025
/ 401k ,
Asset Management ,
Beneficiaries ,
Disability Benefits ,
Disabled Children ,
Estate Planning ,
Medicaid ,
Retirement ,
SECURE Act ,
Tax Planning ,
Trusts
A geriatric care manager (GCM) is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with managing the challenges of aging. These experts come from various backgrounds, including social work, nursing,...more
New Jersey Officially Introduces Driver’s License Notation for Autistic Motorists -
Autistic motorists in New Jersey, as well as their parents/guardians, are now able to request that their autism diagnoses be notated on...more
3/31/2025
/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ,
Beneficiaries ,
Disabilities ,
Disability Discrimination ,
Driver's Licenses ,
Elder Care ,
Elder Issues ,
Guardianships ,
Inheritance ,
Mental Health ,
Motor Vehicles ,
New Jersey ,
Special Needs Adults ,
State and Local Government ,
Transportation Industry ,
Trusts
The Great Wealth Transfer: Preparing the Next Generation -
The great wealth transfer is underway in America. Through 2045, Baby Boomers will pass down approximately $84 trillion to Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. But what...more
12/31/2024
/ Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) ,
Beneficiaries ,
Elder Care ,
Elder Issues ,
Estate Planning ,
Financial Planning ,
Healthcare ,
Inheritance ,
Mental Health ,
Special Needs Adults ,
Special Needs Children ,
Trusts ,
Wealth Management ,
Wills
Research has increasingly shown a connection between loneliness and adverse health outcomes, including a higher risk of premature death, serious health issues, and elevated suicide rates. Loneliness—a sense of disconnection...more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued guidance on two new exceptions to the tax on early distributions from certain eligible retirement plans. This guidance, outlined in Notice 2024-55 (IR 2024-170, 6/20/2024),...more
The Role of Cars in Our Culture - In today’s society, cars are a fundamental part of everyday life, serving as the primary mode of transportation for many across the United States. This reliance is particularly significant in...more
In 2022, New Jersey enacted a new law to simplify the process for vehicle owners to transfer vehicles at death. N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1b, which became effective on May 9, 2023, authorizes the owner of a car, camper, or motorcycle...more
Recent coverage from reputable news sources such as The New York Times and Associated Press has brought renewed attention to the detrimental effects of Medicaid estate recovery on families. Understanding Medicaid: Medicaid...more
Gray divorce, or divorce among older adults, is becoming increasingly common. This demographic trend reflects societal changes, including reduced stigma around divorce and increased financial independence for women. However,...more
What is SSI? SSI is a government program that provides monthly payments to adults and children who have income and resources below specific financial limits and who meet one of the following criteria: They are 65 or older...more
Check out our April Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter! Our legal team explores important topics including beneficiary designations and the recent updates to the Medicaid divisor, which came into effect this month....more
5/2/2024
/ Charitable Donations ,
Cy Pres Funds ,
Disabilities ,
Domestic Workers ,
Elder Care ,
Elder Issues ,
Estate Planning ,
Home Health Care ,
Inheritance Tax ,
Medicaid ,
Medicare ,
Probate ,
Public Records ,
Special Needs Children ,
Wills
The recent Appellate Division decision, In the Matter of the Estate of Heinecke, serves as an important warning to those who have named charitable organizations as beneficiaries in their Last Will and Testament. The case...more
Exploring the Visibility of Wills: Understanding Public Record in Estate Planning - Wills serve as vital documents outlining the distribution of finances, possessions, and property after an individual’s passing. It’s common...more