Joan Reed Wilson Esq. - Managing Partner Practices in the areas of estate planningelder law, Medicaid planning, conservatorships, probate and trust administration, and real estate. Admitted to practice in the States of Connecticut and California, she is the President of the CT Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), an active member of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, accredited with the PLAN of CT for Pooled Trusts, with the Veteran’s Administration to assist clients with obtaining Aid & Attendance benefits for long-term care needs and with the Agency on Aging’s CareLink Network.
primary v contingent beneficiary

Primary v Contingent Beneficiary

What Is The Difference Between Primary v Contingent Beneficiaries? A primary beneficiary is a person or entity who is first in line to receive assets upon the death of the policyholder or account owner. A contingent beneficiary is a person or entity who is next in line to receive the assets if the primary beneficiary…

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reverse mortgage means losing equity

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? Pros and Cons to Consider

As part of our elder law and long-term care planning practice, we often recommend a reverse mortgage to our clients. And we are often met with resistance. One of the most common misconceptions about reserve mortgages is that if someone obtains this type of mortgage, all hope of ever having any equity to pass to…

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Joan Wilson Vice President of NAELA

Attorney Joan Wilson Elected VP of NAELA

Attorney Joan Wilson Elected Vice President of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys RWC, LLC, Attorneys and Counselors at Law is pleased to announce that Attorney Joan Wilson was elected Vice-President of the CT Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (“NAELA”). Attorney Wilson has been a member of NAELA for 15 years…

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power of attorney after death

What Happens To Power of Attorney After Death?

A power of attorney automatically terminates after the death of the principal. This means that the agent no longer has any authority to act on behalf of the deceased person. Instead, the executor or personal representative of the deceased person’s estate will take over the management of their affairs. Power of Attorney and When Should…

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older couple looking at paperwork - difference between DNR and living will

DNR and Living Will: What You Need to Know

What Is The Difference Between DNR and Living Will? A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. A living will, on the other hand, is a legal document that outlines a person’s…

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who will inherit my house when i die

The Truth About How Your Assets Are Distributed After You Die

Does Your Will Determine Who Inherits Your Assets When You Die? Last month I discussed how clients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that having a Last Will and Testament does not negate the need for probate. Many people also incorrectly believe that the Will is KING. They think that the terms of the Will…

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