the reading of the will is not real

Who’s Invited To a Reading of the Will?

Have you heard of the “READING OF THE WILL”? Of course, you have! because it has been a scene in many TV shows and movies. After someone dies, the lawyer hosts a meeting in his (usually “his” because, well, you know, but that’s a topic for another time…) office. Everyone who had a relationship with…

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Sign a DNR in Connecticut - wear a DNR bracelet

Do You Sign a DNR With Your Lawyer?

What is a DNR? “DNR” stands for Do Not Resuscitate and means that if you stop breathing, you will not be resuscitated. Most, otherwise healthy people, would want to be resuscitated if they collapsed and stopped breathing, for example, if they had a heart attack. Those who are terminally ill and are suffering may choose…

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Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Programs 2019 Threatened Again

The Fall of 2019 brought uncertainty to the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) in Connecticut when they were unexpectedly slashed by the state budget. After several months of negotiations, a bipartisan effort was able to revive the program that affects so many seniors. What Are Medicare Savings Programs? The Medicare Savings Programs in Connecticut are benefits…

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Estate Tax Return

Does a Surviving Spouse Have To File An Estate Tax Return?

Will You Owe Taxes On Your Spouse’s Estate? Currently, the estate tax exemption in Connecticut is $12.92 million per person. So although an Estate Tax Return must be filed for every decedent, tax is due from very few estates. And even if the decedent’s assets exceeded $12,920,000, there is an unlimited marital deduction, so if…

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family eating outside - tips to avoid family squabbles

Ten Timely Tips To Avoid Family Squabbles In Estate Planning

In our estate planning, probate, and elder law practice here at Reed Wilson Case we often see family squabbles that erupt because of unmet expectations. Many of these expectations involve emotionally valuable personal property. And many of them erupt after the passing of a loved one.   Related Post: What To Include In A Will…

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Protect Your Money From Nursing Homes

Do You Need To Protect Your Money From Nursing Homes?

FALSE FACT Vol. 1, Issue 1:   If you don’t protect your money, the State will take it.  This is probably the most common “inaccurate” statement that I hear in my elder law practice. We do help clients protect their assets, but not because the State will take them if you don’t protect them. Welcome to…

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Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare Advantage Plans: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Medicare Advantage Plans Update Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning in 2019, Medicare Advantage plans will cover supplemental non-skilled home benefits that include daily maintenance. This is the first time that CMA has allowed a service that covers daily maintenance to be eligible as a supplemental benefit.…

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Proposed Changes to Veterans Benefits Could Affect Elderly

Proposed Changes to Veterans Benefits Could Affect Elders

Several Levels of Qualification For Veterans Benefits: The veteran must have served in active duty for at least 90 days, one of which must have been during a defined wartime period. A physician must verify that the applicant requires assistance with two activities of daily living. The applicant and spouse must have less than approximately…

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