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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Review Your Medicare Plan - which medicare plan is the best

Do You Have To Review Your Medicare Plan Every Year?

Every year, the Medicare Annual open Enrollment Period (“AEP”) is October 15 – December 7. AEP is the time that Medicare recipients can review and change their Medicare plan if they should choose to do so. FALSE FACTS FRIDAY Issue 11: “I’m Happy with My Medicare Plan, So I Don’t Have to Review It for…

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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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