Eldergreen
Total Guide to Estate Planning in Washington State
America’s nickname is The Land of Opportunity, a place where anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals, including amassing material wealth – money, real estate, personal property and any other assets. But what happens to those assets – your estate – when you pass away?
Talking about this topic can be difficult, but important. However, in order to protect your legacy and make sure your wishes are fulfilled, planning what happens after you’re gone is crucial.
What does “Estate Planning” mean?
Estate planning is establishing a formal, legal plan in the event of a …
5 (Costly) Medicaid Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70 percent chance of needing some type of long-term care services and supports in their remaining years.”
The Medicaid program, although challenging to navigate, can provide some relief for seniors and their families when in need of long-term care. Unlike Medicare (which does not cover long-term care), Medicaid is a means-tested program. In other words, you can only possess a small amount of money or property, have a low income, or both qualify. Seniors often wish to preserve their money out of …
Who Qualifies for VA Survivor Benefits in Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho
What is the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit?
In a recent discussion with a client, the subject of ‘Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit’ came up. When I asked my client, who is a military veteran, if he was taking advantage of this benefit his response was that he never heard of it.
Once again it got me wondering how many other veterans have “never heard of it”. Turns out there may be millions of our veterans that don’t take advantage of the benefits they are entitled to. This also means their surviving spouses aren’t receiving
the va survivor either.
So what is it? …
Everything You Need To Know About Wills and Trusts in Washington
Drafting and executing Wills and Trusts can be a complicated and confusing process. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions covering everything you need to know about wills and trusts in Washington state:
What Are Wills and Trusts in Washington?
Many may think these are similar, but there are notable differences between the two and when trying to decide which type you need for a complete Estate Plan, rely on Evergreen Elder Law to help:
Wills: Take effect as soon as your pass away. A Will details how your estate is divided among those you name in the document and you …
How To Avoid Probate in Washington State
Estate planning can sometimes feel like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Picture each piece of the estate planning puzzle as part of an overall estate plan. You learn the names of the individual pieces – one called “living trust,” another “last will and testament,” and power of attorney. Your estate may also go through “probate”. To avoid probate, there are certain steps you must take. If you are interested in learning how to avoid probate in Washington, you’re in the right place.
What is Probate in the State of Washington?
First, let’s talk about probate …
Estate Planning 2021: What’s In Store?
By Holland McBurns, Managing Partner, Evergreen Elder Law
Many of my clients are wondering what 2021 has in store for them with the changing of the guard at the White House. It’s no surprise that President Joe Biden is planning on making changes to the tax code. Could this impact your estate, gift taxes, and income taxes? Possibly.
From what I have been reading, planning concerns are for very wealthy individuals and couples – the Top 1%. Those who are worth less than, let’s say $5 million, may not …
Fame, Fortune & Dying Without a Will
I was saddened to hear of the recent loss of Tony Hsieh, retired CEO of Zappos. Under Mr. Hsieh’s leadership, Zappos went from $1.6M in revenue in 2000 to $1B in revenue in 2009. It brought him fame and fortune. That fortune being $850M at the time of his death.
What really struck me as I read the news about him was the comment that Tony Hsieh passed away without having a will in place. As any attorney that practices Elder Law, we know this happens frequently. People often die without a will in place, though, not usually at …
Up and Personal with Telelaw
By Holland McBurns, Managing Partner, Evergreen Elder Law
Remember not so long ago when “up and personal” meant a hug or handshake? When getting together didn’t require a mask? When sitting in my office care meant we could sit at a table together and not worry about our health and passing germs?
I miss seeing my clients. I miss having them come into my office and getting to know them on a personal level. I’m saddened they are leery of leaving their homes due to a virus that they can’t see or feel. But I’m heartened that we now have the option …
Expanding Medicaid During a Pandemic
By Holland McBurns, Managing Partner, Evergreen Elder Law
I wouldn’t have thought that Oklahoma would be the first state to vote on expanding Medicaid since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I congratulate the Oklahomans!
There are currently 38 states that had previously expanded Medicaid, with my home state of Washington having adopted and implemented the expansion in 2014.
What is Medicaid?
As many of you already know, my passion has always been to give back to my community. Since 2000 when I opened Evergreen Elder Law in Spokane, WA, one area that we have specialized in is Medicaid, also known as, Apple Health coverage. …
Yes, Yes, Yes! Everyone Needs Health Care Directive
By Holland McBurns, Managing Partner, Evergreen Elder Law
Who knew that 2020 was going to be a year where our health was going to be at the forefront of a global pandemic. People waiting in long lines to be tested for a virus. Having your temperature taken to have a meal at a restaurant. Oh, and at the restaurant, being seated 6 feet apart! And don’t forget your mask. Yet, while we practice social distancing (including at our office by offering telelaw), wear a mask, wash our hands a zillion times a day, we don’t plan for actually contracting the …