Elder Law Legal Resources
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: The Costs of Dementia
November was Alzheimer’s disease and Awareness month. It’s the perfect time to educate people about the disease of Alzheimer’s (and other dementias) and the effects of the disease on its victims and their loved ones. In this edition of the ElderCounselor™, we are going to focus on the high costs associated with long term care and dementia during the final years. …
Why We Fail To Plan for Long-Term Care
Most Americans do not know, or refuse to accept, the facts surrounding their potential need for long-term care and the costs associated with it. This was reconfirmed recently in a telephone survey of 1,735 Americans over the age of 40, funded by the SCAN Foundation and conducted by the Associated Press (AP) – NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (“survey”)1. This survey highlights many of the misconceptions Americans have about long-term care, including: the potential that a loved one may need some sort of long-term care within the next five (5) years; lack of knowledge of the positive impact of ...
Updates in the Special Needs Planning Area
The special needs community and its advocates are making headway as of late. Last month, the IRS proposed regulations for the new state-sponsored ABLE accounts. In addition, the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act was reintroduced to Congress earlier this year and appears to be making progress. As advocates for those with special needs, we celebrate these minor, but important accomplishments and can use them as inspiration as we continue to fight for the rights of this special community. …
The Affordable Care Act: How It Impacts Our Senior Population
Since its passage in 2010, the Affordable Care Act has been the subject of many heated debates and a cause for some confusion among most of the population. In order to assist you in serving your senior clientele, this issue of the ElderCounselorTM will attempt to shed some light on how the law affects the elderly. No doubt, there will continue to be debates over healthcare reform. Regardless, the law of the land is the ACA. Its far-reaching changes have already begun and will continue in the years to come. Here is how it impacts seniors. Individual Mandate Most ...
An Overview of the Defense of Marriage Act Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a historic decision in U.S. v. Windsor that could have far-reaching effects on seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans who are married to, or plan to marry, a person of the same gender. This edition of the ElderCounselor™ will provide an overview of the decision and how it may affect Medicaid recipients in a same-sex marriage. Overview of U.S. v. Windsor: An historical decision by the U.S. Supreme Court came down on June 26, 2013, declaring unconstitutional a portion of the Federal law commonly known as the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”). In this case, ...
An Overview of Long Term Care Planning Options
One of the greatest concerns for the elderly we serve and their families is that of long term care planning. Two-thirds of seniors will need care at some point in their life and many have not planned for this likelihood. It is an emotional and unpleasant topic to broach, but helping those we serve to plan ahead empowers them. This issue of the ElderCounselor™ newsletter will focus on information necessary to assist elderly in making decisions that will likely eventually affect them and their loved ones. Plan Ahead According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy at ...
Understanding the Fiscal Cliff Legislation
Legislators were very busy New Year's Eve and into the early morning hours of New Year's Day to draft and ultimately pass legislation to avoid what was commonly referred to as "The Fiscal Cliff." But what really happened? In summary, not much new was passed, but rather the legislation in large part made permanent the system of estate and income tax that has been in effect for the past two years. The new law did put off for two months some important spending cuts that must take place due to a process called "sequestration." It is these additional cuts that ...
The Top 10 Benefits of a Comprehensive Power of Attorney
The benefits of a highly detailed, comprehensive power of attorney are numerous. Unfortunately, many powers of attorney are more general in nature and can actually cause more problems than they solve, especially for our senior population. This issue of the ElderCounselor e-newsletter is intended to highlight the benefits of a comprehensive, detailed power of attorney. A proper starting point is to emphasize that the proper use of a power of attorney as an estate planning and elder law document depends on the reliability and honesty of the appointed agent. What is a 'Power of Attorney'? The agent under a power ...
Testimonials
I did some research and exploration and came upon the offices of Evergreen Elder Law. From the moment I spoke with the receptionist I felt respected, valued and regarded as an important client. I made an appointment for March 20, 2018. When I presented to their offices I spoke with someone who was sympathetic for my loss, confident that their offices could help and exuded competence. I was heartened to note that they were recognized as “Client Choice “Estate Law Office” for 2016.” And my experience with their offices made me a believer.
When my mother retired it became apparent we as a family needed help, Holland Mcburns was recommended by an acquaintance of the family. She was professional and very thorough and informative. I felt she was very up to date on the current opportunities that would best benefit my elderly mother, and make her retirement years worry free. After working with Mrs Mcburns, it was apparent that many people would benefit from her knowledge and dedication. I highly recommend her, and look forward to working with her on my estate planning.
Holland is very attentive and detail oriented. I felt well cared for, she returned calls promptly, and was always very sensitive to my needs. Holland gave me very good advice. She is very ethical and has legal services personalized to your needs.
Holland is a great listener and lawyer. When we came to her with our needs, she thoughtfully listened, was helpful with all our questions, and then explained our options. Her sense of humor helped us through some long waits with the system. In the end, we ended up with a surprisingly favorable settlement and a good friend in the courts.
Holland is truly one of the most sincere and professional attorneys I have come to know and over many years in the legal field. Her work is innovative in the complex area of estate planning and she strives to know the latest legal strategies to protect and represent her clients. Holland is dedicated to satisfying her clients’ needs and does it in a kind manner. She is a wonderful communicator both with her clients and with her colleagues. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services.
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HOLLAND
MANAGING PARTNER
FELISHA
FIRM ADMINISTRATOR
ANNA
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
KEN
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
TESSA
FRONT OFFICE MANAGER
CONOR
CLIENT COORDINATOR
LAUREN
MARKETING ASSISTANT
RONI
LEGAL ASSISTANT
CARLA
CLIENT RELATIONS EXECUTIVE
CHRISTA
CLIENT RELATIONS EXECUTIVE
KATE
ADMINISTRATIVE & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
The Evergreen Elder Law Team
Evergreen Elder Law is committed to helping you create comprehensive legal, financial, and physical security for you and your loved ones. Serving the Spokane, Tri Cities and Coeur d’Alene regions, we have the knowledge, compassion and professionalism to guide you in planning for the future, giving you peace of mind as you or a loved one makes important decisions for your family and future.
Let us provide you with a free 60-minute consultation. We are available throughout the week by phone and e-mail. Contact us now to set up the initial consultation, and we will make meeting with us easy. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to come up with the best plan to meet your needs. We are available in-person or via tele-conference.