Articles - Chesapeake Wills & Trusts

Power of Attorney Rights – What Are They and Who Can Give Them?

The general definition of power of attorney is “a written authorization that allows you to act on someone else’s behalf in all financial, medical care, property, and legal matters”. In that agreement, the person giving over their right to decision-making is referred...

How an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust Can Be Used to Avoid the Estate Tax

With the federal estate tax exemption possibly about to be lowered, it may be time to think about steps you can take to keep your estate from being taxed. An irrevocable life insurance trust allows you to pass on money to your heirs while avoiding estate taxes.

Medicaid Recipients Have a Little More Time to Spend Down Their Stimulus Money

The one-year deadline for nursing home residents on Medicaid to spend down their first round of stimulus checks is here, but they may have a little extra time.

Finding the Right Hospital Bed Rental

If you are caring for a loved one at home, you may need to rent a hospital bed. Here are the ins and outs of hospital bed rentals.

IRS Announces That Face Masks and Related Purchases Are Tax Deductible

The IRS has announced that the tax deduction for medical expenses includes amounts spent on face masks, sanitizer and other products purchased to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

How the $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill Aids Seniors

President Biden has signed the latest COVID-19 relief bill, which in addition to authorizing stimulus checks, funding vaccine distribution, and extending unemployment benefits, also provides assistance to seniors in a number of ways.

Can I Transfer My Grandmother’s Car to My Name Without Causing a Medicaid Penalty Period?

An elder law attorney suggested the purchase of a vehicle as a way to protect some of my grandma’s assets. While this would be excluded during the Medicaid spend-down, what can we do to prevent the car from being taken by estate recovery after she passes? I was told to do a title transfer from her name to mine after she is qualified for Medicaid. Is it really that simple?

Biden Administration Eases Recommended Restrictions on Nursing Home Visits

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued new guidance on whether families can visit loved ones in nursing homes. The guidance allows indoor visitation even when the resident has not been vaccinated.

Why an Irrevocable Trust May Be Superior to Gifting

Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets. Although setting up an irrevocable trust lacks the simplicity of giving a gift, it may be a better way to preserve assets for the future.