Most people understand that protecting assets and deciding how to distribute wealth is an important part of estate planning. However, fewer people think about healthcare issues when planning for the future. An advance healthcare directive is another important aspect...

Social Security
What should I know to file a workers’ compensation claim?
If you suffer an injury while on the job, you will usually have the right to make a claim to workers' compensation. The system can be quite complex and difficult to understand if you are unfamiliar with it. The New York State Workers' Compensation Board explains that...
How to gain guardianship over a parent with dementia
Imagine you visit your father on a regular basis. You have no concerns and all is well. Until something changes. You notice that his medication bottles go unopened or maybe they empty far too quickly. Perhaps he forgets your name or calls you by the name of a sibling....
How does proper ergonomics help reduce injuries?
Office workers may not realize they are at risk for work injuries just like any other profession. The reason is the risks are quite different than those in a more physical occupation or one where work requires equipment and factory machinery. If you work in an office,...
Determining whether you are an independent contractor
When you sustain an injury while you are working, you may assume that workers' compensation will cover your medical expenses. After all, most companies in New York must carry workers' compensation insurance to cover injured employee claims. If your employer says that...
Can your employer challenge your workers’ compensation claim?
Getting hurt at work means you can file a claim with your employer to receive workers' compensation benefits. Most of the time, with the right information, you can get financial assistance as you recover and transition back into your job. Under some circumstances...
When should I start planning for Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health care program that provides help to a wide range of people with low incomes and limited financial resources. Established in 1965, Medicaid is jointly run by state and federal governments and provides benefits for health care and long-term care...
Can I get Medicaid coverage for my spouse’s nursing home?
If your spouse needs nursing home care but you do not, you may have questions about how this will affect your finances. With nursing home care ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 a month, you may have concerns about how you will afford care for your spouse. In certain...
Understanding how a special needs trust works in New York
Many New York families have members who have suffered disabling injuries or illnesses. These family members and their disability can place an insuperable burden on their families when the parents are no longer able to provide for the child’s care. Many federal and...
How charity and estate planning can intersect
Many turn to estate planning to help build a more secure and vibrant future for their next of kin. In the spirit of generosity, many also wonder how their assets can go to benefit the charitable causes that invigorate them. One notable way is to simply bequeath...