Who can file a will contest under Pennsylvania law? Quick answer: only someone who would benefit financially from having the will declared invalid. Suppose John Doe signs his first and only Last Will and Testament on his death bed. It was written by his youngest...
Many disabled individuals in the U.S. receive public benefits from programs that place restrictions on the dollar amount (typically $2,000) of assets a recipient can own. Medicaid and SSI are two examples. Federal and state law allow the establishment of certain...
Having a power of attorney (or POA) is at least as important as having a will. That’s the opinion I’ve come to after 24 years helping individual clients and families in private practice. As people’s lifespans have increased, many spend more years than ever with a...
When Congress passed the new budget deal October 30, it also included changes to the rules for claiming Social Security benefits. The new rules will end a popular claiming strategy that allowed claimants to receive more in benefits over their lifetimes. The change...
Imagine that your husband recently suffered a stroke. After a stay in the hospital, he now resides in a nursing home. His doctor tells you your husband will not likely improve and will need to stay at the home indefinitely.You worry how you will pay for care at...
Test your knowledge with this question: What relation to you is the child of your cousin? Nephew Cousin Second cousin First cousin once removed The question raises an issue of “consanguinity” – the relatedness of family members. As an estate planning and elder law...
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with over 20 years of experience helping clients with estate planning, estate administration, and Medicaid planning.