Why an irrevocable trust can be superior to gifting
Wise use of an irrevocable trust can be a powerful way to protect assets as one gets older. One use is to avoid the need to spend down assets in order to qualify for certain benefits, such as veterans benefits and Medicaid. But why use a trust? Why not just give the...Why did the teacher remove all desks from her classroom? What did the kids learn?
When the children arrived at Ms. Cothren’s class on the first day of school a few years back, they were surprised to see not a single desk in the entire classroom. (With permission from the superintendent, she had them removed.) “Ms. Cothren, where are the...
VA benefits for healthy vet with ill spouse – a little known secret
It’s well known that veterans benefits for aid and attendance will help pay for long term care needed by a wartime veteran, or the widow or widower of one. But what about Jane, who needs care in an assisted living facility and is married to Bill, a World War II...
Obtaining certified discharge forms for VA applications
(2010) Many wartime veterans, or their widows, can qualify for benefits from the Veterans Administration to help pay for care at home or in an assisted living facility. A vital component of any successful application is a certified copy of the veteran’s discharge...
How veterans benefits and Medicaid work together
(2010)As Veterans Day approaches, it is good to remember ways to honor those who served our country during wartime. One way is with the benefits extended to those veterans, and their widows and widowers, who now need long term care. How do those benefits intersect...About Andrew Sykes
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes is the past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.