Who has capacity to make a will?
Fundamental to the validity of any last will and testament is that the testator (person whose will it is, and who is signing the documents) had capacity at the time of execution. By statute, a testator in Pennsylvania must be “of sound mind” to make a will. (20 Pa....
Asset protection: saving your house with a trust
For many middle class seniors, the house is one of their major assets – sometimes the most valuable asset. I’m often asked, “How do I save my house from being lost to nursing home costs?” The answer in many situations is through the use of an asset protection trust...
Where to probate a will in Pennsylvania
Clients often wonder where a loved one’s will is filed to begin the probate process. The answer is that a person’s will must be filed in the county in which that person resided at the time of death. On a Pennsylvania death certificate, look at box 8d, titled Residence...
“Exceptional circumstances” can mean more income for Medicaid spouse
One way the law protects the spouse of a Medicaid recipient is by providing for a monthly allowance of income. The “monthly maintenance needs allowance” (MMNA for short) is an amount of income allowed to the spouse each month. You can read more about how it is...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.