When does Medicaid allow gift of house to son or daughter?
Medicaid rules usually penalize gifts of any property to an applicant’s children during the five-year look-back period. But there are some exceptions that allow a Medicaid applicant or recipient to give away the personal residence to a son or daughter with no penalty....
How to contest a revocable living trust in Pennsylvania
Most people know that a will made under dubious circumstances can be contested after the death of the person who signed it (or allegedly signed it). But these days, many people use revocable living trusts, instead of wills, to pass their estates to others (usually to...
Simple trick to help shut-in parents
Mary, a widow, lives alone in the home she has owned for 52 years. She can cook, clean the house, and care for herself. But she no longer drives because of failing eyesight, and there are no stores within walking distance. Mary wants to stay in her home as long as...
Who should have power of attorney for you?
If you can’t manage your financial affairs, you will need someone to step in and manage them for you. Who should that be? One of the advantages of working with an experienced attorney when doing your estate planning is having the benefit of your attorney’s advice and...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.