Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Gifts and Estate Planning In New York
When a person is creating their estate plan, gifts to friends and loved ones are often contemplated and made during the donor’s lifetime. This is known as giving an inter vivos gift – ‘inter vivos’ meaning ‘between living people.’ One might think that simply giving gifts would be easy – but legally, it can… Read More »
What Is Medicaid Crisis Planning?
Everyone, at least in theory, should try to have an estate plan in place long before they need end-of-life care. However, this is simply not how life works out for many. It is not uncommon for a person to experience a medical crisis out of the blue, and wind up needing long-term medical care…. Read More »
Estate Planning With A Disabled Beneficiary Can Be Complex
When a person is planning their estate in Westchester County or Putnam County, it is something that should be taken very seriously. This is doubly true for those with disabled beneficiaries. A person may simply want to gift to a disabled person – out of a wish to support them, to pay for medical… Read More »
Life Estate Deeds & Medicaid Planning
Medicaid planning is the process by which a person divests themselves of assets in order to qualify for Medicaid-paid long-term care. It can be difficult to plan appropriately for Medicaid eligibility, because Medicaid requires a person not to have many assets in their own name, while most people want to preserve as many assets… Read More »
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
When a person starts Medicaid planning, it can sometimes be a shock to realize that the program has very strict income and asset limits – for example, in 2024, New York Medicaid required a single program participant to have no more than $1,732 per month in income, and $31,175 in assets. However, with proper… Read More »
Changing My New York Will
As most people get older, they start to think about who will receive their assets when they are no longer alive to enjoy them. Estate planning attorneys can assist anyone who is interested in ensuring that their wishes are honored legally. The foundational document that most people use to start their estate plan is… Read More »
Planning For End-Of-Life Care In New York
We all know that no one wants to think about needing end-of-life care. However, discussing that possibility is an essential step in protecting yourself and your family as you age. In addition to signing a trust or a last will and testament, it is strongly recommended that you have what are known “advance directives.”… Read More »
When Is Probate Necessary?
Most of the time, a person in Westchester County seeks the help of an attorney when they want to avoid the probate process, given that probate can be a long, drawn-out experience. With the help of an attorney, it is possible to structure your estate so that it does not have to go through… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Medicaid
Medicaid is the federal program responsible for helping New York seniors be able to afford long-term nursing home care. It is important to understand that it does not come without a cost. The entire process can be overwhelming and confusing to the average person, especially someone who has a fair number of assets. An… Read More »
Guardianship For Elderly Relatives In New York State
Watching your loved ones age and become elderly can cause anxiety for everyone, especially if they are becoming less able to take care of themselves. It can feel as though there is no right answer for this problem, or at least no answer that allows them autonomy in their lives. However, in the right… Read More »