Author Archives: Jay Butchko
A Letter Of Intent Can Help Your Estate Plan
For most people in Putnam County, a Last Will & Testament is a foundational document in their estate plan. A will expresses the testator’s preferences with regard to the disposition of their possessions. However, there are little details and statements that do not fit into the text of a will or other legal document… Read More »
Annuities & Medicaid Eligibility Planning In New York
In this day and age, Medicaid planning – that is, planning out one’s estate in a way that allows them to receive end-of-life care via Medicaid – is at the forefront of most people’s minds in Westchester County, particularly as they age. There are many ways for an individual to plan their estate so… Read More »
Writing Your New York Will 101
No one wants to think about estate planning until it becomes necessary. However, it can provide legitimate peace of mind to those in Putnam County who have assets to distribute after their passing. A will can be drawn up for any adult but many people get intimidated in trying to execute one. The right… Read More »
New York Estate Planning And Second Marriages
In this day and age, so-called “gray divorce,” where elderly people go their separate ways, is becoming more common. As a result, second marriages are becoming more common in Westchester County than they used to be as well. While any competent single adult may marry, far too many fail to take their estate planning… Read More »
What Is Medicaid Estate Recovery?
Medicaid is a program run by the individual U.S. states that elders can use to help them afford long-term care in their golden years. Many Westchester County residents have ‘spent down’ their assets and availed themselves of Medicaid’s assistance. However, after a person’s passing, Medicaid can deliver some very unwelcome news: in certain cases,… Read More »
Structure Your Estate To Protect Against Scams
No one in Westchester County wants to think of themselves as easy prey, but statistics reported by the American Association of Retired People (AARP) seem to show that more and more elderly people in the U.S. are falling prey to scammers for a variety of reasons. It is crucial to plan your estate and… Read More »
Don’t Use AI For New York Estate Planning
Many people in Westchester County have fallen in love with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, using them to increase productivity and potentially save time in their day. There are even more specialized AI tools, designed to answer questions and perform tasks in specific areas of expertise. There are even AI bots that advertise as… Read More »
Options In A Medicaid Planning Crisis
Medicaid is a program intended to help those who cannot cover healthcare costs, as long as they meet certain criteria. Most people in Putnam County who reach a certain age (and indeed, some younger) make a plan so they can benefit from Medicaid care as they get older. However, it is sadly not uncommon… Read More »
Giving During Medicaid’s Lookback Period
Many Westchester County residents apply for Medicaid each year to help them with long-term healthcare, but too many of them make a common mistake before their coverage takes effect. Medicaid has what is known as a ‘lookback’ period, and during that period, one cannot give away or sell any assets if not at market… Read More »
Does Your Loved One Need A Guardianship?
In New York, the law recognizes three separate types of legal guardianship. One is for disabled people who are unable to handle their own affairs (disability does not always equal incompetency). Another is to manage the financial estate of a minor, if the minor comes into money, and the last is for overseeing affairs… Read More »