Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Crafting A Healthcare Proxy In New York
A healthcare proxy is a document naming a chosen person, who then has authority to act for you if you lose the ability to communicate your wishes when it comes to healthcare. While these are most useful for people who are older or who have chronic conditions, anyone in Putnam County may benefit from… Read More »
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts 101
Long-term elder care is a concern for a strong majority of Putnam County residents, and very often, Medicaid is the best way for them to receive it. However, Medicaid is a means-tested program, meaning that if a person or couple makes too much money or has too many assets, they will not qualify. One… Read More »
How To Avoid New York Estate Planning Issues
Not many people enjoy the act of planning their estate, but it is an important endeavor, particularly if a person has a large circle of family and friends. Unfortunately, far too many people attempt to plan their own estate, without legal help, and too often it results in their beneficiaries being entangled in a… Read More »
Is Nursing Home Care Possible Without Medicaid?
Many in Putnam County may eventually rely on Medicaid to cover long-term medical care, but it is not always easy to obtain Medicaid coverage. Some are forced to rely, either temporarily or permanently, on other options to help themselves or a loved one obtain long-term inpatient care. A Mahopac elder law attorney can help… Read More »
What Can’t You Put In Your New York Will?
A Last Will & Testament is one of the foundational documents of estate planning. Every person in our practice areas (Westchester County and Putnam County) should have a will in place before their passing. This will help ensure that your assets and debts are handled in the manner you deem best. However, this does… Read More »
Estate Planning Can Benefit Younger Adults
Most people under the age of 60 do not think about planning their estate very often, if at all. They tend to see it as something to address in the future – but there are several reasons why estate planning is a good thing for younger adults to invest in at a relatively early… Read More »
Important Issues In New York Medicaid Planning
When one is planning their estate in Westchester County or Putnam County, one of the first things to address is what role, if any, that Medicaid will play in your long-term care plans. Medicaid is a federal program administered by each of the individual states, and if you worry about your health needs being… Read More »
Discussing Estate Planning With An Elderly Loved One Can Be Difficult
It is not uncommon for a Putnam County parent to resist discussing estate planning with their children, either because they are unwilling to accept help on that issue, or because they are afraid of confronting it at all. However, it is crucial for older people, particularly those with children and other loved ones, to… Read More »
Explaining The Medicaid “Look-Back” Period In New York
Medicaid is the cornerstone of long-term care for many in Putnam County, particularly those who need inpatient treatment. While the recent ruthless cuts to the Medicaid program may affect the number of people who can access the program, those who meet its means test and other requirements can rest assured that their care will… Read More »
Which Type Of New York Trust Is Best For My Estate?
There are many different potential estate planning documents that a person can use to put their affairs in order. One of the most commonly used is the trust, which is a legal entity designed to hold assets ‘in trust’ for a future beneficiary or beneficiaries. However, what the average person may not know is… Read More »