Estate Planning

Feds Move to Protect Some Surviving Spouses of Reverse Mortgage Holders

Federal rules protect certain spouses of reverse mortgage holders from being forced out of their homes when the mortgage holder dies.

Reverse Mortgages Can Pose Problems for Heirs

Reverse mortgages can be a big help to seniors needing extra cash, but they can become a nightmare for their heirs.

5 Questions to Ask Before Making Gifts for Medicaid or Tax Planning

Many seniors consider transferring assets for estate and long-term care planning purposes, or just to help out children and grandchildren.

New Guides Help Those Appointed to Manage Someone Else's Money

Have you been officially asked to manage someone else's money? Four new guides help people who have been given the important responsibility of managing money or property for someone else. ...

Court Rules Surviving Spouses of Reverse Mortgage Holders Cannot Lose Homes

A federal court has ruled that banks can’t foreclose on surviving spouses of reverse mortgage holders when the spouses can’t pay off the mortgage. ...

Mass. Court Rules Wife Is Responsible For Husband's Nursing Home Care

Spouses need to be very careful or they could end up legally responsible for the cost of their husband’s of wife's nursing home care, as a recent Massachusetts court decision demonstrates.

Who Will Benefit from the New Medicare Policy Change?

This ruling could have a profund impact on the lives of Medicare beneficiaries who need the care of a skilled professional . . . ...

Even Annual Exclusion Gifts Are Counted by Medicaid

Many people believe that if they give away an amount equal to the annual gift tax exclusion -- which is currently $15,000 to any one individual -- this gift will be exempted from Medicaid's five-year look-back at transfers that could...