If someone prevented you from seeing a family member for the holidays, failed to tell you a family member fell sick, or worse, failed to notify you of a loved one’s funeral, what would you do? Catherine Falk, daughter of the late Peter Falk, who portrayed Lieutenant Columbo on the TV series “Columbo,” faced these scary questions. Ms. Falk’s stepmother, who was Peter Falk’s legal guardian, failed to notify her …
A durable power of attorney and a healthcare proxy, also known as a medical by proxy, are legal tools commonly used when estate planning or in caring for another person. Although similar in that they each are the appointment of an agent to act on behalf of someone else, they have differences that set them apart from one another. What is durable power of attorney? In general, power of attorney …
By Brian Miller, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Chronic Medicaid vs. Community Medicaid in New York State Seniors who need long-term care should know that these services are not covered by Medicare, so they will need to either purchase long-term care insurance, pay out of pocket, or apply for Medicaid. In New York State, there are two different Medicaid programs: Community Medicaid, which covers care at home, such as a personal …
By Bernard A. Krooks, Esq. Recently, several clients have asked whether they could write their own will. I am sure that many more have thought about this, but haven’t asked. I think the better question to ask is: should you write your own will? After all, there are several online services available to help and how complicated can it be, right? Let’s discuss some of the things that can go …
By Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Challenges may arise if a person decides to write their own will. Lawyers do much more than draft documents. Lawyers make sure that the documents are drafted accurately and reflect your wishes and estate planning objectives. After all, once you are deceased it is likely too late to fix any mistakes you made in drafting your own will. There is however, at …
The difference between “home health care” and “non-medical in-home care” is not always clear, but it is a distinction with a big difference. “Home health care” is covered by Medicare, but “non-medical in-home care” is not. Senior citizens who fail to pay sufficient attention to which side of the line their in-home services fall may be in for a bad surprise when the provider’s bill comes due. Aside from mere …
