All posts by Janet Colliton
The Risks and Considerations Involved In Cohabitation
Taking a simple Wikipedia definition, “cohabitation” is described as “an arrangement where people who are not married, usually couples, live together.” It goes on to state “hey are often involved in a romantic or sexually intimate relationship on a long term or permanent basis.” However, the same source goes on to state that, “ore broadly, […]
Continue readingAdvice Column Triggers Negative Response For Elderly Woman
Over the weekend I read an advice column on-line connected with a major well-known newspaper. It was the kind where readers type in their concerns and problems and await a hopefully positive response. This request, from an older woman was unfortunately, from her perspective, not well received. Except, possibly, for my typed-in response, the answers […]
Continue readingThe Federal Student Loan Decision Discussed
Student loans have received a lot of attention lately in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidating President Biden’s partial loan forgiveness program. The Court’s official summary stated in the case of Biden v. Nebraska et al. decided June 30, 2023, described the issues for the majority as follows: “Title IV of the […]
Continue readingAnswering Should I Add My Child’s Name To My Deed
Some questions tend to repeat themselves over time to the point as a practitioner I see them coming. One of those is “Should I add my child’s name to my Deed?” A closely related question is “Should I transfer the house to my son or daughter?” Although my usual answer to asset and estate questions […]
Continue readingJudge Jackson’s Majority Decision Affirms A Private Right
Last November I wrote a column regarding a case that was on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, as I described it then Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) v. Talevski, was considering whether a private right exists for individuals to sue in federal court where a government operated Medicaid […]
Continue readingHow To Consider a Long Term Care Insurance Offer
Sometimes we are consulted by clients who hold long term care insurance contracts where premiums have risen substantially and the client would like to know how to handle the increased premium notice. Briefly, the question becomes is it worth it to continue under different terms or should the policy be permitted to lapse. There are […]
Continue readingSelf Care Is Needed For Caregivers
In my practice as an elder law attorney I frequently see caregiver clients stressed to the limit attempting to hold themselves to standards that might be almost unattainable even under the best of conditions. They often hold full time jobs or even more than one job while trying to raise their children while also caring […]
Continue readingAre You Disabled? It Depends On the Law
If you find yourself confused on the subject of disability it may be because there are several different and often contradictory definitions depending on the statute involved and the policy motivations. You may be considered disabled or not based on differences in the laws. Here are some examples. Americans With Disabilities Act. Under the Americans […]
Continue readingProbate in Pennsylvania Can Be Less Complicated
I used to wonder why I often heard opinions expressed on late night television or read descriptions of the “horrors of probate,” when probate, while challenging for some, did not seem to me to justify the degree of intensity expressed. Sure, when there are complicated arrangements regarding property or, for that matter, dissenting beneficiaries, probate […]
Continue readingAt Home Services Are Different Between Medicare and Medicaid
One of the great confusions when seeking access to government health benefits is the similarity between the words “Medicare” and “Medicaid.” Even seasoned professionals in the field sometimes slip and use one word instead of the other. There are major differences between the two programs and one area where this becomes very clear is in […]
Continue readingForeign Travel Brings Health Insurance Considerations
You have made your plans and are on your way to vacation in a far off exotic vacation destination. Still, you might have forgotten something amid all the arrangements and packing. If you become ill or experience an accident or need to be evacuated back to the U.S. are you covered for care? The possibility […]
Continue readingWhat Are Your Responsibilities as Power of Attorney
If a family member or friend asks you to serve as power of attorney it is only fair to know what responsibilities you might assume and what other alternatives might be available. In some cases the absence of a power of attorney can have serious consequences when there is a crisis. It is good to […]
Continue readingSeniors Are On the Move – By Choice
Personal choice has affected senior moving trends and this has not slowed since COVID. If my personal experience with clients is any indicator there seem to be more seniors moving now that at any prior time in my practice. Some time ago in an article posted by Caring Transitions, “Senior Rightsizing: Trends Among Seniors Selling […]
Continue readingHow Much Should An Executor Be Paid for Administering An Estate
It is a good idea to settle the matter of your will at some point. It helps the family during a very difficult time, and is a good way to plan for the future carefully and with the benefit of time. With the help of a Will Planning Lawyer, these matters can be fully established […]
Continue readingYes. You Inherited a House – Now What?
If your parents left you their house in their Will and you are now the proud owner of a family residence you might consider yourself blessed or the event could act as a cause for concern or rethinking of your future plans. Will you live there? Have you resided there all along and do you […]
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