All posts by Janet Colliton
Good news and bad news reported on state budget negotiations
After my two previous columns on problems for seniors with the proposed Pennsylvania budget, see “The Worst Law For Seniors Is Introduced Through Pennsylvania Budget,” May 11, 2009, www.collitonlaw.com/09/051109/htm, and “Danger Ahead? An Update On Expanded Estate Recovery in Pennsylvania,” June 1, 2009, www.collitonlaw.com/09/060109/htm, there is both good news and bad news to report. First, […]
Continue readingTimely considerations for lending to adult children
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Bar Probate and Trust Law Section Quarterly Meeting at what many of us know affectionately as the old Wanamaker’s Building. Upstairs from Philadelphia’s Macy’s at 100 Penn Square East, educational programs are conducted at Pennsylvania Bar Institute headquarters and this one, like many […]
Continue reading“Up” is charming, illuminating, uplifting entertainment
Sometimes, as a break from the usual, I combine two of my favorite activities, elder law and movies, to come up with a movie review to pique the interest of readers. A few months ago, on March 2, I did just this with one of my favorites, “Gran Torino,” starring Clint Eastwood. (f you missed […]
Continue readingA maverick from Ohio may pave the way for Pennsylvania
With all the serious talk of budget cuts and shortfalls, a humorous story from a neighboring state caught my eye last week. The report was from the Columbus Dispatch and highlighted the personality of an Ohio state legislator who seems to be changing the face of politics in that state. He also, of interest to […]
Continue readingDanger ahead? An update on expanded estate recovery in Pennsylvania
After years of following bad legislation, I became convinced that, if government wanted to eliminate property rights, it would do it through the annual budget or by tucking the provision in some obscure regulation. This means that citizens have to be alert to these drastic changes and be ready to oppose them. A few weeks […]
Continue readingThe Worst Law for Seniors Is Introduced Through Pennsylvania Budget
Just in time for Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature has introduced for passage a bill that would likely be the worst law yet affecting frail senior Mothers and Fathers, their families and business associates. The threat is real and immediate. Hidden in Budget Legislation on the 35th page […]
Continue readingIt’s Time For Uniform Guardianship Laws
One idea that we do not often consider is the effect on us of having fifty States and numerous counties within them, all with their own laws, regulations, and specific procedures as to how things should be done. The need for uniform laws becomes apparent as we travel from State to State. Decisions made in […]
Continue readingWhat To Look For In a CCRC
When exploring senior housing arrangements, one attractive alternative for many today is a CCRC or Continuing Care Retirement Community. CCRC’s are communities that provide within them varying levels of care. A new resident must typically be admitted when she can live independently. If health worsens later, then the resident can move to assisted living or […]
Continue readingUses and Abuses of Reverse Mortgages
Last Friday as I represented clients at a real estate settlement, the title clerk on the settlement asked me what I thought of reverse mortgages. When I returned to the office, among my e-mails I found a link to a Smart Money article entitled “The Pitfalls of Reverse Mortgages.” Interestingly, it was sent to me […]
Continue readingFinancial Answers Are Not A Snap Decision
We Americans are smitten by the fast answer and the quick fix. What else would explain the success of books such as “The One Minute Manager” and “The One Minute Millionaire,” and phenomena like speed reading and Dr. Phil? When it comes to finances we like to believe that there is an easy answer not […]
Continue readingFamilies Living Together – How To Do It
As seniors live longer and adult children struggle to find a way to care for them without traveling long distances, a phenomenon is sweeping the country. Parents and children are buying homes together. The “why” is easy. Parents, sometimes flush with cash from sale of their own home, might choose to live with family. A […]
Continue readingRetitling Assets- the Plusses and Minuses
When I speak at gatherings of seniors where assets are considered, one topic of constant interest is whether to title or to retitle assets, when to do it, how to do it, and whether this action avoids probate or taxes. Retitling could be done into the names of parents and adult children jointly or exclusively […]
Continue readingParents of Disabled Children Should Consider Supplemental Needs Trusts
When parents of a disabled child plan their estates, some believe they should leave inheritances to another family member, often another son or daughter, so the person they designate will care for their disabled child on their deaths. The reasoning is “I cannot leave a third of my estate to Joseph since, with his disability […]
Continue readingWhen Parents and Adult Disabled Children Live Together
When parents live long term with their disabled child, the arrangement sometimes benefits both the parent and the adult child. There are times when, as a parent ages, she or he is no longer able to handle household chores. Her adult child, although not well enough to work, may assist in tasks at home and, […]
Continue readingGran Torino’ Is a Movie For Seniors That Defies Stereotypes
Rarely does an elder law attorney have the opportunity to review a latest movie directed by a screen legend, but “Gran Torino,” the latest from Clint Eastwood, deserves the credit. For those who have not yet seen the movie, I will not spoil the ending but, suffice it to say that the storyline keeps you […]
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