Category Archives for 2009

Billing After Death

A favorite on-line elder law resource of mine, Elder Law Answers,  www.elderlawanswers.com, at one point reported on the difficulty experienced by family members when they try to inform a deceased relative’s creditors that accounts are no longer valid.  The exchanges between the family and customer service representatives are almost humorous and highlight the fact that […]

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Small Estates Can Have Big Problems

When a relative or friend accepts the position of Executrix, she may not recognize at first the responsibilities involved.  Especially when the estate is small, she may convince herself that it can be resolved quickly.  Just because the estate is small does not mean that it can be easily resolved.  In fact, sometimes, because there […]

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New Pennsylvania elder law attorneys’ group battles for seniors

As the Pennsylvania budget impasse enters its second month, the participants are getting weary. While Pennsylvania has not ever in the six years of Gov. Rendell’s administration passed an annual budget on time for July 1, this year — according to at least one commentator — is different. G. Terry Madonna, professor of public affairs […]

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Your assisted living expenses may be tax deductible

Our work frequently puts us in contact with professionals in the elder care field including assisted living and skilled nursing home administrators. Recently I had the opportunity through the gracious invitation of Patricia Linberg, director of community relations at Sunrise Assisted Living of Westtown, to speak at her facility on a popular subject — tax […]

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Filial responsibility a danger when Medicaid is not approved

If your parents do not pay their nursing home bills, there is a chance in Pennsylvania that the lawsuit could be against you. The same may apply to assisted living and hospital bills. Whether this is legal or not under federal law has not yet been decided but adult children cannot ignore the danger that […]

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America needs to move to a model for chronic care

A cover article in USA Today, “Double failure at USA’s hospitals,” published last week, hit me as a sign that the medical community is at last getting the picture that acute care is not enough. This is not to blame hospitals or medical professionals, however. America’s payment system for care is heavily weighted toward resolving […]

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Michael Jackson’s will provides lessons for everyday people

With the sudden and mysterious death of Michael Jackson on June 25, one question left unanswered at least temporarily was what would happen to his three children and how would his wealth be divided. With this as background, the inevitable question was did Jackson have a will and, if so, what did it say. Initial […]

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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, […]

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Timely 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 […]

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“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 […]

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A 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 […]

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Danger 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 […]

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The 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 […]

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It’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 […]

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What 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 […]

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