If you are considering applying for SSI benefits for a child with autism, consider speaking with a special needs planning attorney. In 2022, the cost of raising a child in the U.S. to age 17 was roughly $17,000 per year. For families of children with disabilities, that estimate runs far higher. The costs of such [...]
When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help handling money. Depending on the jurisdiction, financial guardianship may also be called guardianship of the estate or conservatorship. In cases where individuals need help with personal and financial decisions, the court can order guardianship of the person [...]
As a Mississippi will lawyer, I've seen firsthand how substance abuse can impact families, leaving parents heartbroken and unsure of how to protect their loved ones while preserving their legacy. In my experience, many parents want to leave an equal inheritance to all their children, but when one child is struggling with addiction, it can [...]
If you have a parent in a nursing home, you're likely facing a lot of difficult decisions and stressful situations. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, but it's important to remember that you have options and resources available to you. One question that often comes up is whether the nursing home can take a loved one’s [...]
If we have learned anything these past few years, it’s that life is fleeting. Amid such uncertain times, many of us have realized what – and who – truly means the most to us. Estate planning allows you to reflect on your family, your priorities, and what actions you can take now to secure your [...]
In the wake of the pandemic, rising inflation, mass shooting tragedies, and other events, more people recognize that they need to plan for the future. Yet while financial planning has been at the top of many Americans’ minds, a vast majority of people have stalled in creating an estate plan. According to a new study [...]
In creating an estate plan, you are proactively taking steps to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes in the wake of your death. One tool available to you in estate planning is known as a trust. There are numerous kinds of trusts. If you wish to maintain control, during your [...]
Elder law attorneys may specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. These practitioners are essential because they work to protect a vulnerable population. To plan for their future and their care, seniors and their families should consider hiring an elder law attorney. How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help My Aging [...]
Many older adults can no longer safely live on their own. However, they may not need the highly specialized care of nursing homes. Intermediate care facilities present one option for older adults who cannot live independently but require daily assistance. As a residential option for seniors, intermediate care facilities (ICFs) can house residents on a [...]
On March 4, 2023, the disability community lost a longtime leader and hero, Judy Heumann, who died of a heart attack at the age of 75. Heumann, a disability civil rights activist, author, speaker, and administrator in two presidential administrations, served during her lifetime as a driving force behind such landmark disability rights legislation as [...]
