People listened to us and responded to our questions
Our experience with Hanlon Niemann & Wright, P.C. was positive and successful. Our questions were patiently answered. We were able to explain our wants …
What to Do When a Person Cannot Physically Sign a Last Will and Testament
Recently, a client wanted to sign her Last Will but because of a stroke and inability to speak; she was unable to sign it. …
How to File a Medicaid Application in New Jersey
The process of properly completing a Medicaid application and providing all necessary information and documentation to your county Medicaid agency is extremely labor …
Forged Checks Under the Uniform Fiduciaries Law (UFL) – It’s Hard to Sue the Bank
The Uniform Fiduciaries Law (UFL) is a statute adopted in NJ to protect banks and victims of fraud. When an action is brought against …
New Jersey Laws on Estate Recovery Against a Deceased Medicaid Nursing Home Resident Leaving Behind a Disabled Child
New Jersey is allowed to file a lien against the assets of a deceased Medicaid beneficiary. Generally, the only available asset is the person’s …
If You Apply for Adult Medicaid, the County Board of Social Services Must Inform You of Its Application Requirements
New Jersey’s Medicaid guidebook requires that an agency representative must provide an applicant or his/her representative with a “checklist” highlighting the verification(s) and supporting …
Is Your NJ Business Exempt From Mandatory Spenddown to Qualify for Medicaid?
When the State considers an applicant’s eligibility for Medicaid, it meticulously examines the applicant’s finances to ensure that all resources are valued below the …
What if Your Financial Records Are Vague and Incomplete and Your Medicaid Application is Denied?
Often applicants are denied NJ Medicaid or if approved, assessed with a significant penalty period because there is not a clear paper trail of …
I would highly recommend Hanlon, Niemann & Wright for Elder Law, Estate Planning & Assisted Living preparation
Fred Niemann, Stephen Kornas, Chris Balioni & their support team are prescient, proactive and proficient with navigating ongoing Elder Care challenges. – OM
The After Thought of Transferring Assets – A Real Life Example of Good Intentions Going Wrong
When I talk to some people about long-term care and Medicaid, I sometimes hear strong opinions that “it is wrong to transfer assets in …
Do You Have the Right Fiduciary for Your Estate?
Warning: Your Selection Does Matter When creating an estate plan, especially in your will and/or trust, an important decision you must make is the …
What is the NJ Elective Share Law as Relates to Your Surviving Spouse?
If a spouse dies and he or she does not leave their estate to a surviving spouse, the surviving spouse may, under NJ law, …
The Story of the Pitfalls Caused by an Improperly Drafted Will
It Really Does Matter! A number of years ago, a woman’s husband died leaving a will, some assets, and a 401k. The marriage was …
Why Are Some Wills 2 Pages and Others 20 – The Example of the Executor Who Didn’t Die
Very often, when I prepare wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives (living wills) for clients, some react with surprise when they see …
Spotlight on NJ Elder Law: What Families Really Need to Know Before a Crisis Hits an Elderly Family Member
When I meet with new clients, the first appointment is often with the children of aging parents. Commonly, they come to us just before …
Choosing the Right Trustee for Your Living Trust
Your living trust is much more than just a document that says which heirs get what percentage of your estate or what items of …
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you …
Is Your Family or Personal Trust Subject to New Jersey’s Death and Inheritance Tax?
New Jersey is home to one of the largest populations of elderly residents in the entire country. Many do not have a trust or …
How Do You Handle a Disclaimer When a Trust is Involved?
A trust for the sole benefit of a disabled adult child who lacked capacity was created by a NJ Superior Court order. The trust …
Must You Pay a Realty Transfer Fee (Tax!) When Transferring Real Estate to a Trust
Recently, an out of state client wanted to transfer two NJ properties into a revocable living trust. Both properties were subject to mortgages. The …
Understanding the Doctrine of Probable Intent in Probate Estate Litigation
Under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-33, “the meaning and legal effect of language used in a Last Will, trust or other legal document is determined by the …
Understanding the Difference Between a Right of Use and Occupancy and a Life Estate in Medicaid Planning
A right to use and occupy gives the owner of real estate (generally a primary residence) the right to use and occupy the property, …
You Cannot Avoid a Medicaid Estate Recovery Lien by Creation of an Elective Share Trust
The estate argued that the assets held in a trust created by a spouse are not subject to recovery by NJ because these assets …
Siblings Can Demand a Financial Accounting and Visitation from a Fiduciary
Siblings can demand a financial account and visitation from another sibling(s) who is a fiduciary (trusted agent) for their parent(s) or a disabled person …
Can You Transfer Your Home With a Mortgage to a Trust Without Jeopardizing Your Bank Loan?
There is a Federal law called the Garn-St Germain Act. Federal Regulations exempt transfers to trusts in which the transferor or a member of …
Appealing Medicaid Denial and Involuntary Discharge Because of Immigration Status
Recently, we were advised that a client of ours was a lawful permanent resident, and had resided in the US continuously since 1985. The …
Understanding the Definition of Incapacity Under NJ Law
Occasionally, a client does not want a declaration of “incapacity” (as used in various planning documents and NJ case law) made by a physician. …
Does a Revocable Trust Require an Employee ID or Social Security Number?
I was recently asked about my thoughts as to the use of an EIN vs. social security number for a revocable trust. Under Treas. …
Understanding the NJ Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act
Guardianship Modification for Interstate Guardianship Video Recently, parents who are guardians of their disabled adult child moved to NJ from Maryland and inquired about …
Will NJ Demand Payment of Inheritance Tax From an Estate if the Beneficiary Only Has a Life Estate?
The short answer is yes. Surprised? Don’t be; it’s taxaholic NJ at it again. Under N.J.S.A. 54:36-1, when a person gives a life estate …