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15 May CAR TRANSFER ON DEATH MAY SOON GET EASIER

Posted at 11:00h in Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Transfer of Death, Wills

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The Texas Legislature is presently considering a new law permitting a motor vehicle owner to simply designate who will be entitled to the car upon the owner’s death. If a car title is jointly owned, then the sale of the vehicle requires both owners. Also...

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08 May BILL TO KEEP PATIENT ALIVE IS NOT DEAD

Posted at 11:00h in Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Transfer of Death, Wills

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One of the bills introduced in the Texas Senate requires doctors keep a patient alive (even if the doctor does not think that it is the right decision) pursuant to the patient’s advance directive (i.e., living will) or the decision of the patient’s family to...

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01 May Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy in Action

Posted at 11:00h in Alzheimer’s, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer

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There are some key bills up for debate during this legislative session.  An important one involves expanding the Silver Alert Program to include those younger than 65 that have been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's. Expanding the Silver Alert public notification system can lead to a...

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29 Apr RIGHT TO DEFER HOMESTEAD TAXES EXTENDED TO DISABLED VETS

Posted at 11:00h in Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Mortgage, Taxes, Transfer of Death, Veterans

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A bill has been passed by the Texas House of Representatives giving disabled veterans the same rights as those over 65 to defer property taxes on their homestead. Under present law, if you are over 65 and you own and occupy a residence homestead, you...

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24 Apr WILL SECOND-TO-DIE POLICIES BECOME FIRST-TO-DIE WITH ESTATE TAX REPEAL?

Posted at 09:00h in Estate Planning, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Taxes

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Although it is unknown what suggested changes will be made to tax laws in light of the recent failure to overhaul the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), President Trump has often asserted that federal estate tax should be eliminated. At the present time, only estates greater...

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17 Apr BIOMARKER RESEARCH GROUP AIMS AT EARLY DETECTION OF VASCULAR DEMENTIA

Posted at 09:00h in Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer

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The National Institute on Aging and scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital are working together to detect and track vascular dementia at an early stage by the use of biomarkers in small blood vessels. Small vessel disease is the most frequent type of vascular disease seen...

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10 Apr WILL TAXES ON HOMESTEADS BE REDUCED FOR SENIORS?

Posted at 11:00h in Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Taxes, Veterans

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A couple of bills and a proposed constitutional amendment has been made in the Texas legislature to give tax relief for certain seniors and their surviving spouses. A joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that grants an exemption from ad valorem taxes on a residence...

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06 Apr TOP TAX DEDUCTIONS IF YOU ARE OVER 50

Posted at 07:00h in Home Equity, Long Term Care, Medicare, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Social Security, Taxes

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Home Sale. Often those over 50 have lived in their home a long time resulting in a substantial equity increase. If you have lived in your home for at least two of the five years before you sell your homestead, you can have a...

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29 Mar PUBLIC BENEFITS COULD BE JEOPARDIZED WHEN YOU CREATE CROWDFUNDING (SUCH AS GOFUNDME) ACCOUNTS

Posted at 09:01h in Beneficiary, Medicaid Planning, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Social Security, Special Needs, Special Needs Trust, Trusts

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In recent years, numerous crowdfunding platform websites (such as GoFundMe, Indiego and Crowdrise) have grown rapidly raising millions of dollars (generally online) for various causes and individuals. Although the intent is often to help those with disabilities, it can actually be detrimental if the account...

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22 Mar DEED SCAMS STILL ALIVE AND WELL

Posted at 09:00h in Lady Bird Deed, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer

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If you have recently recorded a deed with the county clerk (and perhaps even if you haven’t), don’t be surprised if you get a letter that looks very official stating that they will provide you a copy of your deed (usually for a little more...

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