This month we are having two (2) Estate Planning Essentials Workshops in November!  The first one is on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. until noon and the second one will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. until noon.  Registration can be made by calling us at (214) 720-0102 or signing up online at www.dallaselderlawyer.com.

Attendees often ask questions about estate planning, probate, Medicaid and Veterans benefits. We proceed to answer the questions over the course of the workshop (although there will be a presentation also).

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be on Saturday, November 4, 2023.  Click here to join our Walk Team, Michael’s Marchers.  We are starting to see the progress with FDA approval of recent drugs.  We continue to march forward (one step at a time) toward a world without Alzheimer’s.  Help us or join us in the Walk to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Michael B. Cohen spoke last month to the Dallas Bar Association (“DBA”) on “Thinking About Retirement?  What you and your clients need to consider.”  The event was held on October 4, 2023 and was sponsored by the DBA’s Senior Law Committee and was co-sponsored by the DBA’s Probate, Trust and Estate Section.

Although there are dozens of new laws in Texas, the following (in no particular order) are just some that affect estate planning, probate, guardianship and the elderly.

It is no secret that people are moving to Texas for numerous reasons ranging from less taxes and affordable housing to Texas being more business friendly. As a result, estate planning documents prepared in other states should be reviewed when moving to Texas – even if the documents were valid in the state of former residence. Since the laws of each state are different, estate planning documents should be reviewed by an attorney licensed in the state of new residence.

It is not unusual for those with inadequate assets or income to seek public benefits to help pay for care. Attached is a PowerPoint presentation describing the eligibility requirements for a non-service connected disability of a wartime Veteran or his or her spouse vs. eligibility for long term Medicaid benefits.

Your homestead is usually the largest asset you might own. Most people would prefer to stay at home as long as possible - even if there is a need for skilled care rather than living in a facility. As a result, often elderly (over age 62) with limited resources borrow against the equity in their home to continue their existing lifestyle or to pay for care at home as long as possible.