Marjorie Jones trusted the man who called to tell her she’d won a sweepstakes prize, saying she could collect the winnings once she paid the taxes and fees. After she wired the first payment, the caller kept adding conditions to…
Year: 2021
Make Sure Your Estate Plan and Other Essential Documents are Safe from Disasters
It’s an unfortunate reality that with the increasing number of natural disasters across the country, including fires, floods, and hurricanes, the chance that you could lose your house and possessions has become more likely. In the event of such a…
Preparing to be a Family Caregiver
During the holiday season, it's common for adult family members to notice that their older adult loved ones may need care and assistance. Often, time apart during the year and the busy lives of many mask the need for assistance,…
Build Back Better Act: What’s In, What’s Out
In early November, Hook Law Center hosted a webinar on year-end tax planning for individuals and estates. During the webinar, we discussed the tax aspects of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda and the legislation pending in the House of…
Expect Higher Medicare Premiums in 2022
The Social Security Administration has increased the cost of living adjustment to 5.9% for 2022 payments, which is one of the highest COLA increases in history. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that Medicare premiums are…
AS WE GATHER ‘ROUND THE TABLE: INVOLVING THE ELDERLY IN FAMILY FESTIVITIES
The holidays present an opportunity for loved ones near and far to gather together for celebration and reminiscing. However, it is important to remember that the holidays may trigger a spell of depression in the elderly and is therefore a…
Financial Planning for Rising Inflation
The most recent Consumer Price Index inflation report showed that prices rose by quite a bit in October. Overall, prices climbed 6.2% year-over-year, the largest increase since November of 1990. This is well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and…
Supported Decision-Making Agreements: A Less Restrictive Alternative to Guardianships
Guardianship is the legal process to determine if a person is “incapacitated.” The court decides if, due to a physical or mental condition, the individual is substantially unable to manage their financial affairs or personal affairs (to provide food, clothing,…
Costs of Settling Claims for Persons with Disabilities
Under Virginia law, a person under a disability includes persons confined due to a felony conviction, persons under the age of 18, and incapacitated persons. When such persons are involved in personal injury cases, additional court procedures are required to…
