Hook Law Blog

June 20, 2012

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Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process by which a person plans for the management of his or her assets, affairs and…

Hook Law Center

January 14, 2012

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Estate Planning

New Developments in the Estate Tax Law, Are You Affected?

A new development occurred on January 1, 2010, that affects the vast majority of our clients. Changes to the federal…

Hook Law Center

August 09, 2011

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Estate Planning

Pet Trusts

Hook Law Center is often asked how can a client provide for a pet if the client becomes disabled or…

Hook Law Center

April 02, 2011

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Veterans' Benefits

Benefit for Veterans With No Service Connected Disability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the Improved Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance, commonly referred to as Aid…

Hook Law Center

February 15, 2010

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Estate Planning

Legacy Letters and Ethical Wills

A recent Investment News article by Kathleen M. Rehl discussed the value of parents leaving “legacy letters’ for their children and grandchildren…

Hook Law Center

February 01, 2010

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Public Benefits

Establishing Your Correct Medicare Premium

A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed Medicare Part B premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient…

Hook Law Center

Memberships & Affiliations

Special Needs Alliance

SNA is a by-invitation-only national network of attorneys serving those with special needs and disabilities and their families, the “best and brightest” in the trust and estate practice. As members, Hook Law Center lawyers work with personal injury lawyers to enhance judgments, awards and outcomes for their clients with disabilities.

ACTEC – The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

ACTEC is a national organization of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers and law professors who have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in wills and trust, estate planning and tax law. Their goals are serving clients, helping the profession, and informing the public to improve and reform probate, trust and tax laws and professional responsibility. Hook Law Center President Andrew H. “Andy” Hook and attorney Letha Sgritta McDowell are both ACTEC Fellows.

NAELA – National Academy of Elder Attorneys, Inc.

NAELA improves the quality of legal services for people as they age and those with disabilities. Members have broad experience with legal issues affecting these individuals and are committed to continuing education to hone their skills. They also lead and advocate on public policy issues facing members’ clients and their families. Hook Law Center attorney Letha Sgritta McDowell is the 2021/2022 NAELA President; she and Hook Law Center President Andrew H. “Andy” Hook have both served NAELA in various other capacities and chaired multiple committees for NAELA in the past.

Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers by region through independent research and peer nomination and evaluation. Hook Law Center lawyers who have received this accolade include Andrew H. “Andy” Hook, President of Hook Law Center; Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro, practicing in elder law, special needs planning, estate and trust administration and more; and Letha Sgritta McDowell, practicing in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning and more.