A headache no one wants to deal with — but over 13 million Americans fell victim to last year — is identify theft. Take these steps to minimize your risk. Choose online passwords carefully. Use a different password for every…
Category: Senior Law News
Estate Planning for Pet Owners
Several of us at the Hook Law Center are pet owners. Our pets are important to us, like members of our families. We find that many of our clients are pet owners, as well, but they often forget to make…
Not Gone, but Occasionally Forgotten . . . Proposed Regulations Remind of Estate Tax
In 2022, the federal estate tax exemption is $12.06 million. This means that an individual can pass up to $12.06 million without paying a federal estate tax (Virginia and North Carolina have both essentially eliminated their estate tax). Thus, for…
How to Cope with End-Stage Dementia
No one likes to imagine what will happen if a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The reality of a dementia diagnosis is difficult and heartbreaking to face, but if you fail to face it before the situation becomes a…
Where Should I Keep My Estate Planning Documents?
If you have been reading this newsletter for any period of time, you likely are aware of the importance of having comprehensive, up-to-date estate planning documents. What you may not realize, however, is that where you keep your original documents…
My Medicaid Application Was Denied. Now What?
Applying for Medicaid can be an overwhelming process. If your application is denied, this process can become even more stressful and confusing. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to become eligible for Medicaid even after a denial. Medicaid is…
Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility for Your Aging Parents
Making the decision to move a loved one to a long-term-care facility is never easy. Finding the right facility can be even harder. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other disability, that person might someday need…
What is Blockchain and Why Should You Care?
In incredibly simple terms, blockchain is a shared ledger that details activity and transactions of specific assets. The ledger is instantly updated and shared among participants which facilitates instant access to information among participants and avoids the necessity of duplicating…
Transferring Guardianships from One State to Another
So, you are the guardian and conservator of a loved one, and now you and your loved one are moving out of state. Do you know that there are often additional steps you must take before the move to avoid…
