Your estate planning might include the preparation of a HIPAA Authorization, which document would permit someone to have access to your medical information. A HIPAA Authorization which complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and...
Comprehensive Elder Law Services Addressing a Full Range of Legal Issues
Pittsburgh Elder Law Blog
More on Social Security Retirement Benefits
Last week's blog discussed the need to include Social Security Retirement benefit planning when engaging in estate planning or long term care planning with an elder law attorney since income is an important consideration in determining how much money you will have to...
Estate Planning and Social Security Retirement Benefits
When engaging in estate planning, or even long term care planning, with an elder law attorney, it is a good idea to include Social Security Retirement benefit planning. Why? For most Americans, Social Security Retirement benefits are an important part, if not all,...
Other Types of Identity Theft
Identity theft may occur in many ways. Last week's blog talked about medical identity theft. There are many other types of information that a thief can take such as stealing your credit or debit card numbers (also called skimming), stealing your wallet or purse,...
Identity Theft of Medical Information
Identity theft is a growing problem today, especially in the area of medical information. It occurs when someone other than you uses your name or health insurance information to obtain medical care. You need to protect yourself and your medical information. One...
Long Term Care Planning on Mothers’ Day
Long term care planning is always a good idea, since it can help a family protect itself from the expense of long term care. On Mothers' Day, it can be even more relevant. Why? Most mothers want to take care of their families, even when it is hard on them...
Pennsylvania Inheritance Taxes
When dealing with probate and estate administration, be aware that Pennsylvania imposes inheritance taxes on the decedent's assets. The tax rate is determined by the relationship of the decedent to the person inheriting the property (the beneficiary). The tax rate...
Probate – What is it?
Many people want to avoid Probate but are not sure what that term means. Here is a simple way to understand Probate. When a person dies owning assets in his or her name alone, an estate must be "opened" by a personal representative to handle the assets and to settle...
Trusts – Is one right for my family?
Trusts of various types have been described in the last several blogs - Revocable, Irrevocable, Testamentary and Special Needs. There are other types of trusts as well, such as those for charities, pets, or education. Whether or not Trusts are right for your...
Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts are funded with the assets of a special needs or disabled beneficiary and are intended to preserve eligibility for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other government benefits. The beneficiary may have obtained...

