An estate plan is a tool that you may create and update at any age. If you have young children or an elderly parent, you may begin thinking about who would care for them in the event of your unexpected death. With the right legal documents in place, you may designate...
How may I qualify for retroactive SSDI benefits or back pay?
If you received a letter denying your application for Social Security Disability Insurance, you may appeal the decision and qualify for retroactive benefits or back pay. As noted by the AARP, it may take at least one year for the Social Security Administration to...
What should I do immediately after a dog bites me?
It may be true that dogs hold a place in the average American's heart as “man's best friend,” but dogs are still animals. Even the most docile dog can bite given the appropriate circumstances. Once you get over the initial shock, there are certain actions that you...
Understanding the SSDI appeals process
You may feel understandable frustration if you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and the U.S. Social Security Administration denies your claim. However, this happens to many applicants, and some of those denied applicants receive approval for benefits...
Are traffic crash fatalities decreasing?
Whether you drive, walk near traffic or ride a bike on a regular basis, it is imperative to watch out for the risk of a traffic collision. Sadly, many victims die in these accidents, which take place for a number of different reasons, from people who operate a vehicle...
Planning for the potential of estate taxes
Past posts on this blog touched upon the fact that New York residents fact the potential of both state and federal estate taxes. Knowing this might dishearten those engaged in the estate planning process, with them assuming that there is nothing they can do to avoid...
How should you prepare an estate plan for a special needs child?
Every family has unique estate planning needs and yours is no different. If you are the parent of a special needs child, you have to consider his or her needs when drawing your estate plan. According to Fidelity, special needs children may remain dependent on others...
Is it time to update your estate plan?
Your estate plan is a constantly evolving piece of legal work. You do not just create an estate plan and allow it to sit there, as-is. You want it to reflect your most current life circumstances at any given point in time. To this end, it is important to understand...
The New York health care proxy: What is it, and do you need one?
When you begin your estate planning tasks, you will likely hear or see terminology that is not 100% clear to you. For example, do you know what the term health care proxy means? Most Mount Morris, New York, residents do not have a firm grasp of this term and how such...
Does your medical condition qualify you for SSDI benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit. Every paycheck that you have ever received has included withholdings paid to Social Security on your behalf. Most people will only need to draw against those benefits when they reach retirement age....
