Dallas Elder Law Attorney Michael Cohen

Certain rights and obligations are retained by the one (the life tenant) who has a life estate interest in real estate and there are certain rights and obligations of the person who is the beneficiary/grantee of the property after the termination of the life estate interest. These duties, rights and obligations are discussed.

The cost of long-term care is great. Planning for benefits so that the government helps pay for such care can be complex. Common planning and application mistakes are discussed.

Widows and widowers are entitled to certain rights and benefits under state and federal laws. Although not an exclusive list, many of these rights and benefits are discussed.

Divorce impacts your estate planning documents (wills, power of attorney), life insurance policy, IRA, beneficiary designations, etc. However, even in cases of automatic revocation, changes should be considered even prior to divorce if divorce is inevitable.

Differences between qualification for Veterans benefits and Medicaid benefits for care at home, assisted living, and nursing care are discussed.

Reverse mortgages provide a way for a borrower to tap into the equity of his or her homestead. Medicaid for long-term care is means tested - so a reverse mortgage could possibly be counterproductive. Reverse mortgages with potential planning in the event care at home or a nursing home is needed.