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Talking To Aging Parents About Their Health, Wealth, and Future Before It's Too Late

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | May 10, 2023 | 0 Comments

A Wells Fargo survey found that nearly half of all Americans would rather discuss funeral plans than financial plans with their parents.  The discomfort about broaching these and similar topics can arise over concerns about appearing to expect an inheritance. Adult children might also wonder if they’re ready to handle responsibilities like caring for aging parents. And they could fear their parents will overreact or they will lead their parents to think they believe they’re experiencing health or financial troubles. To ensure you won’t need to guess in an emergency, find out your parents' financial, health-care, and legacy plans -- whether they’re already in place or should be considered. Here's how.

Medicaid Crisis Planning: Problems You Might Need Help to Solve

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Apr 08, 2023 | 0 Comments

The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency has led to a return of Medicaid eligibility reviews nationwide. People often seek help with Medicaid planning in a health-care crisis – when they or a loved one become seriously ill or need nursing home care and can't afford it. State laws and eligibility requirements for long-term care (LTC) may be hard to understand without advice. Experienced elder law attorneys, like those at LWP&E, can offer ways to qualify for Medicaid while you protect your assets.

The Cost of Neglecting Estate Planning: Don't Let Your Family Pay the Price

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Mar 09, 2023 | 0 Comments

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey has joked that to show you hate your family, "leave unclear instructions and no will." Without knowing your final wishes, those close to you could fight over your estate or wind up paying your end-of-life costs themselves. If your loved ones struggle to manage the probate process, the burden may also affect them physically and emotionally.

Does a New Will Revoke an Old Will?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Feb 02, 2023 | 0 Comments

If you have a will, you understand the importance of ensuring your final wishes are known ahead of time. But what if you don't update your will? It might not reflect your current life situation. It's best to review your will every three to five years or whenever you experience a major life change. Generally speaking, a new will supersedes an older one; probate laws, however, vary by state. To help prevent confusion and potential disputes, consider how to handle updates to your will.

Staying Connected While Getting Older

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jan 05, 2023 | 0 Comments

AARP Maine reports that over 135,000 people age 50 and older live alone in the state and are at higher risk of social isolation. Often, these solo agers, “kinless,” or “elderly orphans” are widowed, divorced, never married, or have no children. Black people, women, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQ community are among those most affected. A recent AARP survey showed that people between the ages of 66 and 75 most frequently said they are more lonely now than they were before the pandemic. Contributing factors include experiencing a major illness or the death of loved ones.

A Checklist for Estate Planning in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Dec 09, 2022 | 0 Comments

Estate planning doesn't have to be complex or confusing. You can save time, stay organized, and simplify the process. If you're not sure where to start, this resource will walk you through what to think about before you gather documents or talk to an attorney. Ideally, you'll consider everything from preparing for incapacity to potential long-term care needs. Not just for seniors, it’s for any adult at any stage of life.

Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Nov 04, 2022 | 0 Comments

Caretakers of ill or disabled loved ones might not be paid for their time and effort. If a family caregiver has other commitments, such as to a job or their own family, they can experience stress and other challenges.  In some cases, they might also be paying for a parent or another loved one's care. If the care recipient can make their own decisions, it's possible for a family caregiver to get paid for their efforts.

Why is Long-Term Care Planning So Important?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Oct 05, 2022 | 0 Comments

You might have planned for a career, a family, or retirement, but have you considered planning for a time when you can’t care for yourself? You might not like to think about that. You could stay healthy well into your golden years. Planning for long-term care, however, can minimize the costs should the need for it ever arise.

Making Your Final Arrangements Known Ahead of Time

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jul 14, 2022 | 0 Comments

Talking about death is often considered taboo in our culture, yet death is a natural part of the cycle of life that we all face. The thought of deciding on your final arrangements may seem morbid and make you sad. But if you make your wishes known now, you can feel relieved that you’ll spare grieving loved ones from making difficult last-minute decisions later. 

Preventing Financial Exploitation of the Elderly: Recognizing and Reporting It

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jun 06, 2022 | 0 Comments

The National Council on Aging defines financial exploitation of the elderly as “the misuse or withholding of an older adult's resources by another.” A form of elder abuse, the elderly are often ripped off by people they know. Perpetrators may try to access the elders' financial accounts or pressure them to give gifts or no-interest loans.

10 Ways an Elder Law Attorney Can Help You

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | May 10, 2022 | 0 Comments

The older you get, the more likely you are to be affected by legal issues involving aging. An elder law attorney can help you address some of them. An elder law attorney offers guidance on matters that concern the elderly, their families and caregivers, and adults with special needs, including long-term care and estate planning.

Common Estate Planning Errors to Avoid

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Apr 08, 2022 | 0 Comments

Even if you have done some estate planning, you might not have covered everything. That may be OK, because you can still change course. If you have an estate plan, any mistakes you've made are a sign you should update it. Here are some of the most common errors people make in estate planning.

Writing a Letter of Intent for Special Needs Estate Planning

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Mar 05, 2022 | 0 Comments

The parent or guardian of a child or other dependent with special needs can create a letter of intent to detail care and other arrangements after the parent or guardian dies. An informal, non-legally binding document that complements an estate plan, a letter of intent may be addressed to a personal representative, trustee, successor guardian, or others the writer wants to care for their loved one.

The Importance of Keeping Your Estate Plan Current

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jan 07, 2022 | 0 Comments

As our lives change, our estate plans should also adapt. Like a home, a car, or even your health, an estate plan needs regular checkups to see if it requires any updates. Ideally, you should review your estate plan every three years or whenever a major milestone occurs. While you're still capable, around the start or end of every year is a good time to consider if it needs to reflect changes in the law, your life, or your legacy. 

The Gift of Estate Planning

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Nov 30, 2021 | 0 Comments

The gift of an estate plan lasts a lifetime and beyond. In case of an unexpected event, like an accident, an illness, or death, your loved ones can feel comfortable knowing that your final wishes are in place. During a crisis, an estate plan removes the guesswork surrounding your end-of-life care, what will happen if you become incapacitated, who gets your assets, and how to honor your memory. It gives those closest to you guidance so they don't need to make important decisions while they grieve. 

The State and Future of Long-Term Care in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Nov 11, 2021 | 0 Comments

The recent closing of long-term care facilities in the Pine Tree State has highlighted concerns about what's happening to the industry. If you or a loved one need care now or later, you may wonder what to do and where to go. Knowing what's in-store for long-term care in Maine and nationwide can help you explore your options.

Special Needs Trusts: Pros and Cons of Setting One Up Now vs. Including One in Your Will

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Oct 11, 2021 | 0 Comments

What will happen to a mentally or physically disabled loved one when you're gone? Who will support them? Depending on their situation, the options for securing their future include setting up a supplemental care or special needs trust (SNT) or an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. In some cases, you can do both. Parents, grandparents, or anyone else with the legal authority to support someone with a disability may create them.

What to Consider When You Hire In-Home Care

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Sep 08, 2021 | 0 Comments

The need for in-home care can arise when someone is ill or can't take care of themself and support from friends and family is limited. Before you or a loved one decide on in-home care, some things to think about include your budget, the services you want, and whether the need is temporary or long-term.

How to Probate an Estate in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Aug 23, 2021 | 0 Comments

What you should know about the probate process: “Probate” is the process under which the assets of a deceased person are distributed.  Maine has a streamlined probate system. In most cases, no judge is involved, unless there are complicating factors.

Are Your Young Adult Children Protected In Case of an Emergency?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Aug 11, 2021 | 0 Comments

Can you make decisions for your young adult child if they have an accident or become seriously ill? When a child has reached the legal age of adulthood (in Maine, that's 18 and older), parents have fewer rights over them than they do over minors. An advance directive and a durable power of attorney authorize you to act on behalf of your child. If you haven't made any incapacity plans yet, you can both secure your futures together, and you'll feel better that you're protecting your rights and your child's needs. 

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Areas We Serve

Our office is in Winthrop, Maine, located approximately 10 miles from Augusta, and 17 miles from Lewiston. We are also available by appointment to meet in the Brunswick/Topsham area and the Waterville area.

Levey, Wagley, Putman & Eccher, P.A.
161 Main St. Suite 1-A
Winthrop, ME 04364
207-377-6966
207-377-2445 (fax)
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7
Winthrop, ME 04364
207-377-6966