Reaching retirement is a great time to create or revise an estate plan, but there are certain pitfalls you should be aware of as you go about it. Let’s explore...
Do you know what Medicaid really covers in Pennsylvania and whether you qualify? Many common misconceptions discourage families from exploring the benefits that could make the care they need more...
Life can change in an instant, and none of us ever knows what tomorrow holds. When an unexpected diagnosis or sudden medical emergency changes everything, families can rush to make...
Written by – Richard (Ricky) P. Klingerman From online banking to social media, much of life today is managed digitally. While these accounts may not be tangible, they often carry significant...
Autumn is my favorite season. The vibrant colors, the spicy scents, and the perfect weather make me want to sit outside with a cozy blanket, a warm cup of coffee,...
Many clients call our office with questions about the “Medicaid lookback period”. It’s term many people have heard, but few truly understand what it means. When it comes to qualifying...
By: Staci Hornberger Scams are on the rise, and with the advancement of technology it’s easier than ever to fall into the traps scammers so expertly put in place. Scammers...
Medicaid is a program that helps people get health care when they have limited income. State and federal governments run this program together. If you live in Pennsylvania and meet...
As couples age, one spouse or partner may require nursing home care due to their health condition. Unfortunately, due to the steadily rising cost of nursing home care, couples can...
In the heart of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC (KMA) stands as a beacon of trust, compassion, and legal excellence. With decades of combined experience, our firm is...
Many parents consider gifting their home to an adult child as a way to simplify estate planning or avoid probate. While this may seem like a thoughtful gesture, it can...
When you hear “estate planning,” you might think of only wealthy people or people as old as your grandparents needing them. However, if you’re a young parent, it probably already...
When planning for the future, many Pennsylvania families want to help their loved ones financially while also preserving eligibility for Medicaid in the event long-term care is needed. A common...
Life care planning helps older adults and their families make smart choices about health care, legal needs, and long-term support. It involves bringing together a team, which might include elder...
Notarizing a document can be a hassle when you are out of town, stuck at home, or living abroad. Whether in State College, Bellefonte, or halfway across the world, you...
When making end-of-life care plans in Pennsylvania, one of the most important steps to take involves preparing certain critical documents. You can use the following documents to tell family members...
Individuals and couples who anticipate needing long-term care due to disability or advanced age may turn to Medicaid benefits to cover the cost. However, the eligibility restrictions for Medicaid benefits...
By: Staci Hornberger Caregivers are unsung heroes of our society. They play a critical role in the lives of those they care for. Caregiving is an in-demand profession that provides...
By: Richard Klingerman, Esq. Comprehensive estate planning is essential for safeguarding your financial affairs, personal wishes, and the well-being of your loved ones, both during your lifetime and after your...
Estate planning with a loved one who has special needs in mind is not generally a straightforward process. Standard estate planning strategies may not be enough to safeguard their future...
At Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, we understand the unique challenges that come with aging. Planning for long-term care isn’t just wise – it’s a must. This is why we’ve...
Life is unpredictable and medical emergencies happen when we least expect them. Here at Kreisher Marshall & Associates (KMA), the last few months have been filled with these moments. Our...
Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that focuses on issues affecting the aging population. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including estate planning, long-term care, retirement,...
As people age, one of their biggest concerns is having enough money to support themselves later in life. The thought of running out of funds can be incredibly stressful, especially...
Many people believe Medicaid only serves those 65 and older, but this common misconception prevents many Pennsylvanians from seeking benefits they may qualify for right now. When you work with...
Q: What is Medicaid? A: Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage and financial assistance to disabled individuals, senior citizens, and other qualifying individuals. An applicant must...
By: Staci Hornberger When a loved one enters a skilled nursing facility, whether it be for rehab or long-term care, lots of questions start to arise. Fear settles in and...
An end-of-life care plan outlines your medical, financial, and personal wishes concerning the final stages of your life. By establishing your wishes and clarifying your preferences, you can better ensure...
Elaine Spicher is an Elder Care Coordinator at Kreisher Marshall and Associates, LLC. and leads the Life Care Planning Program. Elaine’s education is rooted in social work. She provides advocacy,...
We receive many calls from people when their spouses pass away to set up appointments to probate their estate. However, probate is not always necessary. In most cases, assets are...
Elder law encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect older individuals. Attorneys who practice elder law advocate for seniors and execute legal plans to assist them in living...
Applying for Medicaid is highly technical and complex process with many traps for those who are inexperienced in navigating the system. There is a lot of misinformation out there which...
With the cost of long-term disability or elder care constantly increasing, families frequently find themselves struggling to afford such care, which can wipe out an older adult’s hard-earned wealth. Fortunately,...
As November ushers in National Family Caregiver Month, it is crucial to spotlight those who dedicate their lives caring for others. While you tirelessly support your loved ones, prioritizing your...
Procrastination is part of human nature. People naturally try to avoid activities that they find unpleasant. Many people find it easy to put off estate planning because they don’t want...
Life care planning is a program where experienced and knowledgeable elder law attorneys and care coordinators (social workers) work together with you and your family to meet your medical, long-term...
For many people, concern about their loved ones is what inspires estate planning efforts. They want to name a guardian for their children or ensure their spouse receives certain property...
To put it simply, title insurance is a way to protect yourself from financial loss and related legal expenses in the event there is a defect in title to your...
On January 1, 2024, a new reporting requirement went into effect that requires millions of small businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the U.S. Department of...
Nursing homes can be an important source of support for families that include vulnerable older adults. However dedicated adult children may be to their parents, they are not always in...
Kreisher Marshall & Associates very own Elaine Spicher, Elder Care Coordinator, had the honor of representing Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District at the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C. earlier this month. AIM, an...
Many people who are preparing for retirement decide to create estate plans. Those who already have estate planning paperwork may review and update their documents before retirement. People’s priorities and...
Attorney Marianne Kreisher and Marissa Marshall, owners of Kreisher Marshall & Associates LLC, located on Market Street in Bloomsburg, are the only certified elder law attorneys in Columbia/Montour Counties and...
Children with disabilities have increased financial and care needs, so ensuring their long-term welfare can be tricky. Proper planning by parents is necessary to benefit the child with a disability,...
There are certain types of support that are deeply personal and that come with a degree of risk for the individual who needs help. If another person has to take...
There are many different kinds of estate planning documents that people may draft. Most people are familiar with wills. Some people decide to add advance directives and powers of attorney...
Most older adults preparing for retirement count on Medicare as their primary source of health insurance. Medicare and supplemental policies can cover costs for standard treatment throughout someone’s retirement years....
Most people grow up hearing lessons about respecting their elders. Those with aging family members often do everything in their power to help that older adult feel valued and independent...
Discussions about powers of attorney often focus on the function of the document. Many people put together financial or medical powers of attorney that designate an agent to assume certain...
Many Pennsylvania residents name one of their children as the executor of their wills. If one or both of your parents have designated you as their executor, you will deal...
While Medicare gets most of the national attention, Medicaid still remains a bit of a mystery to most people. The fact is, Medicaid is the largest source of government funding...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, states could not take away Medicaid coverage from any residents enrolled in the program. Legislation was enacted to pause the annual review of continued eligibility. As...
Sometimes, transitioning into an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania can be a difficult and emotional experience for the individual and their loved ones. Fortunately, with proper planning and preparation, it...
Items in your estate such as a Pennsylvania home, a car, or funds in a bank account will need to be accounted for after your death. You can do this...
Although Pennsylvania estate plan advisers advise the creation of a durable power of attorney for your finances during your later years, is the same document viable for a young adult...
As they age, many Pennsylvania residents prefer to remain in their homes because they are more comfortable in familiar surroundings. While such situations may make elders happier, staying in one’s...
Long-term care for seniors in Pennsylvania is expensive. One of the questions that people ask most frequently is whether Medicaid can seize a senior patient’s residence after they have entered...
Probate is a legal process in Pennsylvania that most people try to avoid. Although it helps, it may be unnecessary, given the numerous other ways to distribute assets to your...
It’s an honor for someone in Pennsylvania to entrust you to carry out their wishes and care for their loved ones and estate. But, dealing with taxes, creditors, squabbling family...
No one knows what the future holds. That is why it is important to have an estate plan in place – to ensure that your loved ones will be taken...
It’s never too early for Pennsylvania residents to begin planning their estate. However, whether you’re a novice at it or a pro, it’s important not to overlook certain parts of...
As you get older, you will need to think about planning your estate. This is an issue that needs to be tackled while you still have the power to plan...
Getting older is never easy, especially when assistance is needed. You can make things easier for your elderly parent to transition to Pennsylvania elder care with these tips. Include them...
Individuals and the families of those diagnosed with long-term illness or disability have several important things in common, they have care needs and care costs money. The client’s personal needs,...
As a resident of Pennsylvania, you might have an older loved one who needs assistance. It’s common to have an elderly parent or grandparent who has medical issues and needs...
Blended families can bring a sense of joy and belonging in the home. However, stepparents and biological parents have to make sure there is a plan in place to take...
The first step of the probate process is establishing that the testator’s last will and testament is authentic and valid. In many states, wills are only valid when they are...
One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not having an estate plan. Without a will, trust or other plan documents, there is no way to know for...
Elderly citizens may wish to safeguard their assets from creditors and others. Seniors often wish to leave a legacy for their loved ones and know that their assets will not...
When people in Pennsylvania talk about power of attorney, they’re typically talking about older adults. However, you don’t have to be elderly to have a medical emergency. If you’re a...
If someone had told me back in March that we would continue to be living through a worldwide pandemic in November, I wouldn’t have believed them. That being said, 2020...
It is early November and houses are already decorated with Christmas lights. I feel like I have been time warped into the future. A little game we play on our...
_ Karrie Sarisky, Elder Care Coordinator at Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC. Karrie joined the KMA team in February 2020 right before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. She brings a wealth...
When you are a parent of a special needs child, you want to care for them in the best way possible. As part of that, you need to think about...
_ Elaine Spicher joined the Kreisher Marshall and Associates, LLC team in February 2019. Elaine assists clients and their families with care coordination in an effort to keep your loved...
Few people look forward to discussing long-term care planning. The toll that the passage of time takes on us all is usually something we prefer to ignore. However, having a...
While working through estate planning, we often consider what will happen to our estates and our assets, who will get the house and your grandmother’s jewelry. However, another significant portion...
CCRCs offer the entire residential continuum–from independent housing to assisted living to round-the-clock nursing services–under one “roof”. Residents pay an entry fee and an adjustable monthly rent in return for...
Many seniors and their families don’t use a lawyer to plan for long-term care or Medicaid, often because they’re afraid of the cost, or they figure the nursing home can...
You may be afraid of losing your home if you have to enter a nursing home and apply for Medicaid. While this fear is well-founded, transferring the home to your...
Parents want their children to be taken care of after they die. But children with disabilities have increased financial and care needs, so ensuring their long-term welfare can be tricky....
When you try to picture a “typical” senior victim of financial abuse, what comes to mind? You may be thinking of someone naive, easily manipulated, and uneducated as being the...
Individuals have begun receiving their economic impact payments over the past couple of weeks. Some of those individuals have passed away leaving their loved ones wondering what to do with...
A 2018 case involving basketball star Caldwell Jones demonstrates the danger in having only one spouse’s name on a reverse mortgage. A federal appeals court ruled that an insurance company...
Our goal here at KMA is to keep individuals in their homes as long as safely possible. In order to do that, we help families take measures such as: removing...
The spread of the coronavirus to nursing home residents has caused the federal government to direct nursing homes to restrict visitor access, and many personal care homes have done the...
As part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government is broadly expanding coverage of Medicare telehealth services to beneficiaries and relaxing HIPAA enforcement. This will give doctors...
The coronavirus relief bill includes a direct payment to most Americans, but this has Medicaid recipients wondering how the payment will affect them. Because the payment is not income, it...
Being appointed guardian of a loved one is a serious responsibility. As guardian, you are in charge of your loved one’s well-being, and you have a duty to act in...
As baby boomers age, more and more millennials are becoming caregivers. Many are taking on this role while just getting started in their own lives, leading to difficult decisions about...
Many people are placed in nursing homes every day. You may be thinking that it would be the best option for your elderly parent, who can no longer care for...
Although a nursing home cannot require a child to be personally liable for their parent’s nursing home bill, there are circumstances in which children can end up having to pay. This...
Having a loved one with dementia can be scary, but if you add in a firearm, it can also get dangerous. To prevent harm to both the individual with dementia...
Any lawyer can say he or she practices “elder law.” And there are quite a few lawyers who hold themselves out as being “elder law attorneys” but who have little...
As your parents age, at some point, they may no longer be able to care for themselves. You may be worried if you feel they can’t make important decisions or...
Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Now you can do just that. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) allows you to embody a first-person perspective of someone...
Filing for personal bankruptcy should not be seen as a cop-out. It is not only a choice for those who are financially irresponsible. From CEO’s to entertainers, to small business...
Older adults are often targeted by scammers, who use various tactics to gain access to personal information, bank accounts, and funds. The latest scam sweeping the nation involves “imposter fraud.”...
Because of longer life spans today, many people in their 60s and 70s have parents who are still living. These adult children, many of whom are technically senior citizens themselves,...
Elder abuse is a growing problem around the world, and in the United States. Many older Americans have fallen victim to some form of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. A...
We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our practice. Our intent is to regularly provide posts highlighting legal issues of local, state and national interest...
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania’s new Medicaid program that uses managed care insurance companies (MCOs) for most people who have both Medicare and Medicaid due to their age, income, or...
Life Care Planning is a holistic approach in elder law that addresses the numerous challenges presented by long life, illness, and disability. A Life Care Plan (LCP) connects your concerns about...
The answer to this question is a resounding NO! It can be expensive for a nursing home business office to handle the application for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) long-term care benefits....
Market Street Abstract Company (MSAC) is the real estate division of Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, and has been serving our community for over three decades, staying up-to-date with changing...
Thanks to the good people at The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the month of May is officially elder law month! As the only Certified Elder Law Attorneys...
Older adults who receive Social Security benefits are currently being targeted by online scammers. Some scammers use email or online forms, taking advantage of the victims’ limited knowledge of technology. Other scammers...
Let’s take a look at a hypothetical situation to explore aging well. Gus is a 65-year-old man, and his lifespan plan is the following: Never eats breakfast. Coffee only. Consuming...
“I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” cried out poor Mrs. Fletcher as she lay helpless on her floor, alone and scared, her walker knocked over and laying uselessly beside...
This short fiction explores a common situation many Central Pennsylvania families face. If you’re in need of elder care assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Certified Elder Law Attorneys at Kreisher...
The following short fiction explores a situation that more Pennsylvania families will be facing as the online world expands. If you have questions, please speak to our certified elder law attorneys....
Yesterday, Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, announced the promotion of Marissa Marshall to member as well as a change in the firm’s strategic direction to focus primarily on elder law, estate planning...
Today’s legal advice is brought to you by the letter “R,” as in REDUCE your income tax by setting up a charitable trust. What is a charitable trust, you may...
No one enjoys being stripped of their freedom, and no one succumbs to the loss of freedom willingly. It’s something inherent in human beings, the desire to be free. Unfortunately,...
Last week, we met Charles, a fictional insurance company employee who has a group life policy that, unfortunately, won’t be giving his family the coverage they need. Here’s why. While...
The following fictional story explores a common insurance situation that many families may face upon the death of a loved one. Charles is 65 years old. Though he doesn’t know...
In the autumn years of one’s life, a pet can become more than just a pet. She is a constant comfort, a loyal companion, and a mighty warrior. Your little...
Anyone who has gone through the process of a divorce knows how overwhelming the experience can be. There are tons of things to consider and everything seems to be a priority. What...
One of the most difficult decisions that family members have to make is when to move an elderly relative into a nursing home. Making it even more complicated, there are...
Laws aren’t the only things constantly changing—people do, too. Your needs grow up with you. Once you reach your sunset years, the legal landscape looks very different, and it’s best...
A topic we get asked about more and more frequently is living wills. People want to know what a living will is, and whether they need one or not. The answer...
Dividing your assets between your children can be a stressful ordeal. Many parents want to be fair to everyone, which they equate with an even split of all assets. But...
The soaring costs of living around the United States have made it increasingly difficult for everyone, but especially senior citizens, to find affordable housing. This has caused many to turn...
Scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting victims, and seniors are often the targets of their schemes. You need to be on constant alert to avoid...
Deciding “what’s best” when it comes to the living situation, care, and medical supervision of elderly relatives can be the most difficult choice a family will face. Whether it’s a...
For most of us, the thought of giving up our decision-making power to someone else is not an appealing one. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to appoint a person to...
As our loved ones age, we face difficult decisions about how, and where, to care for them. The decision to admit elderly relatives into an assisted living facility is never...
A New Yorker article entitled “How the Elderly Lose Their Rights” highlights the plight that many elderly people face in our country. When Rudy and Rennie North were taken from their home...
Many people are confused by the term “elopement” in nursing homes. Its definition in this sense has nothing to do with running away to get married, but rather refers to...
As we get older, it is only natural to want to protect our property and other assets; to ensure that they go to loved ones and family rather than being...
While choosing the best home for your loved one can feel difficult, thankfully, there are more options than ever before. Ultimately, the right choice will come down to two things:...
Eminent domain is one of the government’s most useful (yet intrusive) powers. Our local, state, and federal governments have the inherent authority to condemn private property and convert it for...
Certified elder law attorneys (CELAs) have frequently been referred to as the “gold standard” for elder law and special needs planning. A CELA is certified by the National Elder Law...
A life care plan is a comprehensive plan that helps families understand how to best care for a loved one in the event of illness or old age. Life care...
Eminent domain is one of the government’s most useful (yet intrusive) powers. Our local, state, and federal governments have the inherent authority to condemn private property and convert it for...
As parents age, it’s natural for children and grandchildren to be concerned about their physical and mental well-being. Often, we entrust our older loved ones to professional caregivers—but caregivers do...
Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated and isn’t only limited to people with a high net worth. Everyone should have an estate plan. It allows others to carry out...
A living trust will NOT protect your assets from the cost of long-term care. In fact, it can hinder your ability to obtain medical assistance benefits to help pay for the care...
How Does a Will Work? A will is a legally enforceable document that outlines how your estate will be handled following your death. In your will, you may dictate which individuals stand...
Divorce is hard and complicated and messy, but often the only acceptable choice for an unhappy individual or couple. When the parties separate and become divorced in Pennsylvania, sometimes alimony or...
The legal definition of alimony is a payment that a family court may order one person in a couple to make to the other person when that couple separates of...
The winter holidays offer an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with your family. But they can also be a source of stress for recently divorced parents who must work...
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many reasons. Costumes, candy, and the chance to enjoy Pennsylvania’s astounding fall colors with the family are all highlights of the fall season. There...
Most Pennsylvanians know that a will is a document that leaves instructions to be followed after its writer (known as the “testator”) dies. The will typically explains who should receive...
Estimates say that nearly 60% of Americans don’t have a will. Even though we see commercials on television for companies that can help you put together a will, most people...
Baby Boomers are getting older. Millions of people become seniors each year. More and more lawyers are focusing on elder law to represent this huge population. Elder law attorneys focus...
Each year millions of Americans become senior citizens. Protecting them is important. Elder law is a large and growing field. While many elder law attorneys focus on how estate, medical, and other...
If you’re welcoming your firstborn or adding a new sibling to the family, the birth, or adoption of a child is a key time to consider updating your estate plan....
Even the most amicable divorce can leave a person feeling emotionally disoriented. You’re starting a new life – but where should you begin? Whether you have an existing estate plan or need...
Columbia County, Pennsylvania gets its fair share of rain – but a rainy day doesn’t have to mean an end to summer fun. The next time the rain pours down,...
Estate planning is an important step for every adult – but not all Columbia and Montour Counties adults have yet contacted a Pennsylvania estate planning attorney who can help. Here are the...
Elder law attorneys strive to help families create the estate plans, power of attorney tools, and other end of life care options they will need for elderly family members to spend...
As the U.S. population ages, many experienced Pennsylvania attorneys have begun to focus on a growing field known as “elder law.” Elder law focuses on addressing the legal needs faced...
Attorneys who focus on “elder law” handle a wide range of issues for older clients or clients who are preparing for end-of-life concerns. These may include estate planning, appointing a...
With the rise of digital record keeping, estate planners have been keeping track of electronic records as well as paper ones. Very few families can simply point to a filing...
Many families who seek the help of a Columbia County and Montour County Pennsylvania estate planning lawyer do so having never worked with an attorney before. As a result, they often feel...
