Trust corpus found to be countable ( R.I. Super.) ————————————- Jeanne M. Biagetti established a revocable trust in 1998. According to counsel, it became irrevocable in 2001 when she became unable to manage her own financial affairs. When She applied for Medicaid in 2009, however, the trust was found to be a countable resource and […]
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Another Court Rules that NHRA is a toothless tiger (E.D. Mo.) Elgin James filed suit alleging that he developed bedsores due to nursing home negligence. Specifically, he alleged that the nursing home violated 42 C.F.R. § 483.25 which provides that a nursing home must prevent bedsores unless they are unavoidable. Following a line of cases […]
CMS has no obligation to accept an MSP liability allocation without an adjudication on the merits (W.D. Kentucky) In this is Medicare Secondary Payer case, Hadden sought waiver of recovery of a condition payment. After suing to recover for injuries sustained in a collision, Hadden settled for $125,000, in addition to receiving $10,000 in Kentucky […]
Transfer of Partnership Interest Was Not Immediate Gift (TC) —————————————— The tax court was faced with whether gifts petitioners made of limited partnership interests to their adult children during 2000, 2001, and 2002 qualified as annual exclusions pursuant to section 2503(b). The court found that they did not. On September 11, 1997, petitioners formed Price […]
Clear and convincing evidence supported establishment of conservatorship (TN App) —————————————— Petitioners petitioned for the appointment of a conservator for the person and estate of their mother. They alleged that she had dementia, Parkinson’s disease, coronary artery disease, and was unable to make decisions about her health or finances. The Trial Court found by clear […]
A filial responsibility law is one making relatives financially responsible for the care of another. Virtually every state requires parents to support minor children, but most states do not require anyone to support relatives who are over the age of 18. These laws are antiquated and can be traced back to the Elizabethan Poor Law […]
“Right to Live” appeal dismissed as moot (N.J. Super.) —————————————— Rueben Betancourt underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his thymus gland. Although the surgery went well, during recovery, the ventilation tube supplying him with oxygen was dislodged and he developed anoxic encephalopathy which left him in a persistent vegetative state and with other […]
Probate heir has no property right in conservatorship estate (Ga.) ——————————- Opal Stewart was appointed as her father’s conservator. After her father died, she was also his personal representative. Under Georgia law, a conservatorship terminates upon the death of the ward, but the conservator must still petition for discharge. Where the conservator also serves as […]
Cooperative federalism is not license to re-write clear federal rules (Co. App.) Ruth Koehler sued the Department after it terminated her benefits under its Medicaid Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (HCBS) program. Ruth, an elderly disabled woman, received HCBS as an alternative to nursing home care. Her husband resided […]
Trustee had discretion to assess defense costs to wayward son (Ga. App.) ———————————— Howard McPherson established an irrevocable trust in 1990. At the time, he had four children, Scott, Lisa, Robin, and Eric. An additional son was born to Howard’s second wife after the trust was established. The trust gave the trustee discretion to provide […]
The National Guardianship Association announced a date correction for the following event: Is it Alzheimer’s or Normal Aging Thursday, August 26, 2021 @ 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, 10 a.m. Pacific) Many people confuse normal aging memory issues as early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Understanding the differences can prevent a great deal […]
Hogberg v. State Dep’t of Soc. Servs., 2009 Conn. Super. LEXIS 50 (2009). Lynda Hogberg was admitted to a nursing home in September, 2004. Two years later, in September 2006, her husband, a community spouse, filed a Medicaid application. The application was denied in March, 2007. In April, 2007, he filed an appeal. On May […]
James v. Richman, 465 F. Supp. 2d 395 (M.D. Pa. 2006). Robert and Josephine James were married when Robert went to the nursing home. A resource assessment was done and Medicaid determined they had $278,343 in available resources. To reduce their resources, Josephine purchased a $250,000 single premium immediate irrevocable annuity from General Electric Assurance […]
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-171 (Effective date February 8, 2006). The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) changed the Medicaid eligibility rules significantly. Most of the changes are (or will be) codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1396p. DRA lengthened the look-back from 36 to 60 months; changed the start date […]
Harris v. McRae, 448 U.S. 297 (1980). The Medicaid program created by Title XIX is a cooperative endeavor in which the Federal Government provides financial assistance to participating States to aid them in furnishing health care to needy persons. Under this system of “cooperative federalism,” King v. Smith, 392 U.S. 309, 316, if a State […]
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Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute (LII) includes a page with a wealth of information, including definitions and summaries of legal concepts and subjects such as contract law and tort law. It clarifies the meaning of nuanced terms like “Malpractice ,” which is a species of tort, saying “The tort committed when a professional fails […]
In Atlanta Oculoplastic Surgery, P.C. v. Nestlehutt, 286 Ga. 731 (2010), the Georgia Supreme Court considered whether arbitrary limits to noneconomic damages in malpractice cases violated Georgia’s Constitution. Those limits were imposed as part of the Tort Reform Act of 2005, and were codified at O.C.G.A. § 53-13-1. In Nestlehutt, Dr. Harvey P. Cole had […]
In Booth v. State, the Georgia Supreme Court considered the appeal of a daughter convicted of killing her mother. Booth took custody of her elderly mother, Cowart, after she was discharged from the hospital in October 2016. Booth cared for Cowart in Booth’s home with the assistance of a registered nurse until early December. Cowart […]
On April 23, 2021, the Tennessee Court of Appeals decided Estate of Shelton D. Ramey, Case No. E2020-00270-COA-R3-CV. The Court’s syllabus is as follows: This appeal concerns a residual beneficiary’s objection to an estate administrator receiving any fees based upon the latter’s alleged breach of fiduciary duty. David Ramey (“Ramey”) is a beneficiary under his […]
In Giller v. Slosberg, an elderly father revoked an existing power of attorney, executed a new power of attorney, and made changes to certain financial accounts relating to his estate-planning strategy. Giller and Seidner (sisters) appealed a judment following a jury verdict in favor of their brother, Slosberg. Slosberg believed his sisters exerted undue influence […]
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) provides an overview of how property can be owned, including joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenants by entirety, sole ownership, and community property.
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) discusses common ways to title your home.
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) answers the question, “what is joint tenancy?”
A forthcoming article was reviewed in WILLS, TRUSTS, & ESTATES LAW eJOURNAL, Sponsored by The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Foundation, Vol. 17, No. 10: Apr 29, 2021. The article recognizes that much in the field of Wills is obsessed with pre-determining the outcome of potential litigation. It centers on an empirical […]
The RAISE Family Caregivers Act, Public Law 115-119 (January 22, 2018) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national family caregiving strategy. The strategy will identify actions that communities, providers, government, and others are taking and may take to recognize and support family caregivers, and will include: Promoting greater adoption of person- […]
In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), the Supreme Court turned treatment for individuals with special needs on its head. Justice Ginsburg, writing for the Court framed the issue presented as follows: “Specifically, we confront the question whether the proscription of discrimination may require placement of persons with mental disabilities in community settings rather […]
Section 1(e) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an income tax on estate and trusts. 2021 federal income tax rates for estates and trusts are included in Revenue Procedure 2020-45. They are as follows: If taxable income is: The tax is: Not over $2,650 – 10% of taxable income Over $2,650, but not over $9,550 […]
Internal Revenue Code IRS Regulations Internal Revenue Bulletin and here Revenue Rulings Revenue Procedures Tax cases since 1995 Actions on Decisions (AOD) Appeals Settlement Guidelines Chief Counsel Bulletins Information Letters IRS Written Determinations (Private Letter Rulings (PLR), Technical Advice Memorandum (TAM), and Chief Counsel Advice (CCA)). Legal Advice Issued by Associate Chief Counsel Legal Advice […]
If you’re trying to stay current on the law, you can sign up for email alerts from Justia, or you can search their blogs or topic oriented facebook pages. For example, check out their Public Benefits Blog or their Georgia Law Updates Facebook Page. To receive the summaries, subscribe by email at daily.justia.com. You can […]
Trust Company Bank was named trustee of a trust created by Nancy Cooper in 1968. The trust provided that the settlor had no right to alter, amend, or revoke the trust. Nonetheless, she attempted to revoke the trust in 1985. The bank filed a declaratory judgment action because it believed the trust was irrevocable. Cooper […]
In 1977, Collins took a judgment against Hunt for $300,000. Collins then sought to enforce the judgment against a Louisiana trust created in 1941; Henderson was the trustee and Hunt was a beneficiary. Both Hunt and Henderson took the position that the trust was not subject to the judgment. The trial court disagreed and ordered […]
A trust sought direction concerning whether it was required to pay for private school tuition. A grandfather established a trust for the support, maintenance and education of his minor grandchildren. Later, when his son divorced, the son asked the trust to pay his children’s tuition. The former wife responded on behalf of the children, contending […]
42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/chapter-7/subchapter-XIX 42 U.S.C. § 1396p https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1396p 42 U.S.C. § 1396r-5 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1396r-5 42 C.F.R. Part 431 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/part-431 42 C.F.R. Part 435 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/part-435 42 C.F.R. Subchapter C https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/chapter-IV/subchapter-C 20 CFR 416.1110 et seq. (SSI – Income) https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-1100.htm 20 CFR 416.1201 et seq. (SSI – Resources) https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-1201.htm Program Operations Manual System https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/ […]
In California v. Texas, 21 Republican attorneys general claimed that Congress’ decision in 2017 as part of its tax cut bill to zero out the ACA’s monetary penalty on individuals for not obtaining health insurance made the entire law unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon in a case that could eliminate health […]
Medicaid, just one of the sets of rules applicable to most older adults, is one of the most complex laws ever enacted. Even Judges have difficulty understanding it. What follows are a few quotes from court decisions: “The Social Security Act is among the most intricate ever drafted by Congress. Its Byzantine construction, as Judge […]
The husband died six months after the decedent. The decedent had required nursing home care, and she received Medicaid assistance to pay for the care. The estate’s personal representative allowed $ 63,880 as a claim against the estate but disallowed $ 44,533. The county contended that it was entitled to full recovery because the value […]
Plaintiffs were a group of couples with one spouse in the nursing home and other spouse still in the community. In each case, the Community Spouse was the beneficiary of a Community Spouse Annuity Trust (“CSAT”). Some institutionalized spouses had been denied Medicaid, while others had applications pending. The Plaintiffs challenged the State’s treatment of […]
Guardians of two nursing home residents brought suit contending that the State erred by beginning a transfer penalty on the first day of the month after a transfer, rather than on the month of the transfer. The Court found the claims barred by the Eleventh Amendment. It dismissed the remainder of the Complaint for failure […]
Hazel Wilson and her husband executed and funded a revocable living trust in 1991. The trust became irrevocable at her husband’s death in 1998, forming an A/B trust. Hazel had access to the principal and income from trust A, but only the income from trust B. In 1999, Hazel transferred $636,638 in property to her […]
Sonya Lotzer and Bobbi Lerud were in separate collisions. After settling their negligence claims, they funded special needs trusts without first paying Medicaid liens asserted by the State of Minnesota. Norwest Bank filed a declaratory judgment action alleging that Medicaid’s right to recover is deferred until the beneficiary’s death where a third party recovery is […]
A tort plaintiff sought to fund his special needs trust without first repaying the Medicaid lien. Citing Norwest, the Court concluded that 1396p(d)(4) does not alter Medicaid’s right to recover on its lien prior to funding a special needs trust. The recipient’s rights against the third-party tortfeasor were assigned when he applied for and received […]
A 51 year old nursing home resident assigned her Social Security Disability check to a special needs trust. She then argued that the SSD payment was not subject to Medicaid’s co-pay requirement. The Department rejected her argument, requiring that she pay her SSD (less her personal needs allowance) toward the cost of nursing home care. […]
Carl Bergman had an annuity account which he transferred to his wife after he was admitted to a nursing home. After Lucille, his wife, was diagnosed with cancer, she gifted those assets to their children. Following Lucille’s death, the State filed an estate recovery claim in Lucille’s estate relating to payments made for Carl’s care. […]
Prior to his death, Harold Ullmer was on Medicaid. At his death, Harold and his wife, Agnes, owned their home in joint tenancy. Agnes continued to reside in the home. The State recorded a notice of lis pendens against the property, and filed a petition seeking to impose a lien in the amount of $144,475.76 […]
Beverly Tutinas’s husband, Julian, was on Medicaid, but she was not. When Beverly died owning a home valued at $69,641.89 and a car worth $2,000, the state of Illinois filed a claim against Beverly’s estate, seeking to recover what Medicaid had invested in Julian’s care. The court found that, although the state clearly had a […]
Seeking to increase the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), the Staffords conveyed their home to a trust. After Mr. Stafford was institutionalized, the trust conveyed the home to Mrs. Stafford. The purpose of the transaction was to make the home countable during the resource assessment, thereby increasing the value of the marital assets; in Idaho […]
Robert and Josephine James were married when Robert went to the nursing home. A resource assessment was done and Medicaid determined they had $278,343 in available resources. To reduce their assets, Josephine purchased a $250,000 single premium immediate irrevocable annuity from General Electric Assurance Company. She then purchased a new vehicle for $8,550 and filed […]
(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term “property” includes any interest in property and any power over or right with respect to the property. (b) Any person to whom an interest in property is transferred or who succeeds to property by contract or by operation of law may renounce the property in whole […]
(a) An individual who feloniously and intentionally kills or conspires to kill or procures the killing of another individual forfeits the right to take an interest from the decedent’s estate and to serve as a personal representative or trustee of the decedent’s estate or any trust created by the decedent. For purposes of this Code […]
