G Brent Powers Law Office
3715 Beck Rd D-401, St Joseph, MO 64506
Q5QW+6R St Joseph, Missouri
18162330257
https://gbrentpowerslaw.com/
Nursing Home Lawyer in St. Joseph Mo
Where Can I Find a Nursing Home Lawyer in St. Joseph Mo?

We will help you and all your family members make informed decisions regarding Elder Law matters such as Medicaid planning, estate planning, asset protection, and nursing home planning. Our individual paths to our "golden year" are different. Unfortunately, it has become more difficult over the years. Our firm prides itself in providing customized solutions for our clients. Contact us today if you have questions concerning your home, farm and real estate deeds.

Elder Law

Elder Law, a speciality practice that aids seniors in their legal matters, is new_paragraph. As we get older, we have to deal with many different issues. Elder Law includes these and many other areas that concern the elderly.

Many elderly people fear losing their savings and home if they require long-term or nursing home care. They don’t want to be a burden to their children, family, and society.

Brent's thoughtful and professional advice has given peace of mind for thousands of families in Saint Joseph, Northwest Missouri. With over 30 years experience, he can assist clients in developing estate plans, property transfers, deeds probate, power-of- attorney, trusts and other legal needs of senior citizens.

Brent will help you to create an Elder Law plan. Call Brent today.

Nursing Home Medicaid Planning. It is never too early to plan for Medicaid or long term care. Many people are not planning for long-term health care and are frequently misinformed on how Medicaid works. Many families don't know who is eligible for nursing home Medicaid planning or how it can benefit them or their family. It is important that you choose a Nursing Home Attorney who has the experience and is dedicated helping families.

Many families have saved thousands of dollars by using Brent's effective nursing home Medicaid planning. Brent, as a Nursing Home Lawyer, would recommend the following key points regarding Medicaid:Brent, a lawyer for nursing homes, has some tips to help you remember the basics of Medicaid. Most of what people tell you about nursing facility Medicaid is not accurate.

It's almost never too early or too late to plan.

Even if your loved one moves to a nursing facility, they can still be eligible for Medicaid assistance.

It's crucial to know the legal protections and strategies available for the spouse and their family members of a resident in a nursing home. People are often afraid that they might lose their home or their life savings if their spouse or a loved one must move into a nursing care facility. We are able to insure that you will be safe in almost all instances.

Numerous financial safeguards can be provided for seniors and couples, without jeopardizing Nursing Home Medicaid eligibility.

Division of Assets

The 1988 "Spousal Impoverishment act" was passed by Congress. It was intended to prevent married people from having to give up all their assets in order to qualify for Medicaid nursing home Medicaid. The spouse who lives in the home (the "Community Spouse") gets to keep some resources while the spouse with a need for Medicaid (the 'Institutionalized Spouse') can claim benefits.

Congress set limits on the assets that the Community Spouse may retain if the Institutionalized Spouse becomes eligible for benefits. These limits are often referred to as Community Spouse Resource Allowances (CSRA). Missouri's Community Spouse may retain at most $25,728 or $128.640.00. This amount is adjusted each year for inflation and the cost of living. Missouri Medicaid's Division of Assets process determines the maximum amount that the Community Spouse may keep.

The Division of Assets starts on the day the Medicaid applicant is admitted for at least 30 consecutive nights to a hospital/nursing facility. The couple's countable assets are divided into 2 with each spouse receiving their one-half. It doesn't really matter who the asset belongs to, as the assets of both spouses are combined in determining the Division. This means that the spouse who has more assets than their spouse will see their assets decrease. Working with an Elder Law lawyer in this process is crucial in order to protect everyone's interests. According to a Wall Street Journal article, 86% live below poverty level because they have to pay for the care of their spouses.

As an example, consider John and Mary as a married couple. John has $300,000 worth of assets. John has dementia. Mary requires nursing home care. The Medicaid caseworker will give $300,000 to Mary as her CSRA, and $171,000.360 to John. John must have less that $5,000 to be eligible for Medicaid. John's assets must be paid down by the family, who will then have to spend $166.360. John and Mary will then be asked to spend 55% on their savings in order for John to become eligible for Medicaid. This reduction in assets means that 86% surviving spouses are at risk of living below the poverty level due to the spouse's medical bills.

John and Mary wouldn't need to spend any of their savings if they had a proper plan and were assisted by a qualified Medicaid Asset Protection attorney like G. Brent Powers. You can avoid an unpleasant and costly situation by making sure you have the right legal strategies in place.

But what if planning wasn't done in advance? Do you think all is lost? The good news is that the answer to this question is "no". Mary would be able to keep almost all of her financial assets even if John is now in a nursing care facility by using what is called a "Marital Medicaid Compatible Annuity". G Brent Powers has both the expertise and experience to ensure Mary's safety and prevent her from becoming homeless.

Brent takes the time to meet clients face-to-face before appearing in court.

Real Estate / Deeds

As they get older, many people start to think about how to transfer their home, farmland and other properties to their loved one or others. Others may require help selling real estate, even without the assistance of an agent or broker.

To determine the best course of action, each family's circumstances must be assessed. Is there a benefit to gifting property to children now? What happens if your spouse is in need of long-term nursing home or long-term care? What is the best option? What are the tax implications of transferring property? Is it possible for the owner to finance the sale?

Over the years, Brent has helped many families make the right decisions when it comes to transferring their home, farm, and business properties.

Estate Planning

Proper estate planning means maintaining control of your assets while living, continuing to provide for your care and your loved ones, even if incapacitated or disabled, distributing your property after your death to whom you want, when you want and the way you want at the lowest overall cost.

Planning should consider the needs of you and your family. Only then can we identify and use the appropriate documents and strategies to ensure that your planning will be as successful as possible.

Brent can also help you to create a proper estate plan.

Administration of trusts

Brent can help you decide the best way to manage your affairs.

Brent Powers was a lawyer in Saint Joseph since 1980.

Although he began his career in the courtroom as a trial advocate, he changed to Elder Law due to the need of his parents, his older clients, and numerous referrals.

He has been president of Saint Joseph Bar Association.

Brent is a native Missourian who grew up in Saint Joseph.

He graduated from Central High School and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He then earned his law degree in Missouri – Kansas City.

He is a member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the National Organisation of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.

These national organizations provide education and training as well as a network of experts for member attorneys in order to assist seniors and people with special disabilities.