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 on offering unique planning and solutions tailored to our clients' needs. We are available to answer any questions you may have about your home, farm or real estate deeds.

Elder Law

Elder Law, a speciality practice that aids seniors in their legal matters, is new_paragraph. As we age, we are faced with many new issues, including housing, retirement, wealth transfer, and long-term nursing. Elder Law covers these and many other concerns that elderly people face.

Many elderly citizens fear they might lose their home, savings and everything that they have worked so hard to earn. They don't want their children, families, or society to feel like a burden.

Brent's thoughtful and professional advice has given peace of mind for thousands of families in Saint Joseph, Northwest Missouri. His experience includes over 30 years working with seniors to create estate plans, estate transfers, powers of attorney, trusts, and other legal requirements.

Brent is available to help you understand Elder Law and create a plan for your future.

Nursing Home Medicaid Planning It's never too early for you to start planning for Medicaid, long-term or even short-term care. Many people are unaware of the benefits of Medicaid and have not planned for it. Many families don't know who can be eligible for Medicaid or how their spouse and family can benefit from it. It is important to find a skilled and dedicated Nursing Home Attorney who is committed to helping families.

Through effective nursing home Medicaid planning Brent has helped many families in our community save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Brent is a licensed nursing home lawyer and would like to share some key points about 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.

Your loved ones can still receive Medicaid benefits even after they move into a nursing home.

It is important to understand the legal strategies and protections for spouses and families of residents in nursing homes. 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. In most cases, we can guarantee that this will not happen.

There are many financial safeguards available for couples and elderly without jeopardizing Nursing Home Medicaid eligibility.

Division of Assets

The "Spousal Impoverishment" Act was passed by Congress in 1988. It was intended to prevent married couples from having to spend all their assets before one spouse is eligible for nursing home Medicaid. The spouse who stays in the home (the "Community Spouse") is allowed to keep some of their resources while the spouse who requires Medicaid (the"Institutionalized Spouse") may receive 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 as the Community Spouse Resource Allowance or CSRA. The Missouri Community Spouse can retain $25,728 to $128,640.00 for 2020. 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 countable assets of a married couple (which excludes some assets exempted) are divided in two, with each spouse getting their own one-half share. It doesn't matter who owns the asset; the entire couple's assets are considered when determining the Division Of Assets. This means that the assets of the spouse with significantly more assets will be reduced. To ensure everyone's protection, it is essential to work with an Elder Law lawyer during this process. According to the Wall Street Journal, 86% of widows are below the poverty line due to the cost of caring for their spouses.

As an example, suppose John and Mary are married and have $300,000 in assets. John is demented and needs nursing home care. The Medicaid caseworker assigns the $300,000 worth of financial assets to Mary, who will then CSRA $128,640 and John $171,360. John must have less $5,000 to qualify for Medicaid. John's assets will be credited to the family and they will be required to spend $166 360. John and Mary will be told that John must spend 55% their lives' savings before John can apply for Medicaid. It is easy to see why 86% of spouses who survive are living below poverty line due to their spouse's medical costs.

John and Mary don't have any need to spend their entire life savings if they are able to plan well and get the advice of an experienced Medicaid Asset Protection attorney, such as G. Brent Powers. To avoid an expensive and regrettable situation, it is important to prepare the right legal documents and strategies.

What if you didn't plan ahead? Do you think all is lost? It is not over. Mary could retain almost all of her financial assets by using a "Marital Medicaid Compliant Anuity". Even if John is in a nursing facility, Mary can still use the Annuity. G Brent Powers is a professional with the necessary experience and expertise to make sure Mary doesn't become homeless.

Brent makes every effort to meet with clients personally before he applies or appears in court.

Real Estate / Deeds

As people grow older, they begin to think about how best to transfer their home, farmland, or other properties to their loved ones or others. Some people may require assistance in selling real estate without the help of a broker or agent.

Each family's situation should be evaluated in order to determine the best course. Are there any benefits to gifting property now to your children? What happens if your spouse requires long-term or nursing home care? What is the best option? What tax consequences will you face if your property is transferred? Do you need to borrow money from the owner in order to sell your property?

Brent has helped hundreds upon hundreds of families, over the years, make the right choice when it comes time to transfer a home or farm.

Estate Planning

Proper estate planning involves maintaining control of your assets and continuing to care for your loved ones. It also means that you can distribute your property after your death to the people you choose, whenever you wish, and at the lowest cost.

Planning must take into account your unique needs, wishes and assets. Only then can we decide what documents and strategies to use to ensure your planning works as you expect.

Brent can assist you in setting up an appropriate estate plan.

Administration of trusts

Brent is available to help you determine the best way for your affairs to be managed. This will prevent future problems, unnecessary expenses, and skill gaps.

Brent Powers was a lawyer in Saint Joseph since 1980.

Although he started his career as a trial lawyer, he was forced to change to Elder Law and Medicaid nursing home planning.

He was the president of Saint Joseph Bar Association and volunteered for a number of community boards. He also participated in many events sponsored by Saint Joseph Bar Association to provide sound legal advice to people in need.

Brent is a native Missourian and grew-up in Saint Joseph.

He graduated from Central High School. He received his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Missouri.

He is a member of both the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys as well as the National Organization of Social Safety Claimants Representatives.

These national organizations offer training, education, and a national network to support senior citizens and persons with special needs.