Is children’s life insurance a smart investment for your family? As we previously wrote in the Hawkins Elder Law Blog (https://www.hawkinselderlaw.com/why-should-you-buy-insurance/), a life policy is an important safety net for some people. However, this article explains why life insurance for children may be a poor investment. Life Insurance Purpose and Investment Performance Life Insurance Purpose […]

Long-term care (LTC) can become a significant issue for you or a loved one, as the cost of care can – and often does – consume a lot of assets. You cannot predict exactly what health care needs you may have in the future, but you can take steps to plan so that you do […]

COVID-19 has taught us many things about the world, our communities, and ourselves. We learned about distance as the pandemic followed the global economy’s connected pathways into our state capitals and hometowns. The spreading contagion revealed our interdependence as we sheltered in place. Shortages of household goods, high-speed Internet, and access to ailing family members laid bare our vulnerability and unpreparedness. This article reflects on some of those lessons and describes changes that we can expect in the future.

SECURE Act changes to IRAs will affect you or someone you know in 2020. The ‘‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019’’ (SECURE Act) begins on page 604 of H. R. 1865, the 715-page Congressional appropriations bill that President Trump signed on December 20, 2019. This article highlights some SECURE Act provisions and suggests income tax planning strategies that may help some families reduce tax burdens.

This article describes special problems challenging some older married folks, and explains how elder law attorneys are using family law tactics to help solve those problems.

Governor Holcomb invited Hawkins Elder Law attorney Jeff R Hawkins and other stakeholder representatives to witness the Governor’s July 8 ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 112 (SEA 112) and Senate Enrolled Act 380 (SEA 380) at the Governor’s Residence. During the ceremony, the Governor recognized key legislators and advocates that had supported the pair […]

Medicaid application trial and error creates big problems for nursing home residents. Unfortunately, it is a common practice that creates financial nightmares for nursing home residents’ families. This article explains common Medicaid application problems and suggests when people should seek professional help from experienced elder law attorneys. Medicaid Application Trial and Error – Repetition Doesn’t […]

A “free” power of attorney is very much like free firearms, free explosives, and free hazardous chemicals. Each item may be useful when someone uses it properly, but it would be irresponsible to deliver such things to people randomly. This article explains why it is dangerous for people to sign an off-the-shelf, “free” power of […]

This conclusion of our two-part series about Medicaid and prenuptial agreements explains how Medicaid treats prenuptial agreements.

This article begins a 2-part explanation of how Indiana Medicaid deals with a remarried couple’s assets when one spouse requires nursing home care if the couple made a prenuptial agreement before they married.