Estate Planning
Tailored Estate Planning
Your estate plan should reflect your current circumstances—not just what you created decades ago. We help:
- Update wills and trusts to reflect health changes, family dynamics, or new goals
- Coordinate estate plans with public benefit needs
- Use testamentary trusts or pooled trusts when appropriate
- Enhance your elder law estate planning by preparing for any possible incapacity
Estate Planning & Asset Protection
Many people assume estate planning is only about writing a will, but a comprehensive estate plan safeguards both finances and healthcare decisions while preventing costly legal disputes.
Our Connecticut elder law attorneys assist with:
- Drafting and updating wills and trusts to protect funds and property and avoid probate.
- Setting up Special Needs Trusts for loved ones with disabilities.
- Creating revocable and irrevocable trusts to protect family wealth.
- Developing asset protection strategies to prevent financial losses from extended medical care expenses.
- Establishing financial power of attorney to allow a trusted individual to manage finances if needed.
Estate planning ensures financial security for both senior citizens and their families while minimizing the burden on loved ones.
Special Needs Planning
If you or a loved one is aging with a disability—or you care for someone with lifelong support needs—we can help preserve eligibility for SSI and Medicaid while planning for long-term care and stability.
This often involves:
- Creating First-Party or Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
- Planning for successor trustees and care management
- Coordinating with public benefits offices and service providers
Special Needs Trusts and Planning
We structure special needs trusts that:
- Preserve Medicaid and SSI
- Allow use of funds for comfort and independence
- Protect against financial abuse
We advise caregivers, siblings, and professional trustees on ongoing administration.
Real Estate and Housing Decisions
Where you live—and how your property is titled—can impact your legal rights, your Medicaid eligibility, and the types of care available to you.
Our Lawyers:
- Review assisted living and skilled nursing contracts
- Advise on title transfers and reverse mortgages
- Help families avoid placing unnecessary liens on primary residences
Elder Care Law Questions
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will explains how your assets will be distributed after death, while a trust offers additional benefits such as protecting assets, minimizing taxes, and helping your family avoid probate. Learn more about planning for incapacity in Connecticut
Do I need both a will and a power of attorney?
Yes. A will governs what happens after your death, while a power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage finances if you become incapacitated. Explore how a financial power of attorney fits into broader planning.
How can I make sure my healthcare wishes are followed?
Healthcare directives let you document your medical care preferences in advance, so your family doesn’t have to guess during an emergency. Learn more about Connecticut’s healthcare directives.
What is the role of a trust in protecting family assets?
Trusts can shield savings and property from unnecessary taxes or long-term care costs. See how asset protection strategies support families.
Can I update my estate plan after major life changes?
Absolutely. Your plan should reflect new family circumstances, health changes, or financial goals. Updating your estate plan often involves reviewing guardianship and future care needs.