Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Are There Estate Planning Benefits For Opening A Connecticut 529 Savings Plan?
You were blessed with nine grandchildren, all of whom are approaching high school. You want to provide something for their college education fund, especially as costs continue to rise. Would it make sense to keep money in a growth savings account? What about creating a trust with specific terms indicating money is only withdrawn… Read More »
Is A Connecticut Conservatorship Right For Your Elderly Loved One?
Conservatorships have surfaced in popular media as of late, but much confusion about mechanism and differences between conservatorships and guardianships remain. Not all states recognize conservatorships and rules can vary drastically between states. In Connecticut, conservatorships serve the unique purpose of providing care for an elderly loved one when they are no longer able… Read More »
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
You may be able to get help from Connecticut paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if you meet certain conditions. There is a federal government program that provides funding that low-income seniors… Read More »
What Is A Connecticut Special Needs Trust?
Special needs trusts have evolved a lot in the past few decades. States recognized demand from families for a trust vehicle that offers assistance to children with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as aging seniors with increased needs. However, there is concern that without proper planning, an adult child, a disable person or… Read More »
Is Your Child College-Bound? Consider Obtaining A Medical HIPAA Release This Year
Michael is a college sophomore excited to finally be back on campus this year. He has Type I Diabetes but it is managed with diet and insulin injections. His parents are worried about his health and would feel more comfortable if he checked in on a regular basis, but is a weekly phone call… Read More »
PROPOSED ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAW CHANGES – OCTOBER 2021
The Biden Administration has proposed sweeping estate tax impacts to the estate and gift structure. The proposed impact will effectively increase estate and gift tax liability significantly. The Biden campaign is proposing to reduce the estate tax exemption to $3,500,000 per person ($7,000,000 per married couple). The current rate is an estate tax exemption… Read More »
Do All Assets Pass Through Probate In Connecticut?
Shirley’s mom Ellen recently passed away without a will or estate planning documents of any kind. Shirley has seven siblings, but as the eldest, she has taken the responsibility of navigating the estate administration process. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know where to begin, bill collectors are calling non-stop, late payment collection letters are coming, and… Read More »
3 Tips To Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes In Connecticut
Michelle and Daniel (our hypothetical characters) were parents of adult twins, both about to turn 18. When Michelle and Daniel had children, they drafted a will detailing important information about guardianship and asset distribution in the untimely event of their death. They did not consider creating a trust because they assumed, like many people,… Read More »
How Often Should You Update Your Will?
You drafted a will ten years ago when your first became a parent. Since then you have started a small business, had two more children and purchased a rental property. You also write music lyrics for which you own the publishing rights to. So is it really necessary that you revise your will? Is… Read More »
Closing The Insolvent Estate In Connecticut
Angela’s father passed away last month. He did not leave a will or clear instructions about his finances, bills, or how he wanted his property divided. Now Angela has started to get past due bills for utilities, credit card bills, a payday loan and the mortgage on her late father’s home. She also visited… Read More »