A nursing home cannot require a third party (such as an adult child, or friend) to guarantee payment of nursing home bills, as a condition of admission or continued stay at the facility. Despite this rule, nursing home form contracts often include boilerplate provisions requiring third party guaranties and signature by a “responsible party.”
The patient should be the only person to sign the nursing home contracts. If you are signing in your capacity as guardian or agent under a power of attorney because your loved one does not have the capacity to sign, always indicate that next to your signature. So you would sign your signature and next to it you would write, “as power of attorney,” or “as guardian.” This means that you are obligated to pay the bill from the patients assets, not from your own.
It can be important to consult an elder law attorney regarding your obligations to a nursing home. At Townsend Allala, Coulter, & Kludt, PLLC, we make sure that nursing homes get paid appropriately and that our clients are treated fairly.
A no-contest clause should be included in any will, but additional protections may be necessary if you believe someone might contest your will. No-contest clauses are not always upheld in court due to legal challenges, and their effectiveness depends on how they are structured. The general purpose of a no-contest clause is to discourage beneficiaries from challenging a will by making them forfeit their inheritance if they do. However, this only works if the beneficiary stands to lose a significant amount.
For example, if the will states, “I, Jane Doe, leave $1 to my son, Bob Doe. In the event that any individual challenges this will, such beneficiary shall take nothing under it,” Bob has no reason not to contest the will. If he successfully contests the will, he may be entitled to half of Jane’s estate. If he does not, he only receives $1. If you have concerns about a possible will contest, it is essential to work with an experienced elder law attorney to develop a solid estate plan that minimizes the risk of legal challenges.
How a Trust Can Help Prevent a Will Contest
If you are worried that a family member or other party may contest your will, establishing a trust can provide additional protections. A trust helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes while making it harder for someone to challenge your estate plan.
For individuals in El Paso, Las Cruces, and surrounding areas, a living will and trust can offer several benefits, including:
- Keeping assets out of probate, reducing the chances of legal disputes
- Providing clear and legally enforceable instructions for asset distribution
- Allowing for structured distributions over time to prevent reckless spending by beneficiaries
- Offering privacy since trusts do not go through public probate proceedings
Our will and trust lawyers near El Paso help individuals and families understand the difference between a will and trust and determine which estate planning tools best suit their needs.
What Happens If Someone Contests Probate?
When someone contests probate, they are challenging the validity of a will. This can occur for several reasons, including allegations of undue influence, fraud, lack of mental capacity, or improper execution of the will. Contesting probate can lead to lengthy legal battles, delays in distributing assets, and increased legal costs.
To minimize the risk of probate disputes, our elder law attorneys in El Paso take extra precautions when drafting wills and trusts. We ensure that all estate planning documents comply with Texas and New Mexico laws, reducing the likelihood of a successful challenge.
Choosing the Right Will and Trust Attorney in El Paso
When planning your estate, working with an experienced elder law attorney is crucial. Whether you need a will, trust, or guidance on contesting probate, having a legal professional on your side ensures that your assets are protected and that your final wishes are honored.
At Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC, our team provides estate planning services to clients throughout El Paso, Las Cruces, and Southern New Mexico. Our will and trust attorneys offer:
- Tailored estate planning strategies that address your specific concerns
- Expertise in Texas probate law and contest probate cases
- Clear guidance on the difference between a will and trust to help you make informed decisions
- Assistance in establishing a living will and trust to protect your estate and loved ones
Schedule a Consultation with an Estate Planning Attorney in El Paso
Estate planning is essential for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing potential legal challenges. If you are looking for a will and trust attorney in El Paso or an elder law attorney in Southern New Mexico, our firm is here to help.
Our office is located at 4131 Trowbridge Drive, El Paso, TX 79903, and we offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Clients who schedule phone or Zoom appointments may qualify for a cash discount on consultations. Contact our elder law firm online or give us a call at 915-533-0007 today to discuss your estate planning needs and secure your legacy for the future.
Millions of older Americans don’t known they are eligible for financial assistance. Here’s how to get help.
Read in CBS News: Click here.
How Do I Protect My Assets? Do I Need an Llc?
If you have a business an LLC can often be a great option. With proper planning, an LLC can protect your personal assets from business liabilities. For example, say you own a rental property in your own name and someone is seriously injured on the property. That person then files a lawsuit against you and wins a $1 million judgment against you personally. Your vacation home in Cloudcroft may be subject to that judgment. If you instead had the rental property in an LLC, your vacation home in your name could be protected from LLC debts. Caution: the LLC must be properly managed in order to maintain this creditor protection and this blog is not intended as a substitute for personally-tailored legal advice. It is vitally important to get competent legal representation regarding this kind of transaction.
Jennifer Coulter and Jessica Kludt are honored to be teaching lawyers at the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys conference this year. We are proud to be part of training the elder law attorneys, who have been a driving force for change for the better for the elderly and disabled. We look forward to learning from the other presenters.
A Will prepares you for a probate, but it doesn’t avoid the need to do that probate. In order to transfer title to real property and access many financial accounts, the Will must be probated. In order for a Will to be effective, it must be probated within 4 years from the date of death. This allows the Court to decide that the Will you give them is valid and the actual last Will of your husband. If you don’t probate within 4 years, you may be stuck with the Rules of Intestate Succession instead of the terms of the Will. Those rules are often undesirable, especially in a blended family. If your husband left you everything in his Will, but you don’t probate within 4 years, his children from a previous marriage can end up with most of his estate.
If you do pre-planning, it may be possible to avoid the need for probate entirely. This can be done through the use of Lady Bird deeds or Transfer on Death deeds for real property and beneficiary designations or Right of Survivorship agreements on all other assets. It can also be done through the use of properly set up trusts. However, this isn’t right for everyone, so be sure to get good legal advice about whether probate avoidance is right in pre-planning and be sure to probate the Will if your husband has already passed.
NAELA SUPPORTS HOUSE BILL TO LIMIT ESTATE RECOVERY
Last week, NAELA, as part of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), sent a letter of support for H.R. 6698, the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act of 2022, introduced by Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL). The legislation would effectively end estate recovery except in instances of improper payments. Last year, NAELA, along with Justice and Aging and other advocacy organizations, published an issue brief on the harms caused to low-income individuals from Medicaid estate recovery.
Read more by clicking here.
Special Needs Trusts: How to Protect Your Assets for the Benefit of Your Loved One with Special Needs
Why Special Needs Planning Is Essential
Families in El Paso, Las Cruces, and surrounding areas in Southern New Mexico who have a loved one with a disability must take proactive steps to protect their financial future. Without proper planning, an inheritance or financial gift could unintentionally disqualify them from essential government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
A special needs trust is a critical estate planning tool that ensures your loved one maintains eligibility for public benefits while still receiving additional financial support for their well-being. At Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC, our special needs planning attorneys in El Paso work closely with families to navigate the complexities of special needs estate planning, ensuring long-term security for individuals with disabilities.
If you are looking for a special needs estate planning attorney near me in El Paso or Southern New Mexico, our team can guide you through the process to ensure your loved one is fully protected.
What Is a Special Needs Trust and How Can It Help?
A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities while protecting their eligibility for government assistance programs. These trusts provide supplemental financial support for needs not covered by public benefits, such as:
- Medical and dental expenses beyond Medicaid coverage
- Home modifications and accessibility improvements
- Education and vocational training
- Specialized transportation needs
- Recreational activities and travel
Our special needs planning lawyers in El Paso ensure that the trust is structured correctly to comply with federal and state laws while maximizing financial benefits for your loved one.
Types of Special Needs Trusts
First-Party Special Needs Trusts (Self-Settled SNTs)
This trust is funded with assets belonging to the individual with special needs, such as an inheritance, legal settlement, or personal savings. However, any remaining funds in the trust must be used to reimburse Medicaid upon the beneficiary’s passing.
Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
A third-party special needs trust is created and funded by a parent, grandparent, or another relative. Unlike a self-settled trust, it does not require Medicaid payback, meaning any remaining assets can be distributed to other family members or charitable organizations. This is often the preferred option in special needs estate planning.
Our special needs estate planning attorneys help families throughout El Paso and Southern New Mexico determine the best trust structure to protect their loved one’s financial future.
Why You Should Set Up a Special Needs Trust Now
Many families delay special needs estate planning, assuming they can leave assets directly to their loved one. However, doing so can create serious complications, including:
- Loss of government benefits – A direct inheritance may push your loved one over income limits, making them ineligible for Medicaid and SSI.
- Financial mismanagement – Your loved one may not have the ability to manage a large sum of money effectively.
- Legal complications – Without proper planning, the funds may need to go through probate, delaying access to essential resources.
A special needs planning attorney near me can help you take proactive steps to avoid these risks while ensuring your loved one’s long-term financial security.
The Role of a Special Needs Planning Attorney
At Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC, our special needs planning attorneys in El Paso guide families through every step of creating a legally sound trust. Our services include:
- Drafting and structuring special needs trusts to comply with Texas and New Mexico laws
- Advising on funding strategies, including life insurance, investments, and real estate
- Coordinating estate plans to protect all heirs while prioritizing the needs of a disabled family member
- Helping trustees manage and administer the trust properly
If you are searching for a special needs estate planning attorney near me, our firm provides personalized, experienced legal support to help you navigate this complex process.
Why Choose Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC?
Families in El Paso, Las Cruces, and the surrounding areas trust Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC for their special needs estate planning because:
- We have decades of experience in elder law and special needs planning.
- We provide personalized legal solutions tailored to each family’s unique situation.
- We offer comprehensive estate planning services, ensuring all aspects of your financial and legal future are covered.
Whether you are setting up a special needs trust for the first time or need to update an existing plan, our special needs planning lawyers are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Set Up a Special Needs Trust Without a Lawyer?
While it is possible to create a special needs trust without an attorney, mistakes in trust language or funding can lead to unintended consequences, such as disqualifying your loved one from government benefits. A special needs estate planning attorney ensures the trust is structured correctly and complies with all legal requirements.
How Do I Fund a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs planning attorney can help you determine the best funding sources, including:
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts
- Gifts from family members
- Investments and real estate
Is a Special Needs Trust the Same as a Guardianship?
No. A special needs trust manages financial resources for a person with disabilities, while guardianship involves legal decision-making authority over their personal and medical affairs. Our firm can assist with both special needs planning and guardianship arrangements.
Speak With an Experienced Special Needs Planning Attorney Today
Planning for a loved one with special needs requires careful legal and financial planning. At Townsend Allala, Coulter & Kludt, PLLC, we help families throughout El Paso, Las Cruces, and Southern New Mexico create comprehensive estate plans that protect their loved ones and secure their futures.
If you need a special needs planning attorney in El Paso or a special needs estate planning attorney near me, contact our elder law firm online or give us a call at 915-533-0007 today to schedule a consultation. We are here to provide the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions about your family’s future.
¿Qué Es Un Fideicomiso Para Necesidades Especiales Y Como Podría Ayudar a Proveer Una Mejor Vida Para Mi Ser Querido Con Una Discapacidad Cuando Yo Fallezca?
Una de las herramientas más comunes utilizadas por abogados en la planificación para beneficios públicos es un fideicomiso para necesidades especiales (“FNE”). Los beneficios gubernamentales están diseñados para proveer cuidado de salud básico, alimento y refugio. Como tales, los beneficios gubernamentales solo proveen una pobre existencia para los beneficiarios.
Un FNE está diseñado para proveer extras y para necesidades adicionales, como vacaciones, cosa que los beneficios gubernamentales no proveen. Un FNE puede ser tanto autoliquidado como liquidado por terceros dependiendo de la fuente de los fondos.
ADVERTENCIA: Cuando se establece o administra un FNE, es importante determinar correctamente la Fuente de los fondos (p.e. autoliquidado o de fondos de terceros). Como se menciona más adelante, estos dos tipos de fideicomisos tienen distintos requisitos. Adicionalmente, un fideicomiso catch-all que incluye tanto una autoliquidación como fondos de terceros está prohibida. Los fondos de terceros nunca deben estar entrelazados con un fideicomiso autoliquidado, y viceversa.
¿Por Qué Es Imperativo Planificar Un Fne Ahora Mismo?
- Si no haces nada, y tu ser querido con una discapacidad hereda tu dinero:
- Ella probablemente será descalificada de beneficios públicos,
- A ella probablemente le falte la agudeza financiera para administrar los fondos, y
- Una orden judicial podría ser necesaria para establecer un Fideicomiso para Necesidades Especiales Autoliquidado para el beneficio de tu ser querido con necesidades especiales.
- Debe haber una provisión para pagarle devuelta a Medicaid ante la terminación del fideicomiso.
¿Por Qué Es Importante Establecer Un Fideicomiso Para Necesidades Especiales Liquidado Por Terceros en Vez De Dejar Que Tu Ser Querido Con Necesidades Especiales Herede La Propiedad Directamente?
- En adición a evadir los problemas listados anteriormente sobre dejar un regalo directamente para tu ser querido con necesidades especiales, si estableces un Fideicomiso para Necesidades Especiales con tus fondos para el beneficio de tu ser querido con necesidades especiales, el Fideicomiso será tratado como un Fideicomiso para Necesidades Especiales Liquidado por Terceros.
- Si tu ser querido con una discapacidad hereda el dinero y luego lo coloca en un FNE Autoliquidado, cualquier dinero restante ante la muerte de tu ser querido con necesidades especiales o en la terminación de los beneficios, el FNE debe contener una provisión de reembolso. Esto significa que al Gobierno se le debe pagar dólar por dólar los beneficios proveídos.
- Sin embargo, si más bien creas un FNE Liquidado por Terceros y se le dan fondos apropiadamente para el beneficio de tu ser querido con necesidades especiales, ante la muerte de tu ser querido con discapacidades o ante la terminación de sus beneficios, el fideicomiso no necesitará hacer un reembolso al gobierno ni un dólar, y en su lugar puedes dejar cualesquiera fondos restantes a tus otros seres queridos, o a la caridad, ¡lo que quieras escoger!
Documentos Requeridos Mientras Incapacitado:
CARTA PODER PERMANENTE
Una Carta Poder Permanente es un contrato entre dos individuos donde una de ellos (el principal, u “otorgante”) le da al otro (el agente, o “apoderado”) la autorización para tomar todo tipo de decisiones (tales como financieras, de negocios ó bienes raíces) en su nombre aún cuando el principal después se quede mentalmente incapacitado.
CARTA PODER MÉDICA
Una Carta Poder Médica le da a otra persona la autoridad para tomar decisiones médicas en caso de que usted se encuentre incapacitado para hacerlo por usted mismo. A diferencia del Instructivo al Médico, este documento no expresa necesariamente qué tipo de tratamiento quiere usted recibir. Usted puede dejar esas decisiones a su apoderado (a veces llamado agente ó representante) si usted así lo desea. Lo ideal sería que ambos documentos se complementen.
INSTRUCTIVO AL MÉDICO
El Instructivo al Medico, conocido como un Testamento en Vivo, Directivo al Doctor, ó Directivo Medico, establece sus deseos con respecto a qué tratamientos médicos extendidos quiere que le nieguen ó que le proveen en caso que usted no pueda comunicar estos deseos. El Instructivo al Medico crea contrato con el doctor que lo atiende. Una vez que el doctor recibe dicha Instrucción debidamente firmada y notariada, él o ella tienen la obligación de honrar sus instrucciones o cerciorarse de que usted sea transferido al cuidado de otro doctor que sí lo haga. Muchas personas creen erróneamente que el Instructivo al Medico sólo se usa para prevenir el uso de los tratamientos que prolongan la vida. De hecho, algunas personas quieren hacer notar que a ellos les gustaría que se agoten todos los recursos médicos posibles; el Instructivo al Medico es el documento apropiado para hacerlo.
HIPAA AUTHORIZACION PARA LIBERAR EXPEDIENTES MEDICOS
La Ley de Portabilidad y Responsabilidad del Seguro Médico (HIPAA) limita la divulgación de “información de salud individualmente identificable.” De acuerdo con las regulaciones federales, una autorización para liberar registros médicos permite a los proveedores de salud divulgar y discutir abiertamente información de salud individualmente identificable con miembros de su familia y/o amigos designados en la autorización, independientemente de su estado de salud. Una Autorización para Liberar Expedientes Médicos también sobrevive a su muerte, a diferencia de un Poder de Abogado Médico.
DESIGNACIÓN DE TUTOR
La Designación de Tutor es el documento a través del cual usted indica quién será el tutor de su persona, de su propiedad, o de ambos. Este documento entra en efecto en caso de que usted se encuentre incapacitado y no haya otorgado algún poder válido para que alguien tome decisiones en su nombre. El Juzgado usará este documento cuando se tenga que determinar quién deberá ser nombrado como su tutor y quién tomará decisiones en su nombre.
Documentos Necesarios Después De Fallecer:
TESTAMENTO
El Testamento es un documento que indica cómo le gustaría que se distribuyan sus bienes reales y personales después de su defunción. Este documento será válido a menos de que sea revocado por usted mismo. Un Testamento puedo ser algo muy sencillo como repartir su propiedad a su pareja u otros seres queridos, ó algo más complejo cómo colocar su propiedad en un fideicomiso para el beneficio de sus herederos.
AGENTE PARA CONTROLAR LA DISPOSICION DE LOS RESTOS
Un Agente Para Controlar la Disposición de los Restos, también conocida como Declaración Jurada de Autorización de Disposición Corporal. Un Agente Para Controlar la Disposición es instrucciones escritas que describen muchos requisitos diferentes según los deseos del difunto. Las especificaciones no se limitan a lo siguiente: donde el cuerpo debe ser enterrado, donde las cenizas se dispersarán después de la cremación, el presupuesto para un servicio memorial o un funeral, así como el tipo de ceremonia a realizar (religiosa, etc.). El Código de Salud y Seguridad de Texas, Sección 711.002 (a) proporciona una lista de prioritaria de individuos que tienen el derecho de controlar la disposición de los restos del difunto en ausencia de instrucciones escritas o un agente nombrado.
La lista prioritaria sigue en este orden: el cónyuge sobreviviente del difunto; Cualquiera de los hijos sobrevivientes del difunto: Cualquiera de los padres sobrevivientes del difunto; Cualquiera de los hermanos adultos sobrevivientes del difunto; O cualquier persona adulta en el siguiente grado de parentesco en el orden designado por ley para heredar el del difunto. Es importante señalar que esta lista no otorga este derecho a un socio sobreviviente. Por lo tanto, es esencial para las parejas del mismo sexo para ejecutar este documento. Planificación para la disposición de los restos ayudara a salvar a las partes sobrevivientes de cualquier desacuerdo sobre como el cuerpo debe ser manejado el cuerpo después de la muerte. También aliviara la carga emocional al ayudar a estas personas a concertar sus energías en lidiar con la perdida de su ser querido.
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