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Beers Mallers, LLP, Announces Mike Hoffman as Newly Elected Partner in Fort Wayne Office
Promotion Highlights Dedication to Real Estate Law and Client SuccessFORT WAYNE, IN – January 30, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, a leading law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is delighted to announce the election of Mike Hoffman as a Partner, effective January 1, 2024.Hoffman, who joined Beers Mallers in 2018, received his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2012. His practice focuses on Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Construction Law, and General Business.“Being promoted to partner is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to growing my practice areas of commercial and residential real […]
Beers Mallers, LLP, Celebrates Troy Kiefer’s Promotion to Partner in Fort Wayne Office
Election Showcases Excellence in Elder Law and Estate Planning FORT WAYNE, IN – January 30, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, a leading law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is pleased to announce the election of Troy Kiefer as a Partner, effective January 1, 2024. Kiefer earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2008, and joined Beers Mallers in 2020. His practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Medicaid Planning, Guardianships, and Special Needs Trusts. “I am honored and thrilled to become a partner at Beers Mallers, LLP, and I look forward to continuing to serve […]
Are There Alternatives to Probate for Small Estates? by William J. Stockdale
Indiana law requires that all estates with probate assets exceeding $100,000 go through formal court administration, called probate. There are many ways to avoid probate, such as establishing a revocable living trust, using beneficiary and transfer on death designations, and joint ownership. Every plan has its pros and cons, but what can be done to keep things simple for smaller estates without substantial assets?Under Indiana Law, estates with assets under $100,000 can use small estate procedures. Rather than the nominated Personal Representative submitting the Will to a Court, being appointed, publishing notice in the newspaper, sending letters to creditors, etc., […]
Selecting the Right Nursing Home by Troy C. Kiefer
Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one is a significant decision. The goal is to find a facility that ensures the safety, comfort, and well-being of the resident. Firstly, consider the location. A nursing home close to family members allows for more frequent visits, which is vital for the emotional health of your loved one. Regular visits also enable you to monitor the care being provided. Secondly, assess the quality of care. Research each facility’s reputation and track record. Check state health department records for any violations. During visits, observe the interaction between staff and residents and ask […]
What is a recent “hot topic” encountered in the elder law practice? by Kurt R. Bachman
Too often we see wealthy widows and widowers preyed upon by a subsequent non-wealthy significant other who abuses a romantic relationship to gain access to the finances and real estate of the wealthy significant other. The dilemmas of these situations are obvious and difficult. For example, the wealthy widow/widower is emotional from the loss of their first spouse but finds comfort in someone who comes along and pays attention to them. Over time, trust is built, and the widow/widower marries the subsequent non-wealthy significant other who eventually gains access to the finances and real estate of the wealthy significant other, […]
Does receiving an inheritance jeopardize my Medicaid benefits? by Janell M. Sprinkle
Most likely, yes. In Indiana, a single individual must have less than $2,000 in assets to receive Medicaid benefits. If your inheritance, combined with existing assets, causes your assets to exceed this limit, Medicaid benefits will stop. To reestablish benefits, you must reapply for Medicaid eligibility once the assets are reduced. Please note that waiving the inheritance, or gifting it to friends or family, will trigger penalties and will also result in a loss of benefits. There are ways to avoid this loss. One way is to spend the inheritance on goods or services prior to the end of the […]
Does My Will Control All My Assets When I Die? by William J. Stockdale
Contrary to popular belief, a Last Will and Testament does not necessarily have the final say about what happens to a person’s assets when they die. Setting aside the claims of creditors, the role of a Last Will and Testament is to control the distribution of Probate Assets. Probate Assets are properties owned in the decedent’s name, which do not have a joint owner or designated beneficiary. The Last Will and Testament only controls the Probate Assets.Any real estate, account, investment, or any other property held by a joint tenant with rights of survivorship will automatically pass by law to […]