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Promotion Recognizes Legal Excellence in Elder Law and Estate PlanningFORT WAYNE, IN – January 22, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, is delighted to announce the election of Jesica Thorson as a Partner in the Fort Wayne-based firm, effective January 1, 2024.Jesica Thorson earned a J.D. in 2008 from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, and joined Beers Mallers 15 years ago. Her practice includes Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Asset Preservation, Trust Administration, Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Assistance, and Medicaid Planning.“Being promoted to partner is an exciting opportunity, and I am thrilled to grow my elder […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Your Power of Attorney (“POA”) or attorney-in-fact is the person who has the power to act in your place while you are still alive. Your POA is able to pay your bills and handle your financial duties for you. Your POA has no authority to do anything once you pass away. At that time, the powers provided to your POA cease.In your Last Will & Testament (“Will”), you will name a person to act as the Personal Representative of your estate. It might be your spouse, child, or a trusted friend. This is the person who will collect and inventory […]

Elder abuse is a significant concern in our society, but there are steps we can take to protect our elderly loved ones.Firstly, it’s essential to recognize the signs of abuse – physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. If an elderly relative shows unexplained injuries or sudden financial difficulties, it may be necessary to investigate further.Maintaining regular communication with our loved ones is also critical. When they feel valued and heard, they’re more likely to voice concerns about any mistreatment. Therefore, establishing a routine for check-ins, whether in-person or over the phone, is key.Educating our loved ones about the resources they can […]

A personal representative is the individual appointed by the Court to oversee the management of a decedent’s estate. Their duties often include simple tasks such as bill pay, but also sometimes include the difficult duty of marshaling, locating, and organizing, the decedent’s property. This individual typically works closely with an attorney who helps them throughout the probate process.A personal representative must be appointed by the Court and file with the Cour their oath to fulfill their duties pursuant to Indiana law and any directives set out by the decedent in the last will and testament. With that said most decedents […]

Estate planning is often a struggle between giving up control and receiving tax savings or other long-term benefits. For instance, to obtain the full benefit of the federal unified estate and gift tax credit (currently $12,920,000.00) or the annual gift tax exclusion (currently $17,000.00 per person per year), you must relinquish all incidents of ownership over the assets you wish to use to take advantage of such credits and exclusions. In other words, you must give up legal control over that particular asset (whether it is cash, stock, real estate, or anything else). Also, to take advantage of the Medicaid […]