Elder Law Articles

In at least one area, Pennsylvania has agreed to follow the rest of the nation, and the result makes its residents’ lives easier. By passing legislation that was effective January 1, 2025, Pennsylvania is no longer the last holdout on how certain trusts are taxed.

How do I provide for the anticipated future needs of my disabled child without compromising their ability to qualify for government benefits? A special needs trust (sometimes also called a supplemental needs trust) can be a way to bridge that gap.

A power of attorney is one of the most important legal documents in any estate or elder law plan. It gives another person broad authority to act on your behalf during your lifetime. Because circumstances change, however, it is sometimes necessary to revoke or update a power of attorney to ensure it still reflects your wishes and protects your interests under Pennsylvania law.

In Pennsylvania, the law does not provide unmarried couples with the same automatic protections that legally married spouses receive. Without proper planning, a surviving partner may face serious financial and legal uncertainty.

Deciding whether to sell your home to pay for long-term care is a major financial and legal decision, and one that should never be made based on assumptions or internet myths. At Knox Law, we help Pennsylvania families understand their options, protect their assets, and navigate Medicaid eligibility with confidence.

Understanding how Medicaid works, and especially how eligibility is determined, is essential to protecting assets, avoiding costly mistakes, and securing the care you or your loved one needs. The following sections outline key Medicaid concepts every Pennsylvania family should know.

With nursing home costs in many parts of the state often exceeding $10,000 to $15,000 per month, a single mistake in Medicaid planning can lead to massive, unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

For individuals navigating estate planning and wealth preservation, irrevocable trusts offer a powerful and strategic vehicle for protecting inherited assets, minimizing death taxes and, to some extent, income taxes, and ensuring generational continuity. A particularly beneficial structure involves placing inherited assets into an irrevocable trust.

Long-term care (nursing home) costs are significant. In Pennsylvania, the average monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home facility for 2024 was nearly $13,000, or $156,000 annually. Especially for retirees on a fixed income, this amount could wipe out all or most of one’s lifetime savings. Medicaid, a federal program providing public health insurance for people with low income, can be an important asset protection tool for those who qualify.

Working with an experienced Pennsylvania estate planning attorney is the most effective way to ensure your Will is valid, enforceable, and tailored to your circumstances.

Medical Powers of Attorney (often referred to as healthcare powers of attorney, or Advance Directives) are essential to a comprehensive estate and/or elder law plan.

A guardianship is a court-imposed arrangement for incapacitated individuals, whereas a power of attorney (POA) is a voluntary document that allows a competent person to appoint an agent of their choice to make decisions on their behalf.

May is Elder Law Month! To celebrate, we’re answering some frequently asked questions about topics relevant to older Pennsylvanians and their families. 

When meeting with an elder law attorney, it is important to come prepared with relevant information and documentation to make the most of your time. Here is a general checklist of items you should bring to an appointment with an elder law attorney.

The New Year serves as a natural point for reflection and goal-setting. One reset can include planning for your future through estate planning and elder law considerations. Here are 7 reasons why it is important.