The passing of a family member or close friend reminds us all how fleeting life can be. We cannot put off death forever, but we can prepare. Creating a last will and testament which expresses your intentions with regard to your money and property is relatively inexpensive and can save those whom you leave behind much confusion and conflict. Whether you are a young married couple with a new baby or an older person who can see life's horizon, it is always a good idea to discuss the creation of a plan for the orderly passage of your property and for the care of the dependents you may leave behind.

Sometimes, the life circumstances of you or your loved ones requires a greater degree of asset protection than a last will and testament.  In such instances, you may require the creation of a trust to preserve assets for the very young, or to provide for those who are not capable of caring for themselves.  It is often the case that the creation of a trust may affect a loved one's eligibility for governmental assistance, such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Income.  In such situations, you may require the creation of a "Medicaid" or "Special Needs" trust, which protects your loved one's right to use certain assets, including a home or automobile, without disqualifying that person from receiving certain kinds of government assistance. 

At the Law Offices of Peter E. Ricciardi, our experienced lawyers can help you in making complicated decisions concerning estate planning.  For more information on how best to manage your assets or the assets of a loved one, call us today.