We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney | Dent Coulson Elder Law

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Common Estate Planning Mistake #19: Failing to change beneficiary designations after death of spouse

Wes Coulson discusses a Common Estate Planning Mistake and explains the importance of changing your beneficiary designations after the death of a spouse. l Coulson Elder Law

After the death of a spouse, or even after a divorce, it’s important to look at and update, if necessary, any beneficiary designations you may have. Too often we see people lulled into a false sense of security by thinking their Will, which may very well cover what happens when each spouse dies first or […]

Will I have to pay gift tax when I put assets into an asset preservation trust?

Wes Coulson, IL and MO elder law attorney, explains why putting assets into an asset preservation trust will not trigger a gift tax liability. l Coulson Elder Law

One of the questions that we often get when we talk about the details of asset preservation trusts is whether or not putting your assets into one, to protect your life savings from long-term care costs, will require you to pay gift tax on it. When people think about gift taxes, they usually just think about […]

Don’t Fall Into the “Things Are Too Hectic Right Now” Trap

Wes Coulson discusses the importance of not giving in to the "things are too hectic right now" trap. Persevering through will lead to a better result. Asset Preservation Planning. Coulson Elder Law

Last week we discussed when planning should start, which we determined the sooner the better for getting the best results in protecting your life savings from long-term care costs. However, sometimes even the best intentions give way to daily life and the overwhelming feelings that may arise from the very situations the planning is intended […]

The Sooner the Look-Back Period Starts, the Sooner It Ends

Wes Coulson discusses the five year look-back period for Medicaid and why starting planning sooner is better than later for safely protecting your assets. l Coulson Elder Law

One thing that is a consideration during asset preservation planning is the look-back period. For Medicaid, there is a five year look-back period, and while they don’t have it yet, there is talk about a three year look-back period for VA Benefits. So, one of the biggest questions we get is: When should the planning start? […]

Can a Family Member Serve as a Trustee?

Wes Coulson discusses the misconception of trustees and whether or not you should name a family member as the trustee for your asset preservation trust.

If you are setting up an Asset Preservation Trust to protect your life savings from long-term care costs, you will need to have a trustee. Now, the word “trustee” may conjure up a negative image of a sinister character in some people’s minds, however, that just isn’t the case. Snidely Whiplash is not your modern […]

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Veterans Benefits O'Fallon ILFor Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs immediate help with a planning matter or legal issue, please contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.

774 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
O'Fallon, IL 62269
IL: (618) 632-7000
MO: (314) 567-9292

1901 South Fourth Street,
Suite 211, Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 330-5500

Fax: (618) 632-7333

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

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Free WorkshopsIf you have reached age 65, there's about a 45% chance that you will eventually need long-term care.

Our attorneys are available to speak to professional and social groups on a variety of elder law and estate planning topics without charge.

To book a speaker, please call our offices and ask for Karie Wines.

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