Answer:  In addition to the documents and products such as those listed in the preceding question, an estate plan may include the process of qualifying an individual to receive government benefits such as Social Security/Disability, SLMB, QMB, Passport, nursing home assistance, or Veterans Benefits.  The estate plan may also include directing individuals to ancillary senior services such as those that assist with paying bills, contractors who specialize in home maintenance, repairs to accommodate special medical needs, information about durable medical equipment, assisting individuals to apply for discount drug programs or assistance with Medicare or insurance claims.

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By Attorney Dan Vu

For those on a fixed income, any increase in Social Security payments comes as good news. So the fact that Social Security payments will increase by 1.7% as a result of the announced cost of living increase for 2013 is good news to many seniors. This is a drop from last year's increase and may only result in around $20 more a month for the average beneficiary. However, this is still better than the 2010 and 2011 increase of zero percent.

Unfortunately, it is also true that Medicare is expected to be increasing its premiums in 2013. Coincidentally, the Medicare premium increase is expected to be around $20 more a month. So the cost of living increase may very well be consumed by the ever growing cost of healthcare.

So is the cost of living increase actually good news? I think that depends on whether you think the cost of healthcare would go up regardless of the cost of living increase. If you look at it that way, then yes, it is good news that Social Security will be increased to help cover the rising cost of healthcare.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (or in any attachment) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this communication (or in any attachment).

By Keith Stevens

As an estate planning attorney, I deal with deeds on a pretty regular basis. I run into a couple issues on a fairly regular basis, so I thought I would share some of the information I find myself telling people on a regular basis. Here's the first part below:

1. I don't have a copy of my deed!

I don't know what's going on, but I have a large number of clients who have never seen a copy of their deed. Maybe the title company never gave it to them after closing or maybe the bank never released it after the mortgage was paid, but whatever the reason it is surprising that such an important document is often a mystery to a property's owner.

If you want to see proof that you own your land, there are two potential solutions. Some counties in Ohio provide scanned versions of deeds through their auditor's or recorder's websites. While this is neat for some folks, the majority of counties in Ohio do not allow you to view deeds online. If you want a copy, you can instead go down to the county recorder's office in person and pay between 50¢ and $5 to get a photocopy of your deed. Don't worry about it not being an original, a photocopy is just as valid.

Because deeds are part of the public record, you can even ask to see deeds for properties that aren't yours, but remember that this is a truth that cuts both ways.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (or in any attachment) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this communication (or in any attachment).

Issue Two of the Domestic Estate Planning series by Melissa Reynard

So I’m sure there’s quite a few people who recognize the value of putting up your own food and making things last as much as possible.  Canning is a lost art in which plenty of new delicacies can be kept, all without using your refrigerator.  Ok, so your fridge doesn’t come into play when you are doing your Estate Planning but there’s still a lot of value in actually doing your Estate Planning.

So who does a lot of canning (and trust me this is important and ties in later)?  Why farmers of course!  All that delicious produce grown throughout the summer has got to go somewhere, and there’s only so many fresh apples, blueberries, and other wonderful things that a person can stuff into themselves which means you’ll have a surplus.  Hence the canning that has become a part of farmer’s lives.  And farmers generally have a farm.

If you’ve lived on a farm your whole life, made a good living, but maybe don’t have a lot in the bank it may surprise you that Estate Planning can still be for you.  After all, you have that farm and land and all the property that encompasses it and I bet you want to pass it along to your family.  Just like when grandma passed that super secret recipe for the family’s strawberry jelly, its a matter of memory, not just of finances.

It will surprise you to know that just because the farm has been in your family for generations, doesn’t mean it will stay that way.  If you were to enter a Nursing Home, and couldn’t afford your bills, a lien could be placed against the property and result in the land being passed out of the family.  So how do you stop this?  Our Elder Law Attorney’s may have the answer for you.  They can help you plan your estate so that land has the best chance of staying with your family.  Because after all, traditions and memories are important.

Apple Cinnamon Syrup

6 Cups Apple Juice

3 Cinnamon Sticks (or a tsp of ground Cinnamon)

5 Cups Sugar

4 Cups Water

3 Cups Corn Syrup

1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

In a large pot, combine apple juice and cinnamon and simmer for five minutes.  Set aside and in another pot, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil at 265*.  Add the apple juice and the corn syrup to the sugar mixture.  Boil for 5 Minutes.  If using cinnamon sticks, remove those now.  Stir in the lemon juice and fill hot jars leaving headspace.  Adjust in canner per directions.  Remember to add 5 minutes for every 1000 feet in altitude to normal processing time.  This should yield 6 pints.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (or in any attachment) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this communication (or in any attachment).