top of page

Law Journal
Categories
Archives
Recent News


Choosing the Best Estate Planning Attorney in Texas
When it comes to planning for the future, making sure your assets and loved ones are protected is a priority. Estate planning is a thoughtful process that requires careful consideration and expert guidance. Finding the right legal professional to help you navigate this can make all the difference. If you live in McKinney, Texas, and want to secure your legacy, understanding how to choose the best Texas estate lawyers is essential.
Taylor Willingham
Aug 124 min read


Medicaid Planning Strategy: How a Self-Settled Trust Can Help Protect Assets
When planning for long-term care, many families worry about how to preserve what little is left of a loved one’s savings—especially when Medicaid’s strict income and asset rules come into play.
Fortunately, there’s a lesser-known but powerful tool that may offer relief: the self-settled trust. If your parent is single and has limited resources, this strategy might be a way to protect their remaining assets while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Taylor Willingham
Aug 63 min read


How to Avoid the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) in Texas
When a loved one is facing the high costs of long-term care, families often ask: Is there any way to preserve part of our savings for the next generation?
The answer—sometimes—is yes. One time-tested method that elder law attorneys use is called the Half-a-Loaf Strategy. Though the name might sound unusual, this approach combines two powerful tools—gifting and annuities—to help families shelter a portion of their assets while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Taylor Willingham
Jul 232 min read


Is Your Estate Plan Vacation-Ready? Here’s Your 3-Step Summer Refresh
Summer is a season for sunshine, adventure, and family—but it’s also a good time to pause and ask: Is your estate plan still working for you?
Taylor Willingham
Jun 212 min read


The Half-a-Loaf Strategy: A Smart Way to Preserve Assets During Medicaid Planning
When a loved one is facing the high costs of long-term care, families often ask: Is there any way to preserve part of our savings for the next generation?
The answer—sometimes—is yes. One time-tested method that elder law attorneys use is called the Half-a-Loaf Strategy. Though the name might sound unusual, this approach combines two powerful tools—gifting and annuities—to help families shelter a portion of their assets while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Let’s break it
Taylor Willingham
Jun 103 min read


Using Annuities in Medicaid Planning: A Complex but Powerful Strategy
When planning for long-term care, one of the biggest challenges families face is how to legally protect assets while still qualifying for Medicaid. One lesser-known but highly strategic tool is the use of annuities—a financial product that, when used properly, can convert countable resources into non-countable income.
Taylor Willingham
May 313 min read


The Primary Residence Strategy in Medicaid Planning: How Your Home Can Help Protect Assets
When it comes to qualifying for Medicaid, many people are surprised to learn that your home—often your most valuable asset—can be protected.
Taylor Willingham
May 293 min read


What Is a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) and Why Might You Need One?
When applying for Medicaid long-term care in Texas, income eligibility can become a roadblock for many families. Even if your assets are within the limits, having “too much income” can still disqualify you from receiving much-needed benefits.
Taylor Willingham
May 233 min read


Medicaid Planning: How Income Shifting Can Help Preserve Eligibility
When it comes to Medicaid planning, income limits can be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome—especially for married couples where one spouse is entering long-term care and the other remains at home. Fortunately, income shifting strategies exist to help protect a family’s financial stability while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits.
Taylor Willingham
May 213 min read


Medicaid Planning: Smart Spend-Down Strategies That Actually Work
Navigating the Medicaid application process is no small feat. Between income limits, resource caps, and the maze of rules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But once you’ve cleared the three major hurdles—medical necessity, income eligibility, and resource limits—the next step is figuring out how to legally and effectively qualify for benefits.
Taylor Willingham
May 143 min read


Understanding Medicaid Resource Requirements in Texas
To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must meet specific resource limits. This is the third major requirement, following medical necessity and income limits. Many people worry about exceeding resource limits, but understanding countable vs. non-countable assets can help navigate Medicaid eligibility.
Taylor Willingham
May 72 min read


Understanding Medicaid Eligibility for Nursing Home Care in Texas
Applying for Medicaid in Texas requires careful planning and a clear understanding of eligibility requirements. The first and most crucial step is demonstrating medical necessity—you cannot simply decide to enter a nursing home and expect Medicaid to cover the costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that determine Medicaid eligibility for long-term care, explain Texas-specific regulations, and discuss alternative options for assisted living.
Taylor Willingham
Apr 302 min read


Legal Tip of the Day: Don’t Sue for $5,000—Build Something Instead
As a lawyer, what I’m about to say might seem counterintuitive—but it’s a perspective that I’ve seen change lives:
Sometimes, the best legal advice is not to sue.
Taylor Willingham
Apr 253 min read


Do I Need a Will or a Trust? Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait
According to the AARP, only 4 in 10 American adults have completed end-of-life planning. That means the majority of people are leaving their families unprepared for one of life’s most important transitions.
Taylor Willingham
Apr 233 min read


How to Approach Home Repair and Insurance Claims After Hurricane Harvey
If you’re dealing with property damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, knowing how to approach repairs and navigate insurance claims can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and get the help you need.
Taylor Willingham
Apr 183 min read
bottom of page