Louisiana Special Needs Trusts Explained: Special needs trusts (SNTs) play a crucial role in the lives of loved ones with disabilities. The primary benefit of a special needs trust over a typical testamentary trust or living trust is that it won’t disqualify the beneficiary from certain government benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, navigating the legal intricacies of setting up a special needs trust can be complex, especially given the unique trust laws and regulations of each state. Medicaid and SSI are needs-based government benefits that have specific income and asset requirements that change each year.
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Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC adds Brady Smith as Of Counsel: Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Brady Smith to the firm. Brady brings over 8 years of experience to the firm where his practice will focus on family law, estate planning, successions, and real estate transactions. Brady is a native of New Orleans where he attended Jesuit High School. He then attended LSU where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration, and attended Southern University Law Center where he received his law degree. He was admitted to
Naming a Tutor in your Will is a Crucial Step: It’s difficult to think about the situation where a young child loses both of his or her parents, but this is the time when a tutor would step in to take care of the child. Naming a tutor is often overlooked when preparing a last will and testament, especially when someone writes their own will. In many instances though, naming a tutor is the main reason for writing a will. It is not uncommon for someone’s final wishes to coincide with the default laws of intestacy. For instance, perhaps a
Magazine Selects Partner for Publication: Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC is pleased to announce that the Louisiana Notary Association selected one of Maro Petkovich, Jr.’s articles for publication in its periodical, Signed & Sealed. The firm was honored to receive the surprising news of the Association’s interest in its article on Forced Heirship and Collation and happily facilitated their publication of the article. Maro Petkovich, Jr. serves as the managing member of Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC. He is an LSU Law Center graduate and is licensed in all Louisiana state and Federal courts. His practice centers on creditors’ rights, but
Debt May Survive Discharge When a Debtor Fails to List a Debt in Bankruptcy: It is required that a debtor list all of his or her creditors and their most current address in the bankruptcy schedules. If they fail to do so, a judge may not discharge the debt. Listing all debts is required so that the court can properly notify the creditors by mail. Creditors have important rights in a bankruptcy, such as filing proofs of claim and objections, and not listing them deprives them of exercising those rights. If a debtor forgets to list a creditor on their
Five-Star Review! “They were very helpful and caring. They are great at communicating each step of the way. I am glad I chose them during a difficult time and recommend them to anyone who is looking for good counsel.“ Louisiana Family Law Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980. Our family law attorneys are highly experienced at handling divorces, custody, child support, alimony, property divisions, pre-nups, paternity, adoptions, protective orders, tutorship, interdictions, and more. We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience. Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us.
Why Having a Last Will for Separate Property is Crucial: It is common for married couples to acquire property prior to the marriage. This property is considered separate property. Because the order of succession is different for community property and separate property, it is imperative to know what will happen to your property if you die without a last will and testament. Often times, the intestate laws are in direct conflict with the actual wishes of the property owner. When that is the case, you should strongly consider creating a will as part of your estate plan. Classification of Property:
Five-Star Review! “Exceptional Professionals, and amazing people within their line of work. They helped me through the good and bads of a Divorce. Highly recommended Lawyers.“ Louisiana Family Law Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980. Our family law attorneys are highly experienced at handling divorces, custody, child support, alimony, property divisions, pre-nups, paternity, adoptions, protective orders, tutorship, interdictions, and more. We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience. Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us. Call us today for a free telephone consultation with a family law attorney.
Issues to Consider Regarding Finances in Divorce: Generally speaking, a divorce will have a profound impact on your finances both now and in the future. As Louisiana is a community property state, all property is presumed to be community unless proven otherwise, meaning essentially half of your net worth could be exposed via trial or in a final settlement. Furthermore, you might also be responsible for paying a joint debt that you didn’t know about or play a role in accruing. Tips for Paying Off Joint Debts When a Marriage Ends: It might be in your best interest to make
Section 8 Evictions Explained for Landlords: Many landlords choose to participate in the Section 8 program. Afterall, it offers the benefit of guaranteed rent subsidy payments. However, it may not always work out as expected. The tenant may stop paying their portion of the rent, seriously damage the property, or some other lease violation may arise. If it becomes necessary to pursue eviction, the landlord must follow not only state and local procedures for eviction, but also U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. As a landlord participating in the Section 8 program, it’s essential to understand and