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Death-with-Dignity bill introduced in the Arizona Legislature

January 29, 2016

On January 19, 2016 a Death with Dignity bill granting terminally ill patients the right to take their own lives with prescription life-ending drugs was introduced. The measure by Sen. Barbara McGuire…

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2016 ALTCS Financial Eligibility Criteria

January 29, 2016

Typically each year the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) income and resource eligibility criteria increases, effective January 1. However, this year the financial criteria remains the same as 2015. To recap,…

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What is a Special Needs Trust?

January 21, 2016

If you’re looking to leave part of your estate to an individual with special needs, you may want to take caution. Without utilizing the proper trust, you may affect the recipient’s right…

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2015- Cost of Long Term Care in Arizona

August 20, 2015

Genworth Financial just released its annual “Cost of Care” report in which Genworth Financial tracks the rise in long-term care expenses, which is a growing financial burden for families, the government, and…

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Alabama Agency Closes Author Harper Lee Elder Abuse Investigation

August 20, 2015

An investigation into potential elder abuse of the famous and reclusive author Harper Lee, now 88 years old and residing in assisted living, has been closed. Harper Lee, the well-known author of…

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France’s Richest Woman, Heiress to L’Oreal Cosmetics Empire, May Be Victim of Elder Abuse, Undue Influence

August 20, 2015

In recent weeks, a contentious and highly publicized courtroom battle has been brewing in Paris, France. At issue is whether France’s richest woman, Liliane Bettancourt, heiress to the multi-billion dollar L’Oreal Cosmetics…

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Coach Dean Smith Leaves Extraordinary Legacy

August 20, 2015

March Madness- Legendary Former College Basketball Coach, Dean Smith, Directs His Trust to Buy 180 Former Players a $200 “Dinner on Coach Smith” March Madness is upon us. This week, as the…

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Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Introduced Today

August 20, 2015

Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) reintroduced the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act (H.R. 670) today to allow individuals under the age of 65 with disabilities, who have the…

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Who inherits my property in Arizona if I die without a Will? My Spouse or my children?

August 20, 2015

Most people who are residents of the community property state of Arizona believe that if they are married and die without a valid Will, their surviving spouse will inherit their entire estate.…

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VA Proposes Three-Year Look-Back on Asset Transfers for Needs-Based Benefits

August 20, 2015

On January 23, 2015, The Department of Veteran Affairs proposed a rule that “would establish new requirements pertaining to the evaluation of net worth and asset transfers for pension purposes and would…

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No-Contest Clause in a Trust May Be As Effective as in a Last Will and Testament

August 20, 2015

A “No-Contest” clause is typically included in a Will or Trust to penalize anyone who challenges the validity of the Will or Trust. The no-contest clause typically states that if anyone contests…

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Medicaid Lien Law Post-Poned Until 2016

August 20, 2015

When plaintiffs in personal injury cases are Medicaid beneficiaries, their attorneys must consider whether the recovery may impact their clients’ ongoing eligibility for benefits and whether the state Medicaid agency has any…

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2015 VA Aid & Attendance Pension Rates: Important VA Benefit for Veterans or their Widows or Widowers Age 65 and Older

August 20, 2015

2015 Maximum Monthly Pension Benefit plus Aid & Attendance* Surviving Spouse                           $1149 Single Veteran                                 $1788 Married Veteran     …

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Welcome to Our Blog Feed!

January 21, 2015

Welcome to Bivens & Associate’s blog feed. We’re your local elder law, estate planning, and special needs trust attorneys here in Arizona. We provide attorney services and advice to folks throughout Scottsdale,…

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