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Monday, August 1, 2011

Testamentary Planning for Will of Husband When Ill Wife Remains in the Community

A client of mine in his forties has an ill wife who will not need nursing home care but requires and will require home care.

Clearly, Medicaid does not pay for home care on a long term basis. Therefore, the format for a testamentary trust of the husband is a major consideration.

The couple have no objects of their bounty other than each other.

Clearly, a restrictive trust or a special needs trust would serve no purpose since the wife receives $2,300.00 in income from a state pension. Therefore, in this situation it would be recommended that the husband's will provide for the wife with discretionary income with broad standards so that she can live in the best manner available. Such language might be "the trustee shall distribute income and principal to or for the benefit of my wife for her health, comfort, welfare and support so that she can live in the best standard and accommodations available."

The inclination to make a restrictive trust should be avoided.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice and each person may have unique facts for which legal consultation may be necessary.
© August 2011, Post 156

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