SJM_PROFILE_BegleyLaw_0722FINAL.qxp_profile 7 / 22 / 22 1 : 13 PM Page 1 B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T asset protection so con - sulting with an elder law attorney is wise to avoid any pitfalls . ” A Fixture in the Community Estate planning Begley Law also helps with estate planning , and John - Begley Law Group continues to raise the bar for empathetic legal ston highlights three es - service nearly 90 years after its founding . by MATT COSENTINO sential documents that while allowing them to remain eligible every individual should F HE WERE ALIVE TODAY , THOMAS BE - for public benefits . have . First , a well - drafted GLEY SR . WOULD PROBABLY NOT REC - general durable power of OGNIZE BEGLEY LAW GROUP , THE I Guardianship attorney is a crucial docu - FIRM HE FOUNDED WAY BACK DURING A guardianship is a protective arrangement mentfor it allows a person THE GREAT DEPRESSION . Under the through the court system on behalf of in - to appoint an agent to act guidance of his son , Thomas Begley Jr . , dividuals who are unable to take care of ontheir behalf on financial the practice has evolved from its original themselves or lack the capacity to make andother matters . Second , focus to become a pioneer in the fields of life decisions . Parents of special needs an advanced health care elder and special needs law , earning a children often assume they will always directive appoints a deci - stellarreputation for standing by its clients beentitled to make decisions for the child , sion - maker to speak to and resolving complex issues . but in the eyes of the law they must file doctors on a person’s behalf Begley has no doubt that his father for a guardianship when the child turns in case of a medical emer - would be beaming with pride if he could 18 . Guardianships can also be useful for gency . Finally , a will pro - see what has become of the business . elderly loved ones who have diminished vides a person with the “ I think he would be surprised and capacity . power to determine who will inherit their pleased , ” Begley says . “ When he started “ The importance of families addressing probate assets . there was no such thing as elder law or a the need to establish some form of a pro - “ We discuss the importance of each specialneeds trust . He represented banks tective arrangement is crucial , ” Ordog document with our clients , explain how and was in politics . It has changed drasti - says . “ Oftentimes families are simply un - itwould work in their lives and help clients cally but I think it’s been a good change aware of the need to have the authority decide who to appoint to carry out the and I think he would be proud . ” to advocate for a loved one , and conflict different roles therein , ” Johnston says . Joined by partner Ethan Ordog , attor - will arise with their medical , legal and fi - neys Adam Cohen and Marianne Johnston , nancial affairs . ” Estate administration Begley continues to provide a wide range Yet another area of expertise at Begley Elder law of services , often to people facing emo - Law is estate administration and helping Studies project that more than half of tional problems . executorsmeet the challenging demands people over the age of 65 in this country that arise after a loved one’s passing . The Life plans and special needs trusts willutilize long - term care . Long - term care attorneys are able to keep everyone on Begley has two important reasons for fo - insurance may be a planning option for thesame page during the process , helping cusing a significant part of his practice on individuals in their 50s when the premiums executors meet their obligations to the special needs law . “ I have a special needs are more affordable . This option may not estate , maintaining open communication daughterand a special needs grandson and beviable for older or chronically ill people . with beneficiaries and avoiding any un - I wrote a law book on special needs plan - Individualsshould meet with an elder law necessary litigation . ning , so it’s a passion of mine , ” he explains . attorney to discuss care options , how to “ People are dealing with a lot of tough BegleyLaw Group encourages parents pay for them , and available asset protection issues right now and the loss of a loved to prepare a life plan in order to ensure strategies . one , especially if it’s someone who is care for the child after they are gone . This Medicaid pays the cost of long - term younger or has passed away as a result of entails finding out if family members , carefor those eligible and Begley Law can COVID , is really hitting a lot of families perhaps other children , would be willing be of great benefit to those navigating the hard , ” Cohen says . “ From the estate ad - to act as guardians for the special needs complexities of the application process . ministration standpoint , the importance individual . It also involves detailing all of Johnston advises clients to be mindful of of following the proper steps and protocols the unique needs of the individual , from the five - year look - back period , in which is even more important now . ” medical and personal care requirements a person’s financial records for the prior Nomatter which of these areas a client totheir social preferences and possibilities five years are scrutinized to determine if needsassistance with , they are sure to re - for employment . the applicant made gifts . ceive top - notch service from a law firm Budgeting is also a critical step and “ If an applicant is found to have given that has been a fixture in the community allows clients to determine how much away assets during the look - back period , n for nearly 90 years . they are spending on the child’s care and Medicaidwill delay the start date for ben - what will be needed financially in the fu - efits , ” she says . “ People may find them - ture . They may decide to leave a larger selves in a situation where they cannot Begley Law Group portion of their estate to the special needs afford their nursing home bill and they 509 S . Lenola Road , Building 7 child than other children , and a special face a long delay before Medicaid starts Moorestown | ( 800 ) 533 - 7227 needstrust is an effective tool in protecting paying . There is a great deal of misinfor - BegleyLawGroup.com the individual’s inheritance and assets mationout there regarding Medicaid and SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 19 issue 4 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 62 |