What is a MOST Form and Do I Need One?

MOST is an acronym for “medical orders for scope of treatment” and is specific to New Mexico. A MOST form is a great tool for outlining patients’ wishes for medical interventions and end-of-life care when individuals have a serious or life-threatening illness. It consists of a set of medical orders which are integrated into the patient’s medical record and are … Read More

Reverse Mortgages – What Are They and Are They Right For You?

What is a reverse mortgage? Created in 1989 by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, a reverse mortgage is a home-equity loan for homeowners that are aged 62 or older. A reverse mortgage allows a homeowner to access the equity in their home, by turning equity into tax free cash. The homeowner does not have to make a … Read More

Special Needs Trust Fairness Act (SNTFA)

The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act (SNTFA) was signed into law by President Obama, after being approved by the House and Senate, in 2016. While Special Needs Trusts have been since the Omnibus Reconciliation Act was passed in 1993, there was an oversight when the Act was drafted. Before the SNTFA was signed into law, individuals with disabilities who had … Read More

Is There an Age Limit for Special Needs Trusts?

For Special Needs Trusts, as usual, the answer is, it depends. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are a way to save money for disabled persons that do not risk a person’s eligibility for government funded programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are three (3) types of Special Needs Trusts. They are: Self-Settled Special Needs Trust Third-Party Special … Read More

What does a Will do and why should I have one?

A Will, also known as a “last will and testament”, is a legal document that gives instructions to an agent, known as a personal representative in New Mexico, about how to distribute your assets at your death to people and/or charities named in your Will. A will can help you protect your family and property by allowing you to: -Have … Read More

What is the criteria for a legal Will in New Mexico?

Each state has different criteria for Wills to be legal or valid.  It is important to understand your state requirements when executing a Will. For a will to be legal in New Mexico: -You must be over the age of 18 years or an emancipated minor -You must be of sound mind -You must have 2 witnesses present who watch … Read More

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: 3 Ways to Recognize, Celebrate, and Support People with Special Needs

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! While many advances have been made for people with developmental disabilities, there is still a long road ahead. In the Special Needs Alliance article, Robert B. Fleming, discusses advances and setbacks surrounding developmentally disabled people from 1987 to present. How can we recognize, celebrate, and help support those with Developmental Disabilities? Here are a … Read More

How 529 Plans are Opening Doors to the Disabled

When you think of a 529 plan, you probably think of the 529 college-savings plan. Well, there’s a new 529 plan available now – the 529 ABLE (“Achieving a Better Life Experience”) account. The 529 ABLE account will provide eligible disabled people a savings vehicle that offers the same tax-free growth as a 529 college-savings plan provides. In December 2014, … Read More