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The Acronym Soup of Elder Placement
SNF, IL, LTAC, AL—these and many more are terms used to describe different placement options for aging seniors. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to decipher what each acronym means and whether it's the right fit for your loved one, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the alphabet soup of elder placement options—and how each one might fit into your loved one’s care journey.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Sep 253 min read


How Do I Qualify for Medicaid in Texas?
Qualifying for nursing home Medicaid in Texas can be complicated. Learn the basics of qualification.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Aug 222 min read


Why Should I Meet With a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)?
A Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) has unique experience and expertise. CELAs are true experts. Learn how a CELA can help you.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Aug 183 min read


Do I Need a Miller Trust?
A lot of people have heard of a Miller Trust (also known as a Qualified Income Trust or a QIT), but most people do not understand what they are used for. Miller Trusts can be a powerful tool for Medicaid qualification when used correctly.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Aug 142 min read


Using a Life Estate Deed for Medicaid Planning in Texas
Discover how a parent living with a child can use a life estate deed for Medicaid eligibility.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Jul 312 min read


How a Revocable Trust Can Be Used as a Medicaid Planning Strategy
When one spouse applies for Medicaid to help cover the cost of long-term care, the other spouse—known as the “community spouse protected...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Jul 233 min read


Estate Planning, Elder Law, and One Big Beautiful Bill
Congress recently passed what is being called the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation that makes permanent changes...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Jul 152 min read


How Should I Store my Estate Planning Documents?
Do you know where your estate planning documents are? What's the best location to store your documents?

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Mar 12, 20241 min read


When Should I Update my Estate Planning Documents?
There are a few times that you should consider updating your will or trust.

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Mar 11, 20242 min read


Five Scary Estate Planning Mistakes That Will Leave Your Loved Ones Haunted
Come October witches, ghosts, and scary faces start popping up all over the place. No pharmacy or front yard is safe! While we may enjoy...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Oct 23, 20194 min read


Four Important Steps to Take Before Downsizing
This year, I am proud to partner with other knowledgeable business owners to bring community members our “Downsizing Workshop.” These...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Feb 21, 20192 min read


In Our First Year
Next week, The Toups Law Firm will celebrate our first anniversary of being in business. Anyone that has started a business understands...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Jan 25, 20192 min read


3 Reasons to Update Your Will
So, you have an old will; does it need to be updated? There is no hard and fast rule that every x number of years you should update your...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Jan 17, 20192 min read


Five Things You Will Leave That Are More Important Than Money
Most of estate planning involves very serious matters like where your assets will go when you pass away and who would take care of the...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Dec 6, 20183 min read


Is Guardianship Relevant to Me?
A declaration of guardian document allows you to indicate who your guardian would be in the rare scenario that you ever need a guardian....

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Nov 15, 20182 min read


Understanding Your Advance Directive
In my experience, one of the least understood estate planning documents is an advance directive to physicians. This might be because the...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Nov 8, 20182 min read


What is a Medical Power of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?
A medical power of attorney allows the person of your choice to make medical decisions on your behalf, if you are unable to do so. This...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Oct 30, 20181 min read


What is a Durable Power of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?
A durable power of attorney—or a statutory durable power of attorney—allows the person of your choice to handle financial, legal, and...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Oct 25, 20181 min read


How to Choose Someone to Act On Your Behalf
First and foremost, someone you allow to act on your behalf is generally called a fiduciary. When you plan your estate you choose several...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Sep 20, 20183 min read


Navigating the Long Term Care Maze
Mom started having some troubles last year. At first, you and your sister were able to go visit her a few days a week and make things...

Ruth-Ann E. Toups
Aug 13, 20182 min read
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