“You’ve talked on your radio show about kids being forced to pay for their parents nursing home care. My brother and I talked to our mom and dad about this. Neither of them had ever heard of such a law.
Dad is 74 and mom is 72. They’re both in good health, they own their home, don’t have any debts, and pay their bills on their social security and dad’s pension.
What should my brother and I do to protect ourselves? ”
The Pennsylvania Filial Support Law is the issue. In recent years Pennsylvania courts have held adult children responsible for the care costs for their indigent parents. These court rulings have sent shock waves through many Pennsylvania families. Some even pitting brother against brother – or sister – in court.
There are no correct answers that fit every family. There are some steps you should explore. First, seek the counsel of an experienced elder law/estate attorney. Have your lawyer meet with your parents and review all their situation in detail. You and/or your brother should attend that meeting with them to insure everyone is hearing the same counsel.
Second, your parents (and again you and/or your brother if possible) should meet with an experienced financial advisor. An experienced advisor can walk you through the components of an effective Long–Term Care Plan. A LTC Plan will explore all your financial options including, but not limited to, long term care insurance. It may even be reasonable for you and your brother to join forces on such coverage.
Finally, you all – as a family – should select the actions and options that best fit you. There are no right or wrong answers. There are only the answers that give your family the best possible outcome.
Should you need guidance in this process, please contact us.
If you have questions or comments, please send them to [email protected]
MoreThanMoneyOnline.com