Blog Articles

Book An Initial Call Now

Do You Need a ‘Pour-Over’ Will?

December 13, 2023
For those who want to avoid the court-controlled process that takes place after a person’s death (known as ‘probate’)—using a Revocable Living Trust is typically the best way to do so.
Read More

What’s the Secret to Saving on Funeral Expenses?

December 11, 2023
Pre-planning is the secret to saving costs on funeral expenses. Here are six ways to cut the costs on end-of-life services.
Read More

What’s Happening with Average Cost of Nursing Homes?

December 10, 2023
The cost of nursing homes and adult care grew by 2.4% in July, the biggest increase in any month since 1997.
Read More

What Is Elder Law?

December 9, 2023
Elder law focuses on the needs of people over the age of 65. The major areas of this specialty are estate planning, long-term care planning, special needs planning, disability planning, conservatorship or guardianship and elder abuse.
Read More

Why Did Melania Trump Want a New Prenup?

December 8, 2023
Page Six reports that, according to a source, Melania spent the last year renegotiating the terms of her prenuptial agreement with the ex-president, and that her new “postnup” is now in place.
Read More

Tax Strategies for Different Stages of Aging

December 5, 2023
We’re conditioned to think of 65 as the tipping point into old age. At least we used to. Actuarial tables combined with the attitude that ‘70 is the new 50’ mean that you can and should consider clients’ needs for protection from taxes at three distinct stages of old age.
Read More

What Must Assisted Living Providers Do to Protect Medicaid Beneficiaries?

December 4, 2023
Assisted living providers might be breaking state and federal laws in refusing to accept Medicaid or in attempting to evict residents without giving them an opportunity to appeal, according to two elder advocacy organizations.
Read More

Paying for Nursing Home Costs

December 3, 2023
Navigating the myriad of ways to pay for nursing home care can be overwhelming. However, with a clear understanding of nursing home costs and the options available, it becomes manageable. Understanding Nursing Home Costs Nursing home costs nationwide can be daunting. In 2021, a semi-private room in a nursing home averaged $$7,908 per month, with private rooms at $9,034. Even assisted living facilities, which offer a lesser level of care than nursing homes, can run upwards of $4,500 a month. Most people who enter nursing homes start by paying for their care out-of-pocket by using their savings or accessing equity…
Read More

Estate Planning can Protect Beloved Pets

December 2, 2023
Estate planning, once limited to human beneficiaries, has now extended to include beloved pets in order to provide for their well-being after the owner’s death.
Read More

Should I Give the Kids My House in My Estate Planning?

December 1, 2023
Somewhere along the way, homeowners came to believe a non sequitur of sorts, that the "American Dream" includes not only buying a house but also passing that same home on to their children.  Financial advisers have largely supported this tactic for passing along generational wealth.
Read More
Let Us Help You Through This

Reach Out Now

What Sets Us Apart
We understand this process can be difficult. We ease you through it with your best interest in mind.

Legal problems are extremely stressful, especially when your family, your health, or your freedom are at stake. At this point in time, you may not even be sure what kinds of questions you need to ask a lawyer, but that’s entirely normal. Whether your situation involves family law, estate planning, elder law, a criminal charge, or a personal injury, we will start by giving you all the information you need.

The way we see it, you deserve to get this information directly from an expert. That’s why we make it easy for you to get in touch with your lawyer, and we never ask you to sit down with a paralegal or assistant instead.

As our relationship continues, we will keep you updated about the status of your case every step of the way. Your lawyer will reach out regularly to tell you about any new developments, and he will also be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the process.

Join Our eNewsletter

Stay informed and updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter!
Subscribe Now!
Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III

805 Bigley Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302

Get Directions
Integrity Marketing Solutions - Estate Planning Marketing
Powered by