Kilbourne & Tully, P.C.

10/13/2026

Dear Attorney Tully:
I am an 84 year old widow and I worked hard for what I have. I am sick of paying taxes. Real estate taxes, income taxes, sales tax, I am sick of it. I am getting older and am afraid that when I die, the probate court and the state will tax my estate. I own a house and have a few assets in my name. I want to give my estate to my children, not the state of Connecticut. I am thinking about a Living Trust to avoid estate taxes. I have a will. What do you think?

Learn Attorney Tully's answer to this question by clicking the link below.

Dear Attorney Tully: I am an 84 year old widow and I worked hard for what I have. I am sick of paying taxes. Real estate taxes, income taxes, sales tax, I am sick of it. I am getting older

10/07/2026

Caring for an aging parent is an act of love—but it can also create significant legal and financial risks for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

One important step families often overlook is a formal caregiving agreement.

A properly drafted care contract can:

Define the caregiver’s responsibilities and compensation.

Help avoid Medicaid penalties for payments that might otherwise be viewed as gifts or asset transfers.

Provide documentation of care expenses that may be relevant to Medicaid planning.

Reduce potential conflict among family members and heirs.

There may also be additional Medicaid planning strategies available to families, including the caretaker child exemption, which in certain circumstances may allow a parent’s home to be transferred to a child who has provided care for at least two years without a Medicaid transfer penalty.

The rules are complex and vary based on the circumstances. Before entering into a caregiving arrangement, it is important to understand your options and work with an attorney experienced in elder law, Medicaid planning, and caregiving agreements.

Caregiving is personal. The legal protections surrounding it should be, too.

It may sound strange but there are significant legal and financial risks that a caregiver can assume if they are not careful before entering into a caregiving arrangement for a loved one. It is important that you enter into a

09/16/2026

Losing a spouse is an unimaginable loss. During a time filled with grief, uncertainty, and difficult emotions, the last thing anyone wants to think about is paperwork, finances, or legal matters.

Yet, unfortunately, these responsibilities often cannot wait.

If you or someone you love is facing this difficult chapter, taking things one step at a time can help:

Obtain several copies of the death certificate.

Locate the will, trusts, insurance policies, and financial documents.

Notify employers, insurance companies, and financial institutions.

Make a list of assets, debts, and accounts.

Consider speaking with an estate planning or probate attorney.

Once the immediate responsibilities are addressed, it’s important to gently turn toward the future.

Your own estate plan may now need to be updated. Review your will, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, life insurance, and financial plan to reflect your new circumstances.

Most importantly, give yourself grace. There is no need to navigate everything at once. Lean on trusted family members and qualified professionals when you need support.

Estate planning is ultimately about protecting the people we love—and sometimes, that protection begins with preparing for the unexpected.

09/08/2026

Hope can make all the difference, especially as we age.

As Admiral William H. McRaven reminds us, hope gives us the strength to rise above difficult times and inspires us to keep moving forward.

For many older adults, hope means knowing that growing older does not automatically mean giving up the independence and dignity of living at home. With the right planning, resources, family support, and professional guidance, aging in place can be an attainable goal.

Home care options, financial assistance, and creative legal planning can help families navigate the challenges of caring for an aging loved one.

Sometimes, one person, one plan, or one conversation can make a profound difference.

Knowledge is power. Planning creates options. And hope reminds us that there is often a way forward.

Admiral William H. McRaven, in his inspirational book, “Make Your Bed,” wrote about the importance of giving hope to those around us. Admiral McRaven wrote, “Hope that in the very worst times we could rise above the pain, the disappointment

09/01/2026

Gifting assets "with a string" presents a unique approach to long-term care planning, offering both benefits and drawbacks. While it provides a mechanism for controlling how gifts are used and protects assets, it also introduces potential for conflict and complexity in family dynamics. Parents must weigh these factors carefully and consider their family's specific needs and relationships when implementing such strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the financial planning meets the long-term care needs while fostering healthy family relationships.

When considering long-term care planning for children, the concept of gifting assets “with a string”—a term referring to conditional gifts—can play a crucial role. This approach enables parents to retain some control over the gifted assets, ensuring they can reclaim

08/25/2026

Thinking about gifting assets to your grandchildren? 🎓💰

Gifting can be a meaningful way to help the next generation get a strong financial start—and it may also help reduce the size of your taxable estate.

But there’s more to gifting than simply handing over a check.

Some strategies to consider include:

Annual gifts: You may be able to make annual gifts within the applicable gift-tax exclusion.

Education & medical expenses: Certain tuition and medical expenses can be paid directly to the provider without counting toward the annual gift exclusion.

UGMA/UTMA accounts: These custodial accounts can provide a way to transfer assets to grandchildren while allowing an adult custodian to manage the funds while they are minors.

Estate and financial-aid considerations: Gifting decisions can have implications for Medicaid eligibility, college financial aid, taxation, and ultimately how and when your grandchildren receive the assets.

The key takeaway? A thoughtful gifting strategy is about more than the amount you give—it’s also about control, taxes, timing, and your family’s long-term goals.

Before making significant gifts, consider working with your financial, tax, and legal professionals to determine which approach is appropriate for your situation.

Gifting assets to our grandchildren can do more than help your descendants get a good start in life; it can also reduce the size of your estate and the tax that will be due upon your death. Perhaps the simplest

08/12/2026

Applying for Medicaid Title 19—especially for long-term care—can be far more complicated than it appears. While friends and family may have experience with the process, relying on informal advice can lead to costly mistakes, delays, or even jeopardize eligibility.

In our latest article, we explore why working with an experienced elder law attorney can make a critical difference, including:

• Understanding complex Medicaid rules and requirements
• Avoiding overlooked assets, documentation issues, and filing errors
• Developing a strategy tailored to your family’s unique circumstances
• Having an advocate when complications arise
• Protecting your financial future while pursuing needed care

When it comes to Medicaid, good intentions aren’t always enough. Professional guidance can provide the expertise, advocacy, and peace of mind your family needs during an already stressful time.

Read the full article to learn why Medicaid applications are best left to experienced professionals.

Navigating the complexities of Medicaid Title 19 applications can be daunting, particularly for individuals or families dealing with the intricacies of long-term care. While it might seem convenient to rely on friends and family members who have experience in the

08/05/2026

Before a crisis happens, ask yourself: Who would make decisions for you if you couldn’t? 💙

Many people assume their loved ones can automatically step in during a medical emergency or manage their finances if they become incapacitated—but that’s not always the case. Without a Power of Attorney (POA) and Healthcare Directives, families can face unnecessary legal, financial, and emotional challenges during some of life’s most difficult moments. Planning ahead isn't just about protecting your finances, it is about protecting your voice, your wishes, and the people you care about most.

Click the link below to learn more.

In an unpredictable world, planning for future uncertainties is essential, particularly concerning health and financial matters. The absence of a power of attorney (POA) or healthcare directives can lead to a multitude of complications that can affect individuals and their

07/29/2026

Congressman John Larson has emerged as a prominent advocate for seniors, particularly in his unwavering commitment to protecting the Social Security system. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Larson has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly and the crucial role Social Security plays in their lives. His advocacy is rooted in a combination of personal conviction, legislative action, and a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic factors that affect the senior population.

One of the primary reasons Larson stands out as an advocate for seniors is his recognition of the importance of Social Security as a lifeline for millions of Americans. For many, Social Security benefits are not merely supplemental income; they represent the primary source of financial stability in retirement. Larson understands that as the population ages, the demand for these benefits will only increase, making it imperative to bolster and protect the program. His commitment to safeguarding Social Security is evident in his consistent opposition to proposals aimed at privatizing or cutting benefits, which he argues would jeopardize the financial security of countless seniors.

Larson has also been instrumental in championing legislation designed to enhance Social Security benefits. One of his notable initiatives is the introduction of the "Social Security 2100 Act," which aims to expand benefits while ensuring the long-term solvency of the program. This legislation includes provisions to increase the minimum benefit, thereby lifting many seniors out of poverty, and also proposes adjusting the cost-of-living adjustment formula to better reflect the expenses seniors face. By advocating for such measures, Larson not only addresses immediate concerns but also reinforces the idea that Social Security should evolve to meet the changing needs of its beneficiaries.

Another critical aspect of Larson's advocacy is his focus on raising public awareness about the challenges faced by seniors. He engages with constituents, holds town hall meetings, and collaborates with community organizations to ensure that the voices of seniors are heard in the legislative process. This grassroots approach not only helps him to understand the specific needs of his constituents but also empowers seniors to advocate for themselves. By fostering a dialogue around Social Security, Larson helps demystify the program and encourages seniors to be active participants in discussions about their future.

Larson's advocacy is bolstered by his recognition of the broader economic implications of Social Security. He argues that protecting and enhancing Social Security is not just a moral obligation but also an economic necessity. The stability that Social Security provides to seniors contributes to local economies, as beneficiaries spend their benefits on essential goods and services. Larson has consistently highlighted the program's role in reducing poverty among seniors and its significance in promoting overall economic stability. This perspective underscores his commitment to ensuring that Social Security remains intact for future generations.

Congressman John Larson's advocacy for seniors and the Social Security system is characterized by a combination of personal commitment, legislative action, and a broader understanding of the socio-economic landscape. His efforts to protect and enhance Social Security not only serve the immediate needs of seniors but also contribute to a more stable and equitable society. As the population ages, Larson’s role as a defender of this critical program becomes increasingly vital, ensuring that the promises made to seniors are honored and that they can enjoy their twilight years with dignity and security.

07/22/2026

Estate planning shouldn't be driven by fear—it should be driven by facts.

Revocable trusts are often presented as the "must-have" solution for avoiding probate, especially to seniors. While they can be valuable in the right circumstances, they're not a one-size-fits-all answer. They require proper funding, ongoing maintenance, and can be more costly and complex than many people realize.

The reality is that probate is often far less burdensome than it's made out to be. For many families, a well-drafted will and a thoughtful estate plan may be all that's needed.

The best estate plan isn't the most expensive one—it's the one that's tailored to your unique goals, assets, and family circumstances.