Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak

08/29/2026

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, but families in State College and Altoona have resources available to help 💜

From caregiver support groups and educational programs to community services, care consultations, and local aging resources, knowing where to turn can make the journey feel a little more manageable.

Our latest blog highlights dementia resources available throughout the State College and Altoona areas for individuals living with dementia and the people who care for them.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Read more:
https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/442-dementia-resources-in-state-college-and-altoona-support-for-individuals-and-caregivers

08/28/2026

A parent’s dementia diagnosis can bring a lot of questions all at once 💜

Who will make decisions if they can’t? How will future care be paid for? Are their powers of attorney and estate planning documents up to date?

While a dementia diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a legal emergency, waiting until a crisis can make planning much more difficult. Early conversations may give your parent more opportunity to participate in decisions about their future.

Our latest blog explains when it may be time to speak with an elder law attorney and what families should consider after a dementia diagnosis.

Read more:
https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/438-does-a-parent-s-dementia-diagnosis-mean-you-need-an-elder-law-attorney

08/28/2026

Earlier this week, Attorney Julie Steinbacher appeared on Studio 814 on WTAJ. Julie (wearing her purple top in support of the Alzheimer's Association- Greater PA Chapter) spoke a little bit about how she started the firm, what we do and why it's important to get your estate planning done, and also about the firm's inclusion on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list that was announced earlier this month.

Steinbacher, Goodall, and Yurchak helps plan for that second half of life and recently had the honor of being ranked 3728 on the 2026 INC. 5000 list! Join us as we congratulate them on this accompl…

08/26/2026

Can a trust protect your assets from lawsuits or creditors?

Sometimes — but it depends on the type of trust.

A revocable living trust is generally designed for estate planning, probate avoidance, and incapacity planning, not creditor protection. Certain irrevocable trusts may offer greater protection because ownership and control of the assets are structured differently.

Timing also matters. Asset protection planning is typically most effective before a lawsuit, creditor claim, or other legal problem arises.

Our latest blog explains what different trusts can and cannot do, how they may fit into a broader asset protection strategy, and common mistakes families should avoid.

Read more:
https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/428-can-a-trust-protect-assets-from-lawsuits-or-creditors

08/25/2026

We spy Attorney Stacey Acri in the crowd, happily joining the Caring Hearts of Wyoming Valley in serving up some hydration to members of Kingston Aac through Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging earlier today.

08/24/2026

You created a trust — but did you actually put the right assets in it?

Creating a trust is only the first step. A trust generally only controls assets that are properly titled in the trust’s name or otherwise coordinated with it. Real estate, investment accounts, bank accounts, business interests, and valuable personal property may all be candidates, while assets such as retirement accounts often require a different approach.

Our newest blog, “What Assets Should Be in a Trust?”, explains what trust funding means, which assets may belong in a trust, which ones require special consideration, and some of the common mistakes families make after creating a trust.

Read the full article:
https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/427-what-assets-should-be-in-a-trust

08/22/2026

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone.

Families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania have access to valuable resources that can provide education, support, guidance, and hope during every stage of the dementia journey.

Our newest blog highlights:
✅ Dementia education programs
✅ Caregiver support groups
✅ Alzheimer's Association resources
✅ Community services available in NEPA
✅ Tips to help families navigate caregiving with confidence

The earlier you connect with support, the better prepared you'll be to navigate the challenges ahead and make informed decisions for your loved one.

Read more here:
https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/441-dementia-resources-in-nepa-support-education-and-care-for-families

08/21/2026

🎓 Turning 18 is a big milestone, but for families of children with disabilities, it can also bring major legal and financial changes.

Many parents are surprised to learn that once their child becomes an adult, they may no longer automatically have access to medical records, the ability to communicate with providers, or authority to help manage benefits and other important matters.

The good news? With the right planning, you can help protect your child's future while preserving as much independence as possible💙

Our newest blog covers:
✅ Guardianship and alternatives
✅ Powers of attorney and healthcare documents
✅ SSI and Medicaid planning
✅ ABLE accounts and special needs trusts
✅ School transition planning
✅ Long-term support considerations

Read more here: 🔗 https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/426-what-happens-when-my-child-with-disabilities-turns-18

08/19/2026

**ABLE account or special needs trust? It may not have to be one or the other**

If your child or loved one receives Medicaid, SSI, or other needs-based benefits, the way money is saved, gifted, or inherited can matter more than many families realize.

Our newest blog breaks down:
• When an ABLE account may make sense
• When a special needs trust may offer more protection
• How inheritances and life insurance should be handled
• Why some families may benefit from using **both**
• Common mistakes that can put important benefits at risk

This is an important one for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities.

**Take a few minutes and read this one—you may be very glad you planned ahead.**

🔗 https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/425-should-i-use-an-able-account-or-a-special-needs-trust

08/17/2026

🛡️ Will an Inheritance Cause My Child to Lose Medicaid?

For families with a child who relies on Medicaid or other needs-based benefits, leaving an inheritance can raise important questions. While an inheritance is intended to provide security and support, it could unintentionally affect benefit eligibility if not planned for properly.

The good news? With thoughtful planning, there may be ways to protect both your loved one's future and their access to essential benefits.

Read our latest Elder Law Q&A to learn more: 🔗 https://www.paeldercounsel.com/how-can-we-help-you/elder-law-qa/424-will-an-inheritance-cause-my-child-to-lose-medicaid

At Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, we're committed to helping families create plans that provide peace of mind for the people they care about most. 💚