Law Offices of Todd Gustafson

Attorney Todd Gustafson, Esq. - With over 15 years of experience, Attorney Todd Gustafson is eager to assist with all your Elder Law needs, including Wills, Trusts, Medicaid applications for nursing home residents, Probate, and Estate Administration. When you call, just ask for Todd!

Packett's Landing, right on the Erie Canal in the beautiful Village of Fairport - Enter the building through the glass doors in the middle of either the first or second levels, take the elevator to the third floor, and our offices are immediately adjacent to the elevator, Suite 340.

The beautiful Erie Canal, right behind our offices

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical A holiday classic from Meredith Willson, the writer, of the musical theater classic The Music Man! Based on the movie of the same name, Miracle On 34th Street tells the story of a single mother, Doris Walker, who doesn’t want her six-year old daughter Susan’s head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor Fred Gailey tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works. However, when it turns out that Macy’s Santa may in fact be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. There may be a $5.00 charge for parking. November 21-29, 2015

Fashion Week with Celebrate Rochester and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra!

Join us! Celebrate with the Calamari Sisters!

Park Avenue businesses are going to "Turn the Avenue White for a Night" to benefit the patients and clients of Trillium Health! ******** Thursday, April 16 - 6-...8 PM ******** Park Avenue businesses and staff will be decked out in white. Join us, dressed in your whites, to try out your look in preparation for our White Party this summer! Participating retailers include: Apogee Wine Bar, Ashby Madison Hair Salon, Body Mind Float Center*, Classy Cookie & Deli*, JM Parks, MAE Beads*, MansaWear...Uniquely You!*, Maxim Salon and Spa, One Hip Chic*, Parkleigh*, Peppermint Boutique*, Red Fern, Roam Café, Scratch Bake Shop, Stacy K Floral*, Sun Tan City, The Park Ave Paninoteca, Treasure Trove Vintage*, World Hair, and more! Look for the white balloons! *These retailers will be donating 10% of proceeds from the evening to Trillium Health. See more

Spring break special: Kids and Teens FREE at many area locations: http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/ Kids and Teens FREE at the Memorial Art Gallery.... Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Avenue Rochester, NY, 14607 United States See map: Google Maps 585-276-8900 585-473-6266 mag.rochester.edu [email protected] Meg Colombo in Arts: Visual, Drawing, Painting/sculpture, Home Schooling, Exhibit, and Special deal Season and/or holiday: Spring Dates: Sun, 03/29/2015 Mon, 03/30/2015 Tue, 03/31/2015 Show more dates Time: Tues-Sun 11am-5pm. Thurs open until 9pm Ages: 0-15 months 15 months - 2 years 2-3 years 4-5 years 6-8 years 9-12 years Teenagers All Ages Adults Family --------------------- Maple Weekend at Sweet Dream Maple Farm in Corfu Date: Sun, 03/29/2015 Time: All day Location: Sweet Dream Maple Farm YMCA -- Free Classes "Swim Lessons and Swin Classes at your local Y" JCC -- Free Classes http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com//50-easter-basket-treat

If you didn't move your clocks ahead last night, now's the time to "spring forward" and also the perfect time to check your smoke and CO detectors. Spring forward 2015 time change is here: Daylight savings time begins Today, March 8!!!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY !! March 8 is the global day for celebrating women's achievements & calling for greater equality. Tell your friends & make sure everyone on this planet knows because awareness raising is so important www.internationalwomensday.com #MakeItHappen

NFL Pepsi ! Go Rochester!!!!

Sunday Jan 18, 2015 on East and Chestnut Celebrate Rochester NY as the Most Hyped Hometown in America with Nico & Vinz!! Dress warm! ESPN / ABC Sports and many other media outlets will be ready for the 6PM concert!

Celebrate Rochester at Blu Bar and Grill 250 Pixley Road 6:30PM --!!!

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Larry and Jane Glazer. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. It was an honor to have known ...such a remarkable couple and we will truly miss their presence in our lives. From all of us at Celebrate Events, Richie Rich Catering and BTU Special Events. See more

With a heavy heart we join our entire community in grieving the loss of the Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson, who sacrificed his own life in the line of d...uty earlier this evening. Just as words fail to capture our sadness upon learning of his passing, it is equally difficult to express our sincere gratitude that this Officer and his many colleagues selflessly put their lives on the line every day for the safety of our citizens. May GOD bless Rochester NY and may GOD bless the citizen of our great nation! http://www.youcaring.com/m/remembering-daryl-pierson/228970

Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors that are making this event possible in Rochester, NY. Let's celebrate this weekend with the race for the ring!

The New York State Medicaid plan is the contract between New York State and Federal government whereby the New York State agrees to administer the Medicaid program in accordance with Federal law and policy. The State plan sets forth the scope of the Medicaid program, including groups covered, services furnished and payment policy. A change to the State plan due to changes in the Medicaid program is called a State Plan Amendment."

"Click and Clack," the mechanics-turned-comedians who launched one of the most unlikely -- and most beloved -- talk shows in radio history, have decided that 35 years at the wheel is enough.

Medicaid FRAUD - Hiding Assets - Do NOT do it. You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135 Good Medicaid planning does not rely on hiding assets or any other illegal means. When you fill out the application to receive Medicaid benefits, "forgetting" to disclose certain assets you own or not disclosing gifts you have made to family members, is not a good idea. This is called Medicaid fraud, and anyone convicted of this is liable to the Federal Government for damages, penalties, costs, and criminal penalties, as well as being barred from Medicaid for up to one year. Plus NYS penalties.

Medicaid Education Video for presentation 2 at Todd Gustafson Law Firm with permission

Comprehensive Senior Community Wellness Programs are proving to be cost-effective. Many senior communities are partnering up with local support agencies. NYCHA helps promote good health among seniors through a partnership with the NYS Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). NYCHA and DOHMH offer health screenings, nutrition workshops, exercise classes, medical referrals, immunization campaigns for flu and pneumonia, and mental health services through two seniors programs: Reaching Out to Elders in Public Housing and The Senior Exercise Physical Activity Initiative.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney today said he unequivocally opposes "marriage between people of the same gender," drawing a contrast to President Obama's support of same-sex marriage.

Attorney Advertising Notice: These materials have been prepared by Todd Gustafson or RedTie Marketing for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.... Comments made by me personally will have my name after the comments. All other comments are written on my behalf with my permission and are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

Is estate planning and applying for Medicaid legal? YES! The United States Supreme Court reinforced this sentiment in affirming the above ruling: The legal right of a taxpayer to decrease the amount of what otherwise would be his taxes, or altogether avoid them, by means which the law permits, cannot be doubted.... Judge Learned Hand put it best in the case of Helvering v. Gregory (1934), Any one may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which will best pay the Treasury; there is not even a patriotic duty to increase one’s taxes. . . . Over and over again courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor; and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands: taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.

Did you know that the average basic nursing home cost is $308/day in Monroe County? It's tragic but true. A sudden fall, a heart attack, a stroke, an unexpected illness, or your elderly parent's frailty and disability brought about by advanced age can bring financial ruin to you and your family. Nursing home expenses could bankrupt all but the most affluent families. ... You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135 See more

You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135 ******** Over the next 15 years the number of people who need long-term care is expected to increase by 30 percent. Soon thereafter, the number of people likely to need long-term care is expected to increase even more dramatically. Estimates of the long-term care population suggest that the number of people with long-term care needs will more than double between 2010 and 2050. Government estimates suggest that the number of people using paid long-term care servicesin a nursing facility, alternative residential care (such as assisted living) facility, or at homecould nearly double, increasing from 17 million in 2010 to 33 million in 2050. --RTM

Five out of ten people turning 67 will enter a nursing home at some point in their lives. With nursing home cost estimated to reach $85.000 (NYS) in 2014, many people are baffled about or with how to pay for their care. ********* You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135

Is it possible to protect your assets and income, and still be eligible for Medicaid benefits? YES! With proper legal advice and comprehensive Medicaid Planning from a qualified Elder Law attorney, you or your family member or friend may be able to conserve your life’s savings and your income, and your home, for yourself and your Estate. Without proper advice and planning, under the Medicaid eligibility guidelines, you or your family member or friend will not qualify for Me...dicaid home care benefits in New York unless: **you deplete or spend down all but $14,250 of your life savings ! **you reduce the equity in your home or apartment to an amount under $758,000 ! **you contribute all of your monthly income, except $812, to your Medicaid provider ! **married couples are allowed $1,179 in income and resources of $20,850!

What if You Don't Die? Nearly 1 in 2 Seniors Will Become Incapacitated Before They Die...Don’t Put Your Family and Finances at Risk! Did you know that we offer FREE Educational Seminars in Monroe County? (585) 662-4135

Hospice Planning --Income and Asset Protection You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135 What is Hospice? Hospice is an approach to medical care for patients nearing the end of life. It focuses on pain management and symptom relief while addressing the patient’s emotional, social and spiritual needs as well as those of family members and loved ones.... Hospice lets patients and families share the end-of-life experience with dignity and, in most cases, in the comfort of their own home or place of preference. See more

When should you review your Estate Plan? (5-8, out of 8) 5. Moving to a New Location example: Moving to another state or moving from your current location... 6. Changes in Lives of Beneficiaries or Fiduciaries example: You wish to change your beneficiaries A guardian, executor, or trustee is no longer able to serve 7. Federal or state estate tax laws have changed 8. It has been more than 2 years since the plan has been reviewed by an attorney

When should you review your Estate Plan? (1-4, out of 8) 1. Yearly (ideally) 2. Change in Marital Status example:... Divorce or Death of a Spouse 3. Change in Financial Status example: Increase or Decrease in Assets Purchase or Sale of a Business 4. Birth or Death of a Beneficiary or Fiduciary example: Children, Children from previous marriage or to name a guardian You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135

Estate Plan questions? Does your estate planning attorney offer an annual review and maintenance? Todd Gustafson does! You can call and speak with Attorney Todd Gustafson on matters of Medicaid and Elder Law at (585) 662-4135

We can teach you how to direct your assets using a variety of methods including: * --Making use of the federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping tax exclusion to transfer assets *--Trust Agreements (including A-B, Crummey, Gift, QPRTs, QDOTs, QTIPs, GRATs, Life Insurance, Spendthrift trusts and others)... --Family Limited Partnerships --Charitable Remainder Trusts --Living trusts and life estates --Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements --Business Succession and Liquidity Planning See more

Many people incorrectly assume that there are no good solutions for these problems, or that it is too late for them to do anything about it. (1)- How can I obtain long-term care, either at home or in a nursing home, without depleting my life’s savings or losing my home? (2)- How can I protect my spouse from being impoverished if I need long-term care?... (3)- How can I provide for the care of my disabled child after I’m gone or need long-term care myself? At the Law Offices of Todd Gustafson, We do our work with compassion and understanding of the stress and emotional strain on seniors and their families when illness or injury forces a loss of independence or control. Call us, we can help you (585) 662-4135. ----RTM

These are frightening times. According to the Agency for Health Care Policy Research, the number of seniors who will need nursing home care is expected to double or even triple - by the year 2030. Do you have legal safeguards in place? Please call (585) 662-4135 Just ask for Todd

If your family needs advice about making your aging parents eligible for Medicaid, planning for satisfactory alternatives to nursing home care or sheltering assets from estate taxation while maintaining a secure standard of living, contact an experienced elder care attorney at the Law Offices of Todd Gustafson. just ask for Todd. (585) 662-4135

What Is Estate Planning and Why Do You Need It? Estate Planning is the process whereby a person develops a plan and prepares documents to conserve, protect, and distribute estate assets before and after death for the benefit of loved ones and charities, taking into consideration the effect of state and federal tax and administrative laws and regulations. It can also involve planning for the use of your assets for your care if you become unable to manage your affairs during yo...ur lifetime. If you own a home, have some savings, or own any goods such as a car or furniture, then you have an estate. Planning for the future will affect the financial security of those you love. If you don't plan for what happens to your estate upon your death, the government will make those decisions for you. You should have an estate plan if: *you care about who inherits your property; *you care about your health care treatment; *you are the parent of minor or disabled children; and/or *you want to avoid the public proceedings of a possible guardianship and/or probate. (RTM)

Mary and Frank From Webster: Great Question? ************* What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? --Medicare is a federal insurance program wherein medical bills are paid from trust funds that those who are covered have paid into. It primarily serves people over 65 and younger disabled people. Patients pay part of the cost through deductibles. --Medicaid is a federal-state assistance program wherein medical bills are paid from federal, state and local tax funds. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses.

Did you know? Sections 211 and 212 of the Retirement and Social Security Law govern NYS public employment by service retirees under age 65. The Section 212 earnings limit, determined by the State Legislature, is currently $30,000. http://www.nystrs.org/main/library/hbretd_main.html#211

CreakyJoints is a part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation which actively advocates on the State and Federal level for improved access-to-care. As the primary spokesman for GHLF’s & CreakyJoints' patient advocacy, Seth has traveled the world meeting with arthritis patients, families and physicians. In the U.S., he works with Congress and health-related Congressional Committees, participating in the national health care conversation on behalf of people living with arthritis and other chronic illnesses, as well as with employers, health insurance companies, local and state governments, and other patient and physician advocacy groups.

Due to a change in the federal tax tables, your net NYSTRS benefit payment may decrease beginning with the January 31, 2012 payment. The change affects those who have federal taxes withheld based on marital status and the number of exemptions claimed. Your actual tax liability for the year will not change due to the new tax tables. http://www.nystrs.org/main/library/TaxTables.pdf

Social Security is a government-guaranteed, inflation-adjusted, lifetime annuity. There is simply no financial product available that can duplicate what Social Security offers.

Talk to Todd about how to provide for a loved one, continue a legacy, and save on your taxes! "The laws regarding charitable giving and IRAs have changed"

The best summary I can make on those issues is that although there have been developments, nothing has changed in LGBT Tax.

A larger share of people's savings is winding up in IRAseven as estate-tax rules are getting trickier and the markets are growing more volatile. All of this is making life more complicated for widows and widowers, and could cause them to make significant mistakes with their money.