What Good is Your Spouse For?

Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air! Today, we're tackling an often-overlooked but crucial subject—What is your spouse good for?   Joining us is Kim Christian, one of Long Island's premier attorneys in estate planning, elder law, and special needs law from the Russo Law Group. With years of experience, Kim helps families make informed decisions that protect their futures.   From Medicaid rules to retirement planning and tax strategies, today's episode is packed with actionable advice for couples. So, whether you're planning for the future or simply curious about how the law impacts your marriage, this conversation is for you. Let's get started!"   ·      Kim, tell us a little about yourself and your background. How long have you been with the Russo Law Group?   ·      Can you explain how Medicaid rules differ for married couples and single individuals?   ·      What strategies can couples use to protect their assets if one spouse requires long-term care?   ·      Are there limitations to what a healthy spouse can retain under Medicaid guidelines?   ·      What's one common mistake couples make when planning for Medicaid eligibility?   Section 2: Retirement Accounts and Your Spouse   ·      Why are retirement accounts such a critical part of estate planning for couples?   ·      What are some pitfalls in naming a spouse—or not naming them—as a beneficiary?   ·      Are there special tax-saving techniques available for spouses when inheriting retirement accounts?   ·      How can couples align their retirement planning to support long-term goals?   Section 3: Estate Tax Planning and Your Spouse ·      Kim, could you give us an overview of how estate taxes impact married couples differently?   ·      What is the role of spousal trusts in reducing estate taxes?   ·      Does New York State's estate tax differ significantly from federal estate tax laws?   ·      What steps should couples take now to ensure their estate plan is tax-efficient?   Section 4: Practical Advice for Couples   ·      For couples just starting the planning process, what's the first thing they should do?   ·      How often should couples review their estate or financial plans with an attorney?   ·      Can you share a success story where proper planning made a big difference for a couple?   Wrap-Up and Call to Action   For more information go to HTTP://www.VJRussoLaw.com.