Quick Clips from "The Levinson Firm Ledger":

May 2026

Hello, All! I hope everyone is having a wonderful May.

This month's check-in is dedicated to those of you who haven't reviewed your estate plan in a while… you know who you are. 

Over the years, we've talked often about the importance of keeping your estate planning documents up to date. Major life events (e.g. retirement, children becoming adults, the loss of a spouse, divorce, remarriage, or a medical diagnosis that may require long-term care planning) are all good reasons to revisit your plan.

But today I want to focus on another equally important issue: funding, also known as asset alignment.

Having well-drafted estate planning documents is only part of the equation. Your plan works properly only if your assets are titled and designated in a way that matches your estate planning goals.

For trusts in particular, this is critical. A trust generally controls only the assets titled in the name of the trust or those that properly designate the trust as beneficiary.

Whenever we create or update an estate plan, we spend time reviewing how assets are titled:

• Are accounts jointly owned?
• Do they have beneficiary designations?
• Should they be owned by a trust?
• Are retirement accounts coordinated with the overall plan?
• Are digital assets and online accounts accessible to the right people?

These details matter because they determine how assets pass at death, whether probate can be avoided, whether beneficiaries receive creditor or divorce protection, and whether long-term care planning strategies will work as intended.

Importantly, beneficiary designations often override the instructions in a Will or Trust. That means an outdated beneficiary designation can completely undermine even the best estate plan.

Even if your documents themselves do not need updating, your funding may!

Here are a few common examples we see regularly:

• A client purchases a new home but forgets to retitle it into their revocable trust after settlement. As a result, the property may have to go through probate.
• A client opens a new bank account years after completing their estate plan. Every other account was properly titled in the trust, but this one was overlooked. At death, that single account unexpectedly requires a probate estate.
• A client changes jobs and opens a new 401(k), but never updates the beneficiary designation. Instead of passing into trust for the children, the account passes directly to them outright—even if they are minors.
• A client names a child as a joint owner on an account “for convenience,” unintentionally exposing the account to that child's creditors, divorce, or legal issues.
• Beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts still list an ex-spouse or deceased beneficiary because they were never reviewed after a major life event.
• A client creates a long-term care or asset protection plan, but later retitles assets in a way that unintentionally disrupts the strategy or impacts Medicaid eligibility planning.

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is: “I already signed my documents, so I'm all set.” In reality, estate planning is not a one-time transaction. Your documents and your asset titling must work together.

We generally recommend reviewing both your estate planning documents and your funding every few years, or even sooner if there is a significant change in your family, finances, employment, or health.

If it has been a while since your last review, now may be a good time to make sure your plan still works the way you intend.

If you would like our office to review your current funding, beneficiary designations, or overall estate plan, please contact us to schedule a planning review.

April 2026

Happy Spring! 

Last week it was 79 degrees; this past weekend was down around 40 degrees and cold and rainy; today back up to 70 and sunny -- so, typical Delaware Spring weather!

We are taking this crazy weather in stride and settling into our new office space at Linden Hill Station.

We had an open house for our professional partners a couple weeks ago. Thank you to those who attended, and for those of you who weren't able to make it, we missed you!

Please feel free to drop in whenever to take a look at our new space. We and our clients are loving the central location, bright open spaces, and easy parking!

March 2026

We've been busy over the winter months working on long-term care Medicaid applications for our clients, and it feels great to be welcoming the warmer days. Spring is almost here (believe it or not!), and we're excited to share what our Medicaid team has been up to!

Here's how our Medicaid department supports clients through this complex process: our team has been assisting families with their loved ones' Medicaid applications since 2003, giving us over two decades of experience. Over those years, we've filed thousands of applications, and we've introduced solutions that have helped make the process more accessible.

Here are a couple of our proudest milestones that helped shape our process:

• We were one of the first firms to help married couples use Medicaid-qualified annuities to become eligible for long-term care Medicaid while still protecting assets.
• We were the first law office in the state allowed to submit applications by mail, bypassing the in-person Medicaid interview.

We understand that applying for Medicaid can be stressful, so we make it a priority to provide attentive, compassionate support. In addition to our attorneys, we have a three-woman Medicaid team who guide clients every step of the way:

• Tonya has been with us since 2006 and worked at the Medicaid office for eight years prior to her time with us. Since 1998, she has helped file thousands of Medicaid applications.
• Dawn joined our firm in 2008 and has been assisting clients with Medicaid applications ever since.
• Allison, our newest team member, often meets clients in their homes or with caregivers at the bank to help gather necessary documents and verifications.

Our goal is to make the Medicaid process as smooth and supportive as possible for our clients during this challenging stage of life. We meet clients literally where they are-- whether that is at home, at our office, at the nursing home, or even at the bank. We take pride in offering experienced guidance with care and attention, helping families feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Do you know a family that could benefit from help with the Medicaid process? I would be honored if you sent them our way. Our team is ready to help! 

February 2026

A quick note for a quick month:

February has a way of slowing us down. Snowy mornings and early sunsets encourage us to pause, and that makes it the perfect time to reflect on the plans that protect the people we love.

Just as we prepare our homes for winter weather, it's important to make sure your legal plans are ready for life's unexpected storms. Are your powers of attorney up-to-date? Have you started paying for outside help at home? Do your loved ones know where to find your important documents if they need them?

A fresh layer of snow can cover what's underneath - but avoiding important planning doesn't make it go away! Taking a little time now to review your estate plan can prevent stress and uncertainty later.

If it's been a while since we last talked, consider this your gentle winter reminder. A brief check-in today can bring peace of mind all year long.

January 2026

Happy New Year!!

I hope that everyone had at least a little time to rest, relax and reflect during the 2025 holiday season. As joyous as the holidays can be, they can also be a stressful time. And what is more stressful than a move?! 

We have exciting news to share! January is our last month of seeing clients at our King Street location. That's right; we're moving our whole operation to our Pike Creek location!

My dad, Larry, started The Levinson Firm at our King Street location back when "Lawyer's Row" was the heart of attorneys' offices in New Castle County. But over time, the Court house moved further down the street, other lawyers left, and our older clients grew more and more concerned about city parking. King Street will always hold a special place in our hearts. But last year, more than half our clients chose to meet with us in Pike Creek. They commented on the more central location and easy parking. So when a larger office space in the same building opened up, we jumped at the chance to increase our footprint and make the move back to one location. We look forward to serving you in Suite 210 at Linden Hill Station! (Just across from Goldey-Beacom College; in the same complex as Chuck Lager and Scalessa's, for reference.)

Now that we're closing our King Street chapter - back to my thoughts on the New Year: January is one of my favorite times of year, not because of the cold and darkness, but because moving into a new year gives us a chance to start fresh and make some New Year's Resolutions! 

According to a YouGov poll at the end of 2024, Americans' most common New Year's Resolutions have to do with improving financial, physical, and mental health (e.g., 26% resolve to save more money, 22% resolve to improve physical health, and 17% resolve to improve their mental health).  

I checked to see how common it was for Americans to resolve to update and review their estate and financial planning (spoiler alert: not very common!!!) BUT I think it actually ties into all of the most common New Year's Resolutions listed above - resolving to get your estate and financial planning in order WILL improve both your financial and mental health. So, if you, like so many Americans have made a health or a financial resolution, I recommend adding these items to your list!!  

1. Review your estate planning documents

Make sure your will, trust, and powers of attorney still reflect your wishes. Have there been any births, deaths, marriages, or divorces in the family this year? If so, an update may be in order. Please request our Life Changes Checklist. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may time for you to come in for a review appointment with our office.

2. Confirm beneficiary designations

Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and annuities pass directly to named beneficiaries - not through your will. Double-check that those designations are up-to-date and consistent with your overall estate plan.

3. Revisit your health care documents

Review your advance directive to ensure the person you've chosen is still willing and able to serve. Consider discussing your wishes again with them, especially regarding long-term or end-of-life care.

4. Evaluate long-term care planning

If you or a loved one may need care in the next few years, talk with us about options for preserving assets while qualifying for benefits such as Medicaid or Veterans' Pension with Aid & Attendance.

5. Organize your important documents

Gather key papers - deeds, insurance policies, tax returns, passwords, medical records - and store them securely. Let your trusted agents know where to find them.

If, upon review, you feel you would like to make changes or discuss anything further, please call the office to schedule an appointment!

We hope to see you soon in Pike Creek!

December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, I find it's a great time to reflect on the past year. It has certainly been a full and meaningful year here at The Levinson Firm:

This year marked the first full year with our fourth attorney, Laura Poppiti. Bringing her almost thirty years of estate planning and administration experience and wisdom has been a great gift to our firm and our clients. We feel fortunate to have her - and our clients have shared the same sentiment.

Our second office location has also been a great success!! Each of our four attorneys sees clients in our Pike Creek office at least one day a week. Since opening, approximately half of our clients opt to meet us in Pike Creek instead of Wilmington. We have gotten great feedback from clients and families on the central location and easy parking. 😊

We were honored to be included on the 2025 Best of Delaware attorney list. This was especially meaningful because this recognition comes from our peers in the legal community.

We also received the Delaware State Bar Association's Christopher White Access to Justice Leadership Award for our commitment to pro bono service through direct representation, mentorship to new attorney volunteers, and continuing education offerings. To date, we have supported 75 families through pro bono work - something that remains an important part of who we are as a firm.

Every year we strive to provide our clients with even more excellent service and support. To do so this year we have added to our administrative staff, so next time you're at one of our offices, you may run into Samantha, Allison or Alexa—all helpful, smart, and hardworking women that we added to our team this year.

This year, we had the privilege of assisting over 450 families with estate planning, estate administration, Medicaid, long-term care, special needs planning, and guardianship matters.

We are looking forward to slowing down during the 2025 holiday season so that we can spend some quality time with friends and family and also that we can rest to start fresh in 2026!! I wish you and your family the same.

As always, we greatly appreciate and value your support of our firm. For 2026, we look forward to continuing to serve you, your family and the community with the utmost attention, compassion, respect and care that you deserve and expect from us.

November 2025

As the year winds down and we gather around the Thanksgiving table with loved ones, this season naturally invites reflection -- on family, gratitude, and the future. In our work, we often see how thoughtful conversations and a little advance planning can make all the difference when life changes unexpectedly.

The holidays provide the perfect opportunity to start meaningful family conversations, especially because it may be one of the rare occasions when multiple generations are gathered in one place.

Why these conversations matter:

Even though these topics may be uncomfortable at first, discussing topics like estate planning, health care wishes, or long-term care is truly a gift to your loved ones. Too often, families wait until a crisis hits to learn what Mom or Dad would have wanted. By having these conversations now, families can avoid confusion, conflict, and unnecessary expense later.

Starting the conversation gently:

It doesn't have to be a formal “meeting.” A quiet walk, a car ride, or time together after dinner can be a natural opportunity to bring up the subject. You might start with something simple: “I've been thinking about how we can make things easier for each other in the future. Have you ever thought about what you'd want if something unexpected happened?” The goal is to listen, not lecture. Encourage open discussion about values, wishes, and fears.

Topics worth covering:

A holiday conversation can lead naturally into reviewing:

Estate planning documents - wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations
Powers of attorney and advance directives - who will make decisions if someone becomes incapacitated
Long-term care preferences - whether someone would want in-home care, assisted living, or another option
Family heirlooms and sentimental items - often the most emotional part of an estate plan

A lasting gift:

Having these conversations now is an act of love. It ensures your wishes are honored, reduces stress for your family, and provides peace of mind for everyone involved. As you gather this Thanksgiving, consider giving your loved ones the gift of clarity.

If, after having these conversations, you realize that it is time to make some updates to your current estate plan or you realize that now it's time to put a plan for long-term care in place for Mom or Dad, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss further.

The Levinson Firm “Right Fit Meeting” for a Long-term Care Game Plan:

Did you know that The Levinson Firm specializes in not just estate planning, but specifically in planning for long-term care? If you know a loved one is in need of additional assistance or may be soon, we can review all of their estate planning documents, financials and current health and living situation, discuss their future goals and provide you with a plan outlining all your options.

If you'd like more information about our unique approach, email [email protected].

We hope these insights help you and your loved ones wind down the year with peace of mind and confidence. The holidays remind us that planning ahead isn't just about finances or legal documents -- it's about caring for the people who matter most. Whether you need to update an existing plan or start one for the first time, our office is here to help guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.

Wishing you and your family a joyful, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving season.

October 2025

Happy Fall, Everyone! 

Last month, I talked about some big changes in federal laws. This month, I want to tell you about a new law in Delaware. It's called the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act, and it started on September 30th.

This new law explains how people in Delaware can choose someone to make healthcare decisions for them if they ever can't make those decisions themselves.

In our office, we help almost every client make a healthcare directive. That's a legal paper where you:

Pick someone to make healthcare choices for you if you can't.
Say what kind of care you want (or don't want) if you're very sick or in a coma.
Say who can see your private medical information.

These forms are usually signed by two people who are not related to you and often also notarized.

Good News!

If you already have a healthcare directive from our office, you do not need to make a new one. Your current one is still valid and legal, even with the new law.

What's New in the Law?

There are a lot of changes, but here are the big ones:

Now, you only need one witness to sign your healthcare directive (before, you needed two).
There is a new sample form you can use. It gives more choices and details than the old one.
We will be updating our forms to match the new law better.

We're still learning more about how this law will work in real life, and we'll keep you updated!

September 2025

I hope you had a great summer!

Most of us here at The Levinson Firm were able to take some time off to be with our families. Now we're back and getting the kids into their school year routines!

Over the summer, there were some big updates to estate planning and elder law. A new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4th. It's a huge bill (870 pages!) and covers a lot of topics like taxes, student loans, small businesses, energy and education.

Some parts of this law affect estate planning and elder law, and we want to make sure you know about them:

Estate & Gift Tax Limits Are Going Up:
Starting January 1, 2026, the amount you can give away or leave to others without paying extra taxes goes up to $15 million per person (or $30 million per married couple).

Medicaid Rules Are Changing (But Not Right Away):
Retroactive Coverage (help with bills before applying) will only cover 2 months instead of 3, starting January 1, 2027.
➤ This means it's really important to apply for Medicaid on time and get everything in order ahead of time.

Home Equity Limit: If your home is worth more than $1 million, you won't be able to get long-term care Medicaid, starting January 1, 2028.
➤ For most of our clients in Delaware, this probably won't be an issue since home values here are lower than in many other places.

Nursing Home Staffing Rules Delayed:
The new rules that were supposed to improve staffing in long-term care homes won't be happening anytime soon. They've been pushed back to September 30, 2034.

As always, it's a good idea to talk to an experienced elder law attorney to make sure you're ready for these changes. Please call if you need us!