Shaffer Law LLC

Shaffer Law LLC Elder Law and Estates & Trusts

"I'll deal with estate planning eventually."Let me show you what 'eventually' looks like when it's too late:Scenario: Yo...
05/19/2026

"I'll deal with estate planning eventually."

Let me show you what 'eventually' looks like when it's too late:

Scenario: You have a stroke and can't communicate. You never created a Power of Attorney.

❌ Your spouse can't access your accounts to pay bills
❌ Your children must petition the court for guardianship
❌ Legal fees: $5,000-$10,000
❌ Timeline: 3-6 months while your family is in crisis
❌ The court may appoint someone you never would have chosen

Now imagine you had planned ahead:
✓ Your designated agent steps in immediately
✓ Bills get paid, care decisions get made
✓ Your family focuses on your recovery, not legal battles
✓ Everything happens according to your wishes

After 25 years in elder law, I've seen both scenarios play out hundreds of times.

One requires a few hours of planning. The other creates months of chaos during your family's most vulnerable time.

Let's create a plan today.

Big news at Shaffer Law! We are incredibly proud to announce that Ryan has officially been sworn into the Maryland Bar. ...
05/15/2026

Big news at Shaffer Law! We are incredibly proud to announce that Ryan has officially been sworn into the Maryland Bar. ⚖️

Ryan has shown immense dedication and a heart for serving our community throughout his journey. Having him officially join the ranks of Maryland attorneys is a win for our firm and, more importantly, for the families we serve in Worcester County.

Please join us in congratulating Ryan on this huge milestone! 🥂



Here's a number that should get your attention: $150,000.That's what one year in a local nursing home costs at $12,500/m...
05/14/2026

Here's a number that should get your attention: $150,000.

That's what one year in a local nursing home costs at $12,500/month.

Two years? $300,000.
Three years? $450,000.

The average nursing home stay is 2.5 years. That's $375,000 that could drain everything you've saved for retirement, for your spouse, for your children.

But here's what most people don't know:
✓ Medicaid planning can protect a significant portion of your assets
✓ Proper planning must happen BEFORE you need care (5-year lookback)
✓ Your home, your savings, your legacy don't have to be sacrificed

This isn't about hiding assets. It's about using legal strategies to protect what you've spent a lifetime building.

After 25 years in elder law, I've helped hundreds of families protect their assets while ensuring quality care.

Let's create a plan before it becomes urgent.

"When is it too late to do Medicaid planning?"The honest answer: It's too late once you're already in the nursing home a...
05/12/2026

"When is it too late to do Medicaid planning?"

The honest answer: It's too late once you're already in the nursing home and need immediate coverage.

Medicaid has a 5-year lookback period. Any asset transfers made within 5 years of applying can trigger penalties that delay your coverage while the bills pile up at $10,000+ a month.

But here's what most people don't know:
✓ Even if you're already receiving care, there may still be strategies to protect some assets
✓ Planning 3-5 years before you anticipate needing care gives you the most options
✓ Waiting until after a crisis limits your choices, but doesn't eliminate all of them

The best time to plan was 5 years ago. The second best time is today.

Let's discuss what's still possible for your situation.

The best Mother's Day gift isn't something you buy. It's peace of mind.This Mother's Day, give your mom (or yourself) th...
05/10/2026

The best Mother's Day gift isn't something you buy. It's peace of mind.

This Mother's Day, give your mom (or yourself) the gift of a complete estate plan:

✓ A will that reflects current wishes
✓ Powers of Attorney so loved ones can help when needed
✓ Healthcare directives that document care preferences
✓ A strategy to protect assets from nursing home costs
✓ Clarity about what happens next, so no one has to guess

After 25 years in elder law, I've seen the relief families feel when everything is documented and protected.

Flowers fade. Chocolates get eaten. But a solid estate plan protects your family for generations.

Let's create a plan that gives everyone peace of mind.

A Power of Attorney doesn't give someone power over you.It gives someone you trust the power to help you.Here's what I m...
05/06/2026

A Power of Attorney doesn't give someone power over you.

It gives someone you trust the power to help you.

Here's what I mean:

❌ Common fear: "They'll control my money while I'm still capable"
✓ Reality: You remain in complete control as long as you're able

❌ Common fear: "They can do whatever they want with my assets"
✓ Reality: They have a legal duty to act in YOUR best interest

❌ Common fear: "I'm giving up my independence"
✓ Reality: You're protecting your independence by ensuring someone can pay your bills if you're hospitalized

Without a Power of Attorney, your family faces:
❌ Court-appointed guardianship (potentially thousands in legal fees)
❌ Months of delays while bills go unpaid
❌ Possibly a stranger making decisions about your care

Let's create a plan that protects your independence and your family.

"My kids will just figure it out when the time comes."I hear this often. After 25 years, I can tell you what 'figuring i...
05/01/2026

"My kids will just figure it out when the time comes."

I hear this often. After 25 years, I can tell you what 'figuring it out' actually looks like:

❌ Your children spending months in probate court
❌ Paying $8,000-$12,000/month for nursing care that depletes everything you saved
❌ Siblings arguing because no one knows what you actually wanted
❌ The court appointing a guardian you never would have chosen

What 'having a plan' looks like:
✓ Your assets protected from nursing home costs
✓ Your wishes documented and legally binding
✓ Someone you trust making decisions if you can't
✓ Your family focused on your care, not legal chaos

Your kids shouldn't have to figure it out. Let's create a plan together.

04/30/2026

A will doesn't avoid probate. It guarantees it.

After 25 years in estate planning, this is the most common misconception I see. Your will is the instruction manual FOR probate court.

What actually avoids probate? Trusts, beneficiary designations, and strategic ownership structures.

Let's create a plan that keeps your family out of court.

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy? That misconception leaves everyday families vulnerable when crisis hits.H...
04/27/2026

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy? That misconception leaves everyday families vulnerable when crisis hits.

Here's what proper planning actually protects:
• Your family's ability to make medical decisions if you can't
• Assets from unnecessary probate delays and costs
• Your loved ones from financial burden during difficult times
• Peace of mind knowing everything is handled

You don't need millions to need a plan. You just need people you love and want to protect.

Let's talk about what planning looks like for your family's situation.

Without a Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive in place, your family can't access your financial accounts to ...
04/23/2026

Without a Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive in place, your family can't access your financial accounts to pay your bills or have authority to make medical decisions if you are unable to make them yourself.

Even spouses hit legal roadblocks without proper documentation.

This isn't about worst-case scenarios. It's about protecting the people who would step up for you when you need them most.

The conversation takes 30 minutes. The protection lasts a lifetime.

Let's make sure your family has what they need.

04/20/2026

"Will I lose my house if I need nursing home care?"

The answer surprises most families. Your house is protected while you're alive, but Medicaid can recover costs from your estate after you pass.

With proper planning, you can protect your home for your family. Without it? They might have to sell to pay back Medicaid.

Let's discuss your options while you still have them.

Address

11033 Cathell Road
Berlin, MD
21811

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14104207992

Website

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