East Coast Elder Law

09/29/2026

Estate and trust planning isn't just paperwork — it's catching the details that make the difference down the road. Shannon and our team take the time to dig into the specifics of each family's situation, flagging things clients often haven't thought to ask about, and walking through exactly why they matter.

That's the kind of guidance that turns a good plan into the right plan for your family.

09/28/2026

MYTH: "A Power of Attorney, a Will, and a Trust are all basically the same thing — I just need one of them."

FACT: Each document does something different. A Power of Attorney lets someone act for you while you're alive. A Will directs what happens to your assets after you pass, through probate. A Trust can manage and distribute assets during your life and after, often avoiding probate. A comprehensive plan usually needs more than one working together — not a single document standing in for all three.

📌 One-size-fits-all doesn't fit an estate plan. Let's build yours around what you actually need.

09/25/2026

❓ FAQ: "What's actually the difference between a will and a trust?"

A will takes effect after you pass away and typically goes through probate — the court process of validating and administering an estate. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate, and can offer more control over how and when assets are distributed.

Most comprehensive estate plans use both, working together — not one instead of the other.

09/23/2026

📖 Word of the Week: HIPAA Authorization

A signed release that allows specific people you name — like a parent — to access your medical records and speak with healthcare providers on your behalf. Without it, providers legally cannot share your health information, even with immediate family.

🔑 Especially relevant for: college students, adult children living independently, and anyone who wants a loved one to be able to get real answers in an emergency.

09/22/2026

Estate planning isn't a one-and-done transaction — it's an ongoing relationship. This family has had a great experience not just with Shannon, but with our team every step of the way, and we're looking forward to continuing to support them for years to come.

Welcome to the East Coast Elder Law family! 💛

09/22/2026

09/21/2026

MYTH: "Estate planning is a 'set it and forget it' game — draft it once, like a fantasy football roster, and you're covered for life."

FACT: Unlike a fantasy team, your estate plan doesn't reset each season — but it does need to change with you. Marriage, divorce, a new baby, a move to a new state, a change in the law — any of these can make an existing plan outdated or even invalid. A good plan gets reviewed, not just written.

📌 When's the last time you looked at your lineup?

09/18/2026

❓ FAQ: "Like drafting a fantasy football team, is there really a 'right time' to start estate planning?"

There is — and it's earlier than most people think. You don't need a certain net worth, a certain age, or a health scare to justify getting started. If you're 18 or older, you already have decisions worth protecting: your finances, your medical care, your family.

Waiting for the "right moment" usually just means waiting for an emergency to make the decision for you.

09/16/2026

📖 Word of the Week: CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney)

A certification awarded by the National Elder Law Foundation to attorneys who meet rigorous experience, education, and testing requirements specifically in elder law and estate planning — a distinction very few attorneys hold.

🔑 Why it matters: elder law isn't just wills and trusts. It touches long-term care planning, guardianship, public benefits, and more — all areas that require specialized, current knowledge as laws continue to change.

Shannon A. Laymon-Pecoraro is proud to hold this certification. ✅