Fairly new legal field.  Most usually deal with civil vs.  criminal cases, instead of particular type of client (usually elderly, but also younger people with special needs).  Included are (1)  Guardianships,  (2)  Long-term care planning,  (3)  Government benefit programs (Medicare/Medicaid/Veteran’s benefits),  (4) Advance health care directives,  (5) Competency and mental health Issues,  (6)  Estate planning,  (7)  Elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial).  MORE TO COME

More than 3,500 taxing entities across the state are expecting property owners to pay by February 1.  Collectively $49 billion will be levied for 2014,  according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.  Over 1,000 school districts across the state will collect $27 billion in 2014.  more than 1,200 special districts will levy $6 billion, according to       texastransparency.org          The state’s 254 counties house an average of 14   taxing entities each.  Homeowners provide the biggest slice of the property tax pie, making up about 42% of the total property tax value in Texas.  SO JUST PAY!

Identify one, then make an appointment to visit him/her and ask questions.   (1)  Why do I need an elder law attorney?  (2)  How many years have you focused your practice on elder law issues?  (3)  Why did you choose elder law?  (4)  How many clients have you had in the past 5 years with needs similar to mine?  (5)  What was the most challenging aspects of those cases and what were the outcomes?  (6)  What percentage of your annual caseload involved elder law issues?  (7)  What elder law issues do you handle most often and least often?  (8)  Are you accredited by VA to handle Veteran’s claims and how many do you file annually?  (9)  What are your fees?  Need those in writing.  (10)  Can you provide references?   MORE ON ELDER CARE COMING UP.

(1) Low cost of living.  (2)  Warm climate.  (3)  Abundant recreation.  (4)  Educational opportunities.  (5)  Housing options.  (6)  Financial services.  (7)  Cultural attractions and events.  (8)  Fine dining and convenient shopping.  (9)  Medical resources.  (10)  Spiritual and worship opportunities.  JUST JOIN US!

It’s the 1st move since lowering the rate to zero in December 2006.  Rates on 30 year fixed will rise gradually.  The rate moves in the same direction as the fed funds rate, but not in lockstep.  Same for 15 year home loans, a popular refinance choice.  Adjustable-rate mortgages will react quickly to the fed funds rates.  Rates on ARMS are typically tied to the prime rate.  All this according to Dr. Jim Gaines, Real Estate Center Chief Economist.  This could eventually price some buyers out of the market, then this subsequent reduced demand could slow home price increases.  WE WILL JUST HAVE TO SEE!