Handsome veteran soldier reunited with family on a sunny day

When Can You Claim VA Benefits For A Spouse?

If A Spouse Is Ill But A Veteran Isn't, Can A Couple Still Get VA benefits for Long-Term Care Expenses? While the veteran is alive, the claim is the veteran’s.  In cases where the Veteran is over 65 and healthy, but the Veteran’s Spouse is ill, the best that the couple can qualify for is the base pension amount. 
Big sister kissing disabled little brother on cheek

How to Save for a Disabled Loved One

Planning ahead financially for a family member with special needs can be difficult. As an adult with special needs, if you have more than $2,000 in savings, you can potentially lose out on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and Medicaid. We know this is not a lot of money, so let us share some ways you can save for your disabled loved one while protecting their future eligibility for benefits.
Documentary Stamp Tax Pitfalls Murphy Berglund 1

Documentary Stamp Tax Pitfalls

One of the questions we're frequently asked is, “Should I add my new spouse to the deed of my house?”  Before deciding whether to do so, you must understand the legal and documentary stamp tax implications of the “gift." You may ask yourself - “What on earth is a documentary stamp tax?”
end of year charitable giving murphy berglund pllc

End of Year Charitable Giving

‘Tis the season for giving - especially for end of year charitable giving. In fact, one third of all charitable giving occurs in December, with the final three days of the year accounting for a whopping 12% of the entire year’s total.