Elder Law, Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Elder Law, Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

If I Qualify for TennCare (Medicaid), Can I Pay My Loved One to Be My Caretaker?

Some seniors who receive TennCare (Medicaid) may be eligible to use those benefits to employ a family member, friend, or other trusted individual to provide them with care in their own home (“Consumer Direction”). There are many criteria an individual must meet to qualify for Consumer Direction care. Consumer Direction care is unlikely to be approved if other forms of care available through TennCare will suit your individual needs.

Read More
Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Literary Rights and Estate Planning: Preserving Creative Legacies

For authors, poets, and anyone with creative, written works, literary rights are a special type of asset in an estate plan that must be dealt with in a very specific way. Properly addressing this type of intellectual property in an estate plan not only safeguards the creator’s legacy but also provides financial security for heirs. This article explores the importance of incorporating literary rights into estate planning, the legal framework governing these rights, and best practices for protecting and distributing intellectual property.

Read More
Leigh Cowden Leigh Cowden

Court Issues Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Halting Enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act

On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction that temporarily blocks the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its associated reporting requirements (Reporting Rule). This ruling effectively suspends the obligation of reporting companies to disclose their beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), despite the approaching January 1, 2025 compliance deadline for companies formed prior to 2024.

Read More
Business Law Leigh Cowden Business Law Leigh Cowden

CRITICAL BUSINESS OWNER INFORMATION: Understanding BOI Reporting to FinCEN

In recent years, the U.S. financial regulatory landscape has experienced significant shifts aimed at increasing transparency and fighting financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing. One such shift is the introduction of BOI reporting, a requirement established under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which mandates companies to disclose their Beneficial Owners and Controlling Persons to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). But what exactly is BOI reporting, and why is it important? Here’s a breakdown.

Read More
Business Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Business Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Tennessee

Creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. However, if you pass away without a Will or a Living Trust in Tennessee, your assets are distributed based on the state’s intestate succession laws. This process may not reflect your personal preferences, and it can lead to outcomes that leave your loved ones with unexpected challenges.

Read More