Topeka Presbyterian Manor
NOVEMBER 2020
Topeka attorney busts myths about elder law Elder law and estate planning are poorly understood areas of the law. Thankfully, attorneys such as Scott Sexton can help people avoid financial pitfalls.
Nancy Denham first walked through the doors of Topeka Presbyterian Manor because she needed a temporary job. She worked as a classroom assistant and needed to make some money during the summer. That led her to take a certified nursing assistant course offered at Presbyterian Manor.
Scott gave a virtual presentation in September titled “Elder Law: Mythbusting” as part of Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask continuing education series. A lawyer for more than 15 years, Scott owns a Topeka firm focused on long term care planning and veteran’s benefits. If you missed the presentation, you can still view it on the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Facebook page.
Night nurse is grateful for career
Nineteen years later, Nancy is still caring for residents at Presbyterian Manor. She went on to become a certified medication assistant and finally a licensed practical nurse.
Scott Sexton
According to Scott, these are some of the most common misunderstandings when it comes to estate planning and elder law: “I’m just fine, I have a will.” A will is a set of rules that allow a probate judge to oversee the administration of your estate, but “there are simpler, easier ways to navigate the estate process,” Scott said. Wills do not circumvent the probate process, which can be costly. In fact, Scott doesn’t even have a will himself. Alternatives to wills include powers of attorney or trusts. “I can give $15,000 to each of my kids every year with no problem.” Scott calls the common belief that recipients of larger gifts will be subject to tax an “urban legend.” Though state tax laws vary, Kansas does not impose a gift tax. Larger gifts do have to be reported to the IRS, but they are not taxed at the federal level unless they are very large; currently, the limit is $10 million annually. Penalties associated with gifts do exist, but the “gift tax” isn’t one of them. LAW - continued on page 4
For the last five years, Nancy has worked the night shift. “It took about seven months to get used to it,” Nancy said. “For a while, I felt tired all the time. But once I got used to it, I just loved it. I feel like I have all the time I need to spend with the residents. Any time a situation comes up, I don’t feel like I’m rushed.” Nancy doesn’t have as much opportunity to chat with residents when she’s working nights, but she enjoys the chance to visit more when she fills in on the evening shift. DENHAM - continued on page 4
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