Would paying off a home equity line of credit with present assets and keeping it active for 9 more years be a way of keeping that money from...

Question

Would paying off a home equity line of credit with present assets and keeping it active for 9 more years be a way of keeping that money from my estate upon death. I understand that it would no longer be available upon my death but would not go to government if I were in a nursing home with no other assets? Thank You

Answer

The fact you do not owe the money on a home equity line would not protect you from either estate taxes or a medicaid lien.

If you put your home in a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) and do not need the assistance of medicaid for at least 5 years from the date you transfer the home into the QPRT, then it will be protected from attachment from medicaid under current law.

I suggest you sit down with an attorney and examine your options to protect the home as well to limit any potential tax or gift tax implications.

Answer

The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with an estate planning attorney. There are many moving parts to an estate plan, all of which must work together. Asking a question about any one aspect of an estate plan will not be helpful to you. You are more than welcome to contact our office.