Practice Areas

Probate-Estate Administration
Probate is the transfer of title of assets from the deceased person to an individual or other entity. We can provide the expertise you need, whether the estate of your loved one is simple or complex. If your loved one had a Will (died testate) or not (died intestate) Attorney Sparagna can assist you with preparing and filing the various required forms with the Probate Courts. Expect compassionate, efficient service provided in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Representation in Probate Court: Conservatorships & Guardianships
Sometimes, you need a lawyer to represent you in Probate Court.  In contested Conservatorship matters, we can represent either the Petitioner or the Respondent.

If you are the parent of a child with special needs, we can help you plan the transition into adulthood by assisting with guardianship applications and Probate Court Hearings.

Planning for Incapacity: Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives
It is not easy to talk about disability, death or incompetence. Our goal is to help you plan for unfortunate events that render you incapable of making medical decisions for yourself or paying your bills.  Every adult should have an Advance Directive, Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney. These documents provide decision-making authority to a person of your choice in the event that you cannot make decisions for yourself. 

Trusts: Revocable & Irrevocable trusts, Medicaid asset protection trusts

Medicaid (Title XIX) - Asset Protection Planning
Families have different needs and different financial resources. If your goal is to protect assets, planning is crucial.  We do not have a “one size fits all” philosophy.  We take the time to get to know you. We listen to your concerns and priorities. We use our legal expertise and experience to create a plan that addresses your specific priorities.  

Are you married? Is your spouse is in a nursing home, or is he or she expected to need skilled nursing?
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We assist both spouses by using our knowledge of programs and legal skills to assure that the couple’s assets are used in a manner which does not jeopardize Medicaid eligibility for either spouse. We assist the spouse living at home in the community to maximize the amount of the couple’s income and assets so that the spouse living in the home can afford to remain there.

Trust Administration
If a trust needs to be administered, we can assist you. We work with your accountants and financial advisors. Attorney Sparagna serves as Trustee for Special Needs Trusts as well as other types of Trusts.

Pooled Trusts
Do you need help paying for home care or nursing home expenses for a loved one?
If you, your spouse, or family member needs home care, we are available to assist you in obtaining benefits under programs such as Medicaid. In addition to providing legal advice, we prepare applications for social programs. We might recommend a Pooled Trust. Pooled Trusts are used to assist elderly and disabled individuals qualify for entitlement programs such as the Connecticut Home Care for Elders Program (CHCPE). Learn more about pooled trusts.

Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts are specialized trusts which are designed to help individuals retain their –benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. If you have a loved one who receives SSI benefits or has Medicaid, a gift or inheritance can jeopardize their benefits. A special needs trust can be a part of your estate plan so that you can provide for your loved one without causing them to lose their entitlements.
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If you are a disabled individual with SSI and/or Medicaid benefits who is receiving an inheritance, we can use a Special Needs Trust to ensure you retain your entitlements.

Estate Planning

Wills, Trusts & Advanced Directives

We provide guidance in preparing wills, establishing trusts, and creating advance directives to ensure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for, and important decisions are made according to your values. Careful planning today can provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for the future.