Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2025, the average cost of a semi-private nursing home room in New Hampshire exceeds $10,000 per month , one of the highest rates in the country. Families typically pay for long-term care through: (1) private pay (using personal savings), (2) long-term care insurance, (3) Veterans' Aid and Attendance benefits (if the resident or spouse is a veteran), or (4) Medicaid after qualifying. Without a plan in place, nursing home costs can rapidly deplete a lifetime of savings. Early legal planning through irrevocable trusts, spend-down strategies, and benefit applications can dramatically reduce financial exposure. Contact Sowerby & Moustakis Law at 603-249-5925 to learn what options are available for your family.

Medicaid (called NH Medicaid or DHHS in New Hampshire) is a joint federal-state program that can pay for long-term nursing home care once an individual's assets fall below a certain threshold. Medicaid planning involves legally arranging your finances , well in advance of needing care , so that you or a loved one can qualify for benefits while preserving as much of your estate as possible for your family. New Hampshire has a 5-year 'look-back' period, meaning asset transfers within 60 months of applying can trigger a penalty period of ineligibility. Proper planning requires early action. Sowerby & Moustakis Law specializes in Medicaid planning for New Hampshire seniors. Call 603-249-5925 to start planning today.

A will is a document that directs how your assets are distributed after death, but it must pass through New Hampshire's probate court before your beneficiaries receive anything , a process that can take months to years and is a matter of public record. A revocable living trust, by contrast, holds your assets during your lifetime and passes them directly to beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate entirely. This means faster distribution, greater privacy, and potentially lower overall costs for your estate. A trust also provides continuity if you become incapacitated , your successor trustee can manage your assets without court intervention. The right choice depends on your goals and assets. Sowerby & Moustakis Law can help you evaluate both options. Call 603-249-5925.

Yes , estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Without a will, New Hampshire's intestate succession laws will determine who inherits your assets, and those rules may not reflect your wishes. Beyond distributing property, a comprehensive estate plan also names who will make medical and financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated (through a Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Directive), appoints a guardian for minor children, and can help your loved ones avoid a lengthy probate process. Even a modest estate can benefit significantly from proper planning. Sowerby & Moustakis Law works with individuals and families at every stage of life. Call 603-249-5925 to schedule a consultation.

It depends on your goals. Wills direct who inherits property, while trusts can help avoid probate and provide flexibility. Many families benefit from both.

The state distributes your property under intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes.