questions & answers

Question: Don't qualify for AHCCCS,to young for medicare, if there is a catastrophic health issue I do not want all my savings wiped out so where can this money be put where the debtors can not touch it. Trusts?Where can my money be protected?Financial help/applications will want to know all about your accounts and will take every dime you have. I have paid my bills in the past. This is just a hypothetical question in case of a major illness. I simply cannot afford health insurance beginning in 2019

Answer: First, many transactions used to defeat the rights of creditors are illegal.  If you are looking for legal ways to shield assets, you need to sit down with an attorney or financial planner and go over the details of your assets and liabilities.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  If you are financially qualified for the program, for a $75 fee, Modest Means offers a one hour consult with an attorney.  If you need additional help and the attorney agrees to take your case, the fee charged will not exceed $75 per hour.  The telephone number is (866)637-5341.  Both the Maricopa and Pima County Bar Associations have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult for a fee of $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.