Andrew Ewalt's Law Blog

Adoption

I read a very interesting article http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=787954  today on a study that disputes the notion that children adopted from other countries tend to be damaged emotionally because of the hardships they had to endure.  I was very happy to read this article and learn what I have known personally for over sixteen years, that adoption (foreign or domestic for that matter) is a wonderful gift of love.

The reason I know this to be true is though personal experience. I am a domestic adoptee.  My sister, Sarah, is also adopted domestically as is my cousin. My wife (she and i have been together for over sixteen years) is a Korean born adopted person as is her sister Amy.  My wife's brothers have both adopted foreign-born children and one has adopted domestically as well.  So, as you can see, I have a great deal of experience in this matter.

My wife, her sister and our nephews are some of the most well adjusted people I know even though they were born outside of this country.  They were and are being raised by some of the most loving, caring and giving people I know.  Sure nothing is perfect, but neither are the lives of biologic children.  It is nice to see that research has proven what I have already known, that adopted children and especially foreign-born adopted children are doing just fine.

Good News For Individuals Facing Long Term Care

Great news for Connecticut seniors and disabled residents. 

Connecticut's Governor Rell Canceled the State's Application For Medicaid Rule Change on Nursing Home Care.

Governor M. Jodi Rell directed the withdrawal of
Connecticut's controversial plan to put limits on the Medicaid eligibility of elderly and disabled citizens when they need long-term care at nursing homes.

Governor Rell expressed concern about the potential negative impact on Connecticut residents applying for Medicaid coverage if the federal government decides to approve the state's three-year-old application for a waiver of eligibility rules about the transfer of personal assets.

Governor Rell noted that the federal Medicaid agency has
held Connecticut's waiver application without approval for more than three years.  Seen as an indication that the waiver application may have been viewed as problematic.

Ideas For Preventing Identity Theft

Here are some ideas for preventing Identity Theft

1.  The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name on them. If someone takes your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2.  Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your ss# printed on your checks.

3.   Place the contents of your wallet on a photopcopy machine; print both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

4.  We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately if lost or stolen.  But the key is to have the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.

5.  File a police report immediately in the jurisdiciton where the information is stolen, this shows credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there is one).

6.  But here's what is perhaps most important.  Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.  The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

a.   Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

b.  Experian (Formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742

c.  Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

d.  Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Bottom Line....Be Careful!

Hello & Welcome

I am very excited to announce the start of my Blog.   I am looking forward to providing my readers with updated information, news and views on legal issues affecting Connecticut's citizens and businesses. 

I would like to especially thank Mr. Larry Bodine www.larrybodine.com who has been instrumental in guiding me in this new endeavor. 

I welcome your comments and suggestions for future posts. 

Thanks for reading.