Recent Blog Posts
A Message For Our Clients – Pine Ridge Plaza Office Closing
Please note that our Pine Ridge Plaza location at 11974 CR 101, The Villages, FL 32162 will be closing on 2/29/16. We will be moving to the Oakhill Professional Plaza at 441, and will have two convenient locations to serve central Florida’s Elder Law needs.
Pros and Cons of Creating a Florida Life Estate: Part Two – The Drawbacks
In the last post on Florida life estates, we looked at some of the potential benefits of sidestepping probate by conveying real estate using a life estate. This simple and effective transfer allows a life tenant to have unfettered use of the property while alive, while allowing another party to have the ultimate title… Read More »
Pros and Cons of Creating a Florida Life Estate: Part One – The Benefits
Perhaps you have been doing some early estate planning. Maybe you have heard the term “life estate” but are unsure if it would help in your situation. Like any form of early property distribution designed to take an asset out of your estate, there are potential risks and benefits. Although a trust is generally… Read More »
What is a Medicaid Penalty Period?
When it comes to Medicaid, you may have heard talk of a “penalty period.” It is a real problem for some seniors hoping to use Medicaid to pay for long-term care. Here, we will address how a penalty period works and what can be done to minimize the effect of a penalty period. Who… Read More »
Qualifying for Veterans Nursing Home Care
Veterans of the Armed Forces have several added benefits when it comes to retirement and long-term care planning. When consulting your Florida elder law attorney about planning for nursing home care, it is important to consider all the options. In addition to treatment in VA operated medical facilities, many veterans also qualify for additional… Read More »
Should I Use Joint Ownership to Avoid Probate?
Few things are as unattractive as probate court. There are attorneys, fees, court costs, appearances, and the ever-present paternalism of having a judge preside over your family’s personal affairs. Nevertheless, in Florida, many families have to use the probate court to handle final affairs. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the concerns… Read More »
Rising Costs of Long-term Care Threaten Retirement for Many Americans
Many Florida residents know that long-term skilled nursing care is getting expensive – really expensive. And if you have looked at the statistics, then you know this trend is only going to get worse over the next 20 years. While this is disturbing for those already well into their retirement years, it is becoming… Read More »
Is an Estate Plan Part of Your New Year’s Resolution?
It’s true that setting up an estate plan may not be the most tantalizing New Year’s resolution, but it does make a lot of sense. You may be surprised to learn that according to the Static Brain Research Institute, just eight percent of Americans actually keep their New Year’s resolutions, despite the fact that… Read More »
I am Going Into a Nursing Home: Can I Give the House to My Kids?
Florida elder law attorneys are frequently asked to help save the family home. For many seniors, their home is their largest investment and greatest asset, and in many cases there is no longer a mortgage on the property. Therefore, it only makes sense they would want to secure the asset, not only to provide… Read More »
Choosing the Right Florida Nursing Home: Five Things to Look For
Florida is one of America’s best retirement destinations and is home to wonderful attractions, tropical weather, and world-class healthcare. Likewise, many older adults are finding that Florida also offers some of the finest long-term care facilities in the country. When discussing a retirement and estate plan with your Florida elder law attorney, one important… Read More »
