Category Archives: Estate Planning
Challenges Posed by Digital Assets
A properly drafted estate plan should dispose of a person’s assets when they die. However, Americans are increasingly owning more and more assets that are not tangible. These digitals assets are real assets, sometimes worth considerable amounts of money, and they must be left to somebody. Below, our estate planning attorneys in The Villages… Read More »
Changes to Social Security in 2020
A new year brings changes to Social Security benefits that tens of millions of Americans rely on. For 2020, seniors can expect to receive more in their benefits check and to be allowed to earn more before the Social Security Administration (SSA) deducts benefits. Below, we highlight some of the more significant changes that… Read More »
How Do You Get Better Nursing Home Care for Your Loved One?
Moving a loved one to a nursing home is a difficult decision for many. Not only do many seniors experience feelings of guilt, but it can be difficult to truly check up on a loved one who is no longer living in your home or with family members. When loved ones move into a… Read More »
Watch Out for Romance Scams
Many seniors have recently lost a spouse or have divorced and are feeling lonely. This is perfectly normal and one of the challenges of aging. Unfortunately, predators are well aware of this fact and take full advantage, perpetrating romance scams that can cost many seniors thousands of dollars. One scam that came to light… Read More »
5 Facts about Summary Administration in Florida
Probate can be a cumbersome process, and some estates are not large enough to require formal probate. For this reason, Florida has created something called “summary administration.” This is a streamlined form of probate that is available in some situations. Our probate attorney in The Villages takes a closer look at 5 facts you… Read More »
Checking in With Elderly Family Members this Holiday Season
The holidays are the one time of year when many people check in with their elderly relatives, such as aunts and uncles or close family friends. If parents live far away, then this might be the first time that many people see them face-to-face in an entire year. The elderly have many needs, and… Read More »
Watch for These Signs of Social Isolation
Social isolation is a risk factor for many problems that the elderly face. When isolated, seniors are more vulnerable to scams, in particular romance scams. Seniors who are isolated also can have terrible health but fail to address it in an appropriate manner. As MedicareAdvantage notes, isolated seniors have a greater risk of dementia,… Read More »
It’s Time to Review Beneficiary Designations
Many assets don’t pass through a will or the probate process. Instead, you name a beneficiary on the policy itself. This is particularly true regarding life insurance policies and retirement accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA. You might have other payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) accounts that have a… Read More »
Should You Get Paid for Taking Care of Mom or Dad?
As parents age, they increasingly need help with daily activities such as getting dressed, bathing, and cooking meals. Other seniors are virtually bedridden. Watching our parents decline is difficult. However, there are other practical concerns that loom large. Who will take care of your parents? Can you afford to hire at-home help, or does… Read More »
How to Find a Will
Writing a will is technically optional under Florida law. If a person dies without a will, then his or her estate will be distributed to heirs under Florida law. Of course, we recommend that everyone create an estate plan, which might include a will. However, according to USA Today, almost 2 out of 3… Read More »
