Category Archives: Estate Planning
What is Florida’s Medically Needy Program, and How Does it Work?
With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many states have enacted laws expanding Medicaid coverage by offering insurance to more people than were previously eligible. However, not all states participate in Medicaid expansion. Florida remains one of several states that have opted out of expansion; therefore, it is very difficult for adults to… Read More »
March 8, 2016 Government Report Warns of Looming Drug Price Increases
With the 2016 elections well under way, many older adults are wondering how the candidates will shape the future of Medicare, Social Security, and other programs that help seniors. And while the future of health care in America may not be certain, one definitely is going to change – drug prices. The 2016 report… Read More »
5 Reasons Not to Put Off Your Estate Plan
Many Florida residents have chosen to retire in the sunshine state to avoid cold winters and to partake in the host of sunny outdoors activities that are in such abundance here. People come from all over to enjoy the moderate temperatures and year-round accessibility of Florida’s beaches. Yet, every summer, many of these same… Read More »
Obesity Rates Higher in Southern States: Florida a Significant Exception
A project partly funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation keeps track of obesity and disease rates in the U.S. One of the most significant health risks of this century is type-II diabetes. According to one source, obesity rates are escalating out of control and many policymakers wonder what can be done to stop… Read More »
Elder Exploitation Sometimes Subtler Than Expected
We have all heard the horrifying stories of seniors being ripped off by deadbeat con artists or dishonest contractors. But exploitation goes far beyond business dealings with strangers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ special Agency on Aging provides regular statistics tracking the prevalence of elder abuse in America. According to reports… Read More »
When Families Fight in Probate Court
In a world where elder law attorneys seem to make more money representing feuding siblings than from providing skilled preventative advice to seniors, it should come as no surprise that probate has become one of the most controversial and contentious areas of practice in recent years. Will contests, trust disputes, and adult children fighting… Read More »
2015 Report Ranks Florida 33rd in Senior Health
For millions of American retirees, Florida is a lifelong dream. Mild winters, plentiful beaches, and year-round activities make our state on of the best places to retire. This is further proven by the rise in Florida boomtowns like the Villages, which is presently the fastest growing town in America, as reported by CNBC.com. With… Read More »
Tax Time is the Right Time for Estate Planning
It is tax time again, and across the country, millions of Americans are meeting with their tax preparers to reduce their tax liability and minimize their taxes. Older adults have added concerns when filing taxes, especially high net-worth seniors. This year, before you file your return, consider meeting with an elder law attorney. Here… Read More »
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 »
