Category Archives: Estate Planning
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 »
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 »
