Scams and fraud have been on the rise since COVID began in March 2020.  Homes have been one of the biggest targets of scams.  Victims include older adults, young adults with disabilities, and people of any age with compromised cognitive state.  Thankfully, the Broward County Property Appraiser has a program called ‘Owner Alert’ to help…

Think twice before you sign an admission agreement to a residential community (i.e. nursing home, assisted living facility) on behalf of your parent, spouse, or friend. There can be language in the agreement that may not be in the resident’s best interests or might result in waiving certain legal rights.  It is recommended to have…

If you are considering getting married or re-married or you are already married, you might think that you don’t want to leave an inheritance for your future spouse or spouse when you die.  You might have this thought because you have children from a prior marriage, or your spouse is financially comfortable, or you don’t…

If you have a beneficiary who has a disability (i.e. Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis) or special needs (i.e. Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Intellectual Disability), you do not need to disinherit that person.  After all, you want to improve the quality of that person’s life and care by leaving them an inheritance.  There is a safe way to…

Do you have a friend, family member, or loved one who was hospitalized for three days and then went directly to a rehabilitative facility? Would you like to know how to advocate for your friend or loved one? If the answer is ‘yes,’ read on. It is important to know what primary health insurance coverage…

Are you or a loved one in need of long-term care but unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid? The first thing you need to know is the importance of hiring an experienced attorney. Medicaid is a government program offering individuals health insurance and long-term care support. However, being cautious of non-attorneys claiming they can provide…

Author: Rita Killinger, Director of Development & Community Engagement at Rebuilding Together Broward County Rebuilding Together started with the simple act of neighbors helping neighbors. In 1973, a small group of people in Midland, Texas, realized a growing need in their community. Homes in their community had fallen into disrepair and their neighbors could not…

As a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney I understand that when a loved one falls their life may forever change and it can be extremely frightening.  Falls can lead to fractures and result in the need for rehabilitation and long-term care services.  A person’s mobility can be reduced and there can be a loss of…

How Divorce Affects Your Existing Legal Plan by Stephanie L. Schneider In Florida when the Judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage it has the following effect: If you named your ex-spouse as beneficiary in your Last Will & Testament, it is as if your ex- spouse died before you; If you named…

If you are being supportive of a friend or, family member who is exploring their gender identity or, sexual orientation it might be helpful to read about Amy Ellowitz’ experience as a parent with her child. “How to support the Transgender Kid in Your Life” by Amy Ellowitz offers tips and resources to help guide…