Lessons I Learned from my Father
My father, Howard Schneider, died on November 16, 2013. When I graduated law school my father told me that the experience would serve me well and he was right. My father’s legacy is his work ethic, the importance of one’s character and credibility, and the bravery he exhibited living with Parkinson’s. I am grateful for his legacy as it…
How Much Does a Simple Estate Plan Cost?
Ever since the United States economy tanked in 2008, along with the downturn in the Florida real estate market, I’ve observed that a lot of people became frozen by the fear of not having enough money and delayed seeking elder law advice to resolve important legal issues. Many families found themselves in a legal crisis.…
How to Find a Healthcare Advocate
Choosing A Healthcare Fiduciary Now that you are motivated to have legal documents prepared to designate a medical decision-maker in the event of your incapacity you might find yourself asking “whom should I name?” This question is not uncommon especially for people who: are not married or are divorced or whose spouse is deceased or…
Trustee Of Special Needs Trust Violated Fiduciary Duty
All trustees face the challenge of forecasting future needs of special needs trust beneficiaries. In order to develop an expenditure plan that is reasonable and based on realistic expectation of the beneficiary and their family requires the trustee must get to know the person. Otherwise, the trust assets will not be used in the most…
Yes, Virgina-You Do Need Legal Planning Documents
“I’m Not Wealthy – Do I Really Need Legal Documents?” Yes Virginia You Do. Do you feel that you do not have enough assets to justify making a Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney or Designation of Health Care Surrogate? You are not alone, and nothing could be further from the truth. Wealth, like beauty, is…
Medicaid Protections Should Be Available To Same-Sex Married Couples
Several major federal agencies have announced that they are now providing federal benefits to same-sex legally married couples. Most recently, the Internal Revenue Service announced that same-sex legally married couples would receive all federal tax rights and responsibilities as provided to heterosexual couples Click here for I.R.S. Release. The best news is that these rights…
U.S. Treasury recognizes Same Sex Marriage based on ‘Place of Celebration’
FINALLY – I.R.S. RECOGNIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGES FOR TAX PURPOSES While there have been many positive developments for the LGBT community since the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Windsor on June 26, 2013, I think the most notable is the U.S. Treasury’s press release of August 29, 2013. There is no more uncertainty when it…
Don’t do as Celebrites Do – Make an Effective Estate Plan
We are hearing that many recently deceased celebrities, like James Gandolfini, didn’t take the time to make a clear and effective estate plan. The unfortunate results are: Expensive litigation Broken families Loss of privacy Here are some simple tips you can follow so that your estate plan does not become the topic of conversation in the…
LGBT Federal Employee Benefits Deadline – File Today for Your Benefits
Deadline: File Today for Your LGBT Federal Employee Benefits As a result of the United States Supreme Court’s opinion in Windsor, the Office of Personnel Management announced on July 3, 2013 that same-sex spouses and children of married LGBT federal employees and annuitants will now be eligible for federal benefits (if married prior to June 26,…
Protect Yourself From Receiving Bad Medicaid Advice From a Non-Attorney
The Unauthorized Practice Of Law: Don’t Become A Victim Of Medicaid Or Veteran Benefit Planning These days scams are rampant and those who take advantage of unsuspecting consumers are very sleek in their approach. You might receive a flyer in the mail or, see a car wrapped in an patriotic-looking advertisement that says ‘qualify for…
