Blog: News Clients Could Use

Tale: John Smith’s 88-year old Mother suffered a stroke and became paralyzed on one half of her body.  The family was unable to care for her at home and decided that she would receive the best care in a skilled nursing facility.  John was given a Durable Power of Attorney by his Mother prior to…

Are you awaiting responses from colleges to your son or daughter’s applications? Hearing about Prom and planning graduation parties?  What a great time for your child and you! You have done an awesome job raising your children and preparing them for what lies ahead. But, do you realize that on your child’s 18th birthday you can no…

As parents we believe we will live forever and always be there for our children. This is especially important for parents who have a child with a developmental disability. I would like to share a few tips for you to think about: 1. Guardian Advocate: When the child reaches age 18 they are legally an adult even if they…

There are several ways criminals try to exploit seniors. One of the most common ways is by stealing your identity. Here are some tips, recommended by the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, about how to minimize your chances of falling victim to the unscrupulous: Shred important papers. Don’t put outgoing mail in an unsecured…

The worst legal mistakes I have seen (and successfully fixed) result from clients listening to their neighbors’ or friends’ Medicaid and estate planning advice. This includes both lay people and advice from some professionals as well, even attorneys and accountants. There have been a multitude of changes to Medicaid law on the federal and state…

Planning is important to successfully minimize your personal and company taxes. While some people think “tax season” is March and April, it really starts in November. Year-end tax planning begins with an estimate of your personal and/or business income, expenses, assets and liabilities based on year-to-date numbers and estimates through the end 2011 and a…

The new Durable Power of Attorney law which became effective October 1, 2011 contains many sweeping changes that are intended to conform Florida’s law to the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. A few of these changes include: Requiring that specific types of financial authority delegated to an agent (i.e. gifting; create or change a beneficiary…

The new Durable Power of Attorney law which became effective October 1, 2011 contains many sweeping changes that are intended to conform Florida’s law to the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. A few of these changes include: Requiring that specific types of financial authority delegated to an agent (i.e. gifting; create or change a beneficiary…

Do you know that you can designate different beneficiaries under your I.R.A. (Individual Retirement Plan) than under your 401(k) plan? A 401(k) provides protections for a surviving spouse whereas an I.R.A. does not. The reason for this is that a 401(k) is an employee based plan that is governed by the federal laws of ERISA…

Here are some of the highlights of the law passed in 2010: Health care coverage will be available to individuals who are denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions through 2013. In Florida, the Pre Existing Condition Insurance Program (PCIP) is run through the federal government. You must be a citizen or national, uninsured for six…