Recent Blog Posts
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care Programs
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care The Florida Department of Children and Families has finally decided on the implementation of a period of Medicaid look-back for long term care programs. What is a look-back period?  When you go to file for Medicaid, they...
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do? Fifteen years ago today, one of the most precious people in my life passed away - my Nana, Elsie Gonzalez. Â I adored my grandmother and have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her. Â She was always around while I was...
What is an Elder law attorney?
What is an Elder law attorney? An Elder Law Attorney explains....When I started my own practice, like most attorneys who open their own office, I took on all sorts of cases. I took on divorces, child custody, personal injury, adoptions, probates, wills – I did a...
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid: Your homestead is protected from creditors.  Creditors include the nursing home and Medicaid liens (not so in other states, like Ohio, that force you to sell your house if you or your dependent do not...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you? Continued.
"Fiscal Cliff" legislation - what does it mean to you? Last month, I discussed the tax rate changes and the estate tax exemptions under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. You should also be aware that the payroll tax holiday will not be extended meaning that...
Florida Homestead and Medicaid
Florida Homestead and Medicaid: What You Need to Know Florida is one of a few states that has a very broad homestead protection. Florida’s Constitution states that a person’s homestead is protected from their creditors (this includes nursing home or other medical...
Medicaid and Qualified Income Trusts in Florida
Medicaid and Qualified Income Trusts in Florida Applying for Medicaid benefits to pay for nursing home care in Florida can be a confusing process. The person applying must meet certain asset and income limits. For example, you may not have more than $2,000 in assets...
Are you a senior citizen needing tax return help?
Do You Need Tax Return Help? Are you a senior citizen needing tax return help? Learn about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. VITA Program: If you make $51,000 or less, IRS-certified volunteers can inform...
Florida Homestead Law: Your Florida homestead is your castle – or is it?
Florida Homestead Law Many of my ideas for blog posts come from the phone calls and emails I receive from potential clients about legal questions they have concerning their estate planning, Florida Homestead Law, Medicaid issues for their parents, probate concerns,...
Dear Abby – A legacy of love and humor
I was so sad to hear about the passing of Pauline Phillips, the original "Dear Abby" last week. I can remember reading her column from the time I was old enough to read a newspaper. I'm not ashamed to admit that, even today, her column is one of the first things I...
Gun Ownership & Estate Planning
I recently read an article by Mark Albertson entitled "Estate Planning for Gun Owners" which I think is mandatory reading for anyone who owns a gun. I have had quite a few people over the last year contact me inquiring about a "gun trust" and how they could go about...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you?
[pullquote_left] Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you've been hearing about the "fiscal cliff" and how our government waited until the very last minute to pass any meaningful legislation to avert us from this "cliff". [/pullquote_left] Unless you have been...
Health Care Affordability Summit in Orlando this week
The 2013 Health Care Affordability Summit takes place this Thursday and Friday, January 10th and 11th, at the World Center Marriott in Orlando. It is designed as a forum for knowledgeable lawmakers, advocates and providers to discuss challenges to Florida’s health...
Discussing Estate Planning Around the Holidays with Elderly Family Members
The holidays are always time to be with family and enjoy each other’s company. Many of us travel great distances to see relatives whom we may only get to see once or twice a year. We visit with our parents and grandparents and listen to stories of past holidays and...
Paying your parent’s bills and need help from siblings?
Paying your parent's bills and need help from siblings? "4 Great New Tools to Manage Your Money" discusses a new company called "PayTap" that will allow you to work with family members to pool the money to help pay Mom and Dad's bills. I have quite a few clients whose...