Recent Blog Posts
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...
Florida Senate wants your comments….
The Florida Senate has created a web page for people to give their views and get more information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The page was made public on December 10th and can be visited at http://www.flsenate.gov/topics/ppaca. The page allows...
Avoiding Probate – everyone’s doing it, or are they?
I’ve written about this topic previously (see my post from March, 2012 – Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Probate) but I feel it needs to be addressed more in-depth because I have many clients that come to me with the same questions. Avoiding Probate Most people tell me they...
Top 7 Things to Know About Moving Your Parents into an ALF or Skilled Nursing
Moving Your Parents into an ALF or Skilled Nursing Do you have a loved one who needs care in a nursing home or assisted living facility? Â Are you concerned about how to pick out the best placed for your loved one? Â Or, if the loved one is already in assisted living or...
November is National Caregiver Month
National Family Caregiver Month is observed every November and has been nationally recognized since President Clinton signed the first presidential proclamation in 1997. Â The focus is on the many challenges that family caregivers face and it is an opportunity to offer...
Veterans Day 2012: Honoring those who serve our country
Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11th and it is a time to honor all American veterans who have served, both living and dead.  I hope you’ll take the time to thank a Veteran for their service to our wonderful country and let them know that you appreciate the sacrifices...