Recent Blog Posts
Elder Law Questions: What is an annuity?
What is an Annuity? An annuity is an insurance product whose primary purpose is to pay income to an individual. Â It is generally used as part of a retirement plan. Â An individual will invest a certain sum of money for the promise that payments will be made to the...
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Tips
One of the best tips I think an alzheimer's caregiver can rely on is to educate themselves. Â An educated caregiver can make all the difference in dealing with the stress of the unknown. Â For instance, many caregivers are unaware that there are support groups available...
What happens to your Facebook Account when you Die?
In the last two years, there have been plenty of articles and blog posts written about this topic. Unfortunately, it does not seem like we’ve come very far in answering the question.  Facebook and Twitter still do not allow family members access to a deceased...
Florida Department of Children and Families fails the poor and elderly…again.
There was an article in the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday, February 24, 2013 - (view article)Â discussing DCF's proposal of a bill that targets Florida Medicaid fraud among those trying to hide their assets. Â Once again, DCF is trying to use scare tactics to hurt the most...
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...