Recent Blog Posts
State seeks changes to Florida Medically Needy program
The current Florida Medicaid system is definitely in need of repair. Is this an appropriate way to fix the problem? Agency officials have given their plans. What's your take? Article From the News-Press | 8:06 PM, May. 8, 2012 Florida Medicaid officials have asked...
Autism at 18: What can a parent do financially and legally?
My child is autistic and is about to turn 18. Her doctor told me that I better look into a guardianship because I will not have any authority to control health care decisions or financial decisions once she turns 18. Is this true? I must receive at least five phone...
On Guard for Seniors during Elder Law month in Florida
May is Elder Law Month in Florida, as proclaimed by the governor and cabinet. It is a time when we urge all Floridians to become aware of the issues that face our most vulnerable population. The Florida Department of Financial Services "On Guard for Seniors" program...
What is your religion’s view on Living Wills?
Last year, a couple came into my office to sign their estate planning documents. They were Catholic and when it came time to sign the Living Will, the husband refused to sign it because he was unsure of the Catholic Church’s view on Living Wills. He stated that he...
Tax Time is a great time to review your estate planning
You’ve compiled all your tax information and given it to your CPA (or sat down at Turbo Tax and done it yourself). You’ve determined whether you are due a refund or whether you owe money to the I.R.S. And, by now, you’ve either filed your taxes or you’ve requested...
CONSUMER ALERT: Florida CFO Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities
*Consumer Alert* Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today warned consumers about a scam that involves misleading postcards sent to...
Be prepared for things that could go wrong in Florida Probate
I often have clients that come to me to help them probate the estate of their loved one, and they tell me that everyone is in agreement with what needs to happen in the estate or that there are no creditors. I cringe every time because, in my mind, that will jinx the...
Feds question Florida’s Medicaid privatization plans
By Ashley Lopez | 03.14.12 | 2:42 pm Months after the state of Florida submitted its plans to privatize most of its Medicaid program, the federal government is still asking the state to explain the feasibility of those plans. The News Service of Florida is reporting...
What do I do when my loved one dies?
One of the things I love about my practice is that my clients often give me hugs and say “thank you” because they know that I’ve helped them. One of the things I don’t love is when someone calls to tell me a client passed away. It is always a sad occasion and never...
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Probate
Almost every time I meet with a client, they tell me that they are interested in avoiding probate. Many times, the client is unsure of what a probate actually is. Probate is a Court proceeding which occurs when someone dies having property (real estate, bank...
Can a personal injury settlement affect my receipt of V.A. Aid and Attendance?
A couple of months ago, a veteran who is receiving care in an assisted living facility and receives Aid and Attendance called to ask whether the receipt of a personal injury settlement would affect his benefits. He was involved in a car accident about two years ago,...
VA Nursing Home Care & Other Options
Did you know that nursing home care is not the only program that the VA offers to its Veterans? Other services that the VA will help pay for include geriatric evaluations, respite care, adult day care, home-based care and hospice care. If the Veteran has a 50% or...
Florida VA Benefits: What You Should Know
I had the privilege of visiting MacDill Air Force Base last month and had the opportunity to tour the base. At the end of the tour, we were treated to drinks at a restaurant on base. The restaurant is near an RV park which is on MacDill property and which the AFB...
What you need to know about Medicaid in 2012
Medicaid provides Medical coverage to low income individuals and families. The state and federal government share the costs of the Medicaid program. Medicaid services in Florida are administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Medicaid eligibility in...
Can I avoid probate of my homestead without using a revocable trust?
I frequently have clients that come to me because they have been told that they need to put their house into a revocable living trust in order to avoid probate. Many times, this is the only major asset they own, and with the property values having plummeted in recent...