Recent Blog Posts
Can wife in an ALF receive benefits based on husband’s service if the husband is still living in the home?
Maybe. There is generally some confusion as to who is entitled to receive Improved Pension benefits, probably because of the way the benefits are named. Most people are familiar with the Aid and Attendance program, but it is only one level of the VA’s “Improved...
Why do I need long term care insurance?
I usually have a discussion with almost every estate planning client that I meet with about long term care insurance. Some clients respond by saying, “I’m too young to need that” to which I respond – ever heard of Terry Schaivo? She was only 26 years old when she...
Why A few bad apples could spoil the VA Aid and Attendance Program
What is the saying – it’s the few bad apples that spoil it for the rest of us? Last month, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held hearings to expose what they call “pension poachers” which are financial advisors and attorneys who sell annuity products to help...
My special needs child is about to turn 18 – Am I still in charge?
I have been receiving an alarmingly high volume of phone calls over the last few months from individuals who have children with special needs that are about to turn 18 and they are panicked because they have been told they will lose the ability to make legal, health...
Caring for Veteran Seniors -VA Long Term Care Benefits
The Iraq and Afghan Wars have had a huge effect on claims for veterans’ benefits, and it is only expected to get worse. This not only affects the veterans and their families, but it affects all of us as taxpayers, as well. It also doesn’t help that the it takes the...
What happens to my social media accounts when I die?
Back in 2009, I was featured on Bay News 9 as a reporter was working on a story of a mother who wished to maintain the online presence for her teenage daughter. This question comes up quite a bit as we become a more digital population and our lives play out...
A little estate planning can go a long way
A friend of mine passed away a few weeks ago. He was not married but had a life partner. They had done all of their estate planning and thought that everything was in order. The only problem? My friend’s parent was not very accepting of her child's partner, and,...
Press Release: Brandon Attorney, Laurie Ohall, Receives High Honor with Board Certification
Download PDF Press Release BRANDON, FL – May 31, 2012 – Laurie E. Ohall, managing attorney of the Brandon Elder Law and Estate Planning Firm, Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall P.A., has become board certified in Elder Law by the Florida Bar effective June 1, 2012. ...
Ohall as featured speaker on estate planning for local retirement community
Each month, the Bridges Retirement community invites professionals to present information on various topics related to senior residents. Brandon elder law attorney, Laurie Ohall, will be the featured speaker on May 30, 2012 at 10:00 am discussing the importance of...
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...