Category Archives: Estate Planning
Tips for Having “The Talk” with Aging Parents
Talking about aging, loss of independence, and estate planning is difficult. These topics are emotional but are an essential conversation for every family. Unless you are certain your parents have an up-to-date estate plan for what should happen in the event of their incapacity or passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care… Read More »
Will My Advance Healthcare Directives Work in Another State?
Making sure your end-of-life wishes are followed, no matter where you reside, is extremely important. If you move to a different state or split your time between one or more states, you should make sure your advance directives are valid in all the states you live in. Did you know that you are considered… Read More »
Step-by-Step General Guide on What to Do When a Loved One First Passes Away: Entities to Contact
Coping with the loss of a loved one is challenging, especially when faced with the responsibility of ensuring their legal and financial matters are taken care of. Often, people are overwhelmed and unsure about the necessary steps to take. This may sound like a daunting process, so we have created a general checklist of… Read More »
Step-by-Step General Guide on What to Do When a Loved One First Passes Away
It is never easy to experience the loss of a loved one, and it is especially challenging while handling the urgent responsibilities that arise when someone passes. It is not uncommon to be unsure of what to do after a loved one passes away. While it may seem daunting to navigate a loved one’s… Read More »
The Value of Consulting an Elder Law Attorney for Your Estate Planning Needs
Estate planning is a critical aspect to ensure your assets are properly protected, your wishes are met, and your wealth is preserved. While estate planning can benefit individuals of all ages, estate planning becomes especially vital as we age. In these circumstances, consulting an attorney that specializes in elder law can offer unique advantages… Read More »
Special Needs Trusts
When you have a loved one with physical or intellectual disabilities, it is essential to establish an estate plan that considers their long-term care needs and abilities. While needs-based government benefit programs assist in covering the cost of certain types of medical care, they may not cover all the specific needs and services that… Read More »
What is a Qualified Income Trust?
Paying for long-term care can quickly deplete an individual’s assets due to how expensive long-term care services are. In Florida, the average price of a private nursing home room is $10,809 per month. However, additional expenses such as the cost of medications and medical supplies are likely to increase that average to $12,000 to… Read More »
What is a Personal Service Contract?
Under Florida’s Medicaid program, individuals must meet specific income and asset eligibility requirements to qualify. Individuals applying for long-term care cannot have countable assets that exceed $2,000 (individual applying) or $3,000 (married couple applying). However, an individual may become Medicaid eligible by creating a Personal Service Contract. Personal Service Contracts are a strategic way… Read More »
What Happens to my Credit Card and/or Travel Rewards When I Pass?
If you have travel and/or reward credit cards that allow you to earn “points” or “miles”, your reserve of rewards could be worth thousands of dollars. But what happens to credit card points or miles after you pass? Each company has its own specific requirements and stipulations regarding the transfer of credit card reward… Read More »
CPR for the Elderly: Survival or Suffering?
The famous life-saving rescue technique, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), could be worse than death, especially for the elderly. The misconceptions surrounding the use of CPR stems from the unrealistic high success rate of CPR shown on television to add a heroic plot line. In reality, CPR may cause more harm than good, with an out-of-hospital… Read More »