It’s common for people to put off estate planning. When you hear, for instance, that most people don’t have an estate plan, you may be confused. Don’t they know how valuable it is? Do they think they don’t need one? While there are certainly people in those camps,...
Aging often requires that older adults rely on the practical support of others, sometimes voluntarily and occasionally because of legal paperwork. When someone is no longer capable of managing their own affairs, their loved ones or the probate courts may eventually...
Individuals of substantial means often realize the importance of an estate plan. That said, assumptions that a person with a smaller net worth wouldn't benefit from estate planning could be both false and disastrous. Florida residents may find that estate planning...
Medicaid planning is a useful tool for preserving your estate for your family while still qualifying for federal assistance to pay for nursing home care for yourself or your spouse. It is also a complex process. Without meaning to, you can easily make a mistake that...
People from all over the country move to Florida to retire and relax. If your parents are part of this group, you likely hope they enjoy themselves and take it easy. The last thing you want to do is create stress or put them in an uncomfortable position. Thus, it can...
Many people are not aware of what happens to their estate and assets after they die. But the process can be quite complex, especially if you do not have a will in place. After someone dies, their estate goes through the probate process, which is a somewhat lengthy...
Long-term nursing care or assisted living does not come cheap. Fortunately, Medicaid benefits can help defray some of the costs. Unfortunately, the income restrictions needed to qualify for Medicaid are strict. Most people are surprised to find that they do not...
If you are thinking about giving away your house to your children, be careful. While it can seem like a generous gesture and smart financial move, it actually can cost you and your family more overall. Because Medicaid is a need-based program, most people need to do...
Serving as a personal representative can be an honor and a big responsibility. If your loved one had a will, he or she may have specifically chosen you to manage his or her final affairs. If your loved one did not have a valid will, a court may have appointed you to...
A power of attorney gives authorization to someone of your choosing to represent you if you are incapable of making decisions for yourself. As we get older, we may succumb to conditions that limit our ability to determine what is in our best interest. What to look for...
