South Florida Estate Planning News
Recent Posts and Articles
The New Tax Law Means It’s Time Review Your Estate Plan
While the new tax law doubles the federal estate tax exemption, meaning the vast majority of estates will not have to pay any federal estate tax, it doesn’t mean you should ignore its impact on your estate plan. In December 2017, Republicans in Congress and President Trump doubled the federal…
Read More How to Handle Sibling Disputes Over a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents, but when one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and limitations. A…
Read More Aretha Franklin’s Lack of a Will Could Cause Huge Problems
According to court documents, legendary singer Aretha Franklin did not have a will when she died, opening up her estate to public scrutiny and potential problems. Failing to create an estate plan can cause lots of headaches for heirs, in addition to unnecessary costs. Franklin, who died August 16, 2018,…
Read More Understanding Tenancy: The Different Ways to Co-Own Property
When two or more individuals own property — whether it’s a condominium, a home, or a piece of land — the relationship between the owners is very important. The form of ownership of the property affects how property is transferred to someone else. It is important to make sure you…
Read More What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you don’t have a will when you die? Your estate will be distributed according to state laws, which may or may not be the way you want…
Read More Fear of Losing Home to Medicaid Contributed to Elder Abuse Case
A California daughter and granddaughter’s fear of losing their home to Medicaid may have contributed to a severe case of elder abuse. If the pair had consulted with an elder law attorney, they might have figured out a way to get their mother the care she needed and also protect…
Read More Problems With Guardianship System Is Focus of John Oliver Show
John Oliver recently highlighted problems with the guardianship system on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The comedian provided a scary and funny explanation of how guardianship works, ending with a public service announcement by William Shatner, Lily Tomlin and others explaining steps you can take to…
Read More Are Medicare Advantage Plans Steering Enrollees to Lower-Quality Nursing Homes?
A new study has found that people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan were more likely to enter a lower-quality nursing home than were people in traditional Medicare. The study raises questions about whether Medicare Advantage plans are influencing beneficiaries’ decision making when it comes to choosing a nursing home.…
Read More How to Appeal a Medicare Prescription Drug Denial
If your Medicare drug plan denies coverage for a drug you need, you don’t have to simply accept it. There are several steps you can take to fight the decision. The insurers offering Medicare drug plans choose the medicines — both brand-name and generic — that they will include in…
Read More Long-Term Care Insurance Policyholder Wins Suit Against Company for Hiking Premiums
A long-term care policyholder has successfully sued her insurance company for breach of contract after the company raised her premiums. At age 56, Margery Newman bought a long-term care insurance policy from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She chose an option called “Reduced-Pay at 65” in which she paid higher premiums…
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