Beginning every June, the six-month Atlantic hurricane season kicks off with many people going about their affairs as if nothing has changed. But with these devastating super-storms lurking unpredictably, why not be as prepared as possible for when a hurricane – or two – could...
When Florida seniors age, they may reach a time when they can no longer safely take care of themselves. It is at this point that oftentimes caregivers are entrusted in keeping your senior loved ones safe and healthy. Caregivers spend hours with their seniors and...
May is in full swing and that means it is both National Older Americans Month and National Elder Law Month. During this month our goal is to work with our clients, friends, and neighbors, to help spread the word about issues facing aging Americans and...
None of us want to consider a time when our parent is unable to live safely alone. There may come a time, however, when your parent is no longer able to remain independent. Instead, he or she may need to move out of the family...
On September 30, 2016, CMS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and which is the agency responsible for administering Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs, issued new nursing home regulations. There are several important updates, of which I will highlight...
What is a special or supplemental needs trust (SNT)? These terms are used interchangeably. A special needs trust is an irrevocable trust for the sole benefit of disabled individual. It is established with either that individual’s assets/resources, which would be first party special needs trust or...
On December 19, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. This Act amended Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the creation of tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. The Act authorized the...
Almost two years ago on January 15, 2015, the Supreme Court of Florida rules that non-attorneys are prohibited from engaging in certain activities related to Medicaid planning, which constitute the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL). UPL is a third degree felony in Florida. A third...