Articles

Keys to Hiring a Caregiver

Six Keys to Hiring a Home Caregiver

Most people prefer to be cared for in their home rather than a nursing home, but finding a home care provider for you or a loved one can be daunting. The following are some things to keep in mind when looking for a caregiver. 1. Consider level of car… Read More
Categories: Elder Law
Social Security Increase

Social Security Benefit Increase: Largest in Eight Years

The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012. Cost of living increases are tied to the consumer price index, and an upturn in inflation rates and gas prices means recipie… Read More
Categories: General News
Alternatives to Guardianship

Alternatives to Guardianship

Because guardianship involves a profound loss of freedom and dignity, state laws require that guardianship be imposed only when less restrictive alternatives have been tried and proven to be ineffective. ore importantly, and of the alternatives below… Read More
Categories: Guardianship
Guardianship Process

Guardianship Process

Picking up from last week in this three-part series, this post covers the guardianship process. Key points are the complexity involved (this involves the court system) and the ongoing reporting requirements. Remembering some basic points of guardians… Read More
Categories: Guardianship
Guardianship Basics

Basic Principles in Guardianship (a series)

This is the first post in a series about guardianship. Over the next couple of weeks, look for two follow-ups that will further explains what’s behind this area of law. Guardianship Basics Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or h… Read More
Categories: Guardianship
529 Plans and Saving for College

Gifts to Grandchildren: 529 Accounts

This type of account, named for Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, enables you to reduce your taxable estate while earmarking funds for the higher education of a grandchild (or any other family member). Funds contributed to such accounts are i… Read More
Filial & Responsible…

Filial & Responsible Parties: When Can an Adult Child Be Liable for a Parent's Nursing Home Bill?

Although a nursing home cannot require a child to be personally liable for their parent’s nursing home bill, there are circumstances in which children can end up having to pay. This is a major reason why it is important to read any admission ag… Read More
Keep the Beat in Your Estate Plan

Rockin’ Your Estate Plan

Over the past weekend, I attended the REO Speedwagon and Chicago concert. At one point during REO’s performance, three of the band members (all guitar players) gathered near the front of the stage, playing some ongoing music but not a clearly ident… Read More
Categories: Powers of Attorney
Guardianship, Hippos, and…

Guardianship, Hippos, and #notallfoxes: Thoughts from John Oliver (and Others)

Sitting in my office this week, I had the opportunity to watch a clip from HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He provided an explanation of how guardianship works, with a frank discussion of the possible scary implications. Of course, be… Read More
Marriage and Wills

Going to the Chapel and You're Gonna Get Married? Florida Updates Your Will Automatically

By tradition, last month (June) was the month of weddings. In all of that wedded bliss, then, maybe seeing an estate planning attorney was not at the top of your list. On one hand, you’re safe: Florida adds your spouse to your will in your esta… Read More
Categories: Wills