The Social Security Administration has backed off its recently introduced multifactor authentication system. Intended to tighten online security in compliance with Executive Order 13681, the new system requires those checking and managing benefits on www.ssa.gov. to provide, in addition to…
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Trustees, personal representatives and guardians seeking access to a decedent’s or disabled person’s digital assets are often rebuffed by internet providers citing privacy concerns. Digital assets are anything that exists online: documents stored in the cloud, email addresses, bank and…
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The Florida Supreme Court recently ruled that under certain conditions, the proceeds from selling your homestead property are protected from unsecured creditors (creditors other than mortgagors, mechanic’s liens, homeowner association fees, property taxes). The ruling should benefit empty-nesters and others…
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Effective July 1, individuals with disabilities who have more than $2,000 in assets will not lose their means-tested federal benefits, provided that the funds are held in an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. The basics of ABLE accounts…
moreIn a previous news item we alerted you that effective October 2015, certain caregivers are no longer exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, and therefore must be paid minimum wage and overtime by their employers. Since then we have received…
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With bipartisan support, The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 was signed into law by President Obama in December 2015. It made permanent the option for those age 70 1/2 and over to make donations directly to qualified…
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Florida’s homestead property law, FL Statute 732.401, was amended effective October 1, 2010. If you are the sole owner of homestead property and wish to leave the home outright to your spouse, you may still do so. The law does NOT…
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Beginning January 1, 2003, Florida joins a growing number of states that permit residents to include a pet as beneficiary of an estate plan. Until now, Florida residents concerned about the care of pets should the pets outlive them, had…
moreUnder Florida law a surviving spouse can elect to receive 30% of the deceased spouse’s estate. As of October 1, 2001, the categories of assets on which this “elective share” is based are broadened. Additional categories of assets computed for…
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