Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


401(k), IRA Contribution Limits Increase in 2019
401(k), IRA Contribution Limits Increase in 2019
December 29, 2018

Beginning in 2019, you will be able to save more in your retirement plans. 401(K) PLANS, 402(B) PLANS, AND MOST 457 PLANS If you are under 50 years old, the annual contribution cap is $19,000 (was $18,500). If you are…

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Retroactive Medicaid Coverage Reduced
December 24, 2018

In a significant development for Floridians seeking Medicaid long-term care benefts, the period during which retroactive benefits are available has been reduced. Beginning February 1, 2019 those qualifying for Medicaid long-term care benefits may receive benefits for a period of 30…

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401k
Beneficiary Designations: So Much Can Go So Wrong If They’re Not Right
November 2, 2018

I was contacted some months ago by  “Patricia.” She had read my Palm Beach Post article about 401K beneficiaries and it immediately reminded her of a situation that had occurred in her own family.  She suggested my readers would benefit…

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Floridians Begin Receiving New Medicare Cards
Floridians Begin Receiving New Medicare Cards
August 24, 2018

Floridians are beginning to receive their new Medicare cards. Unlike the old cards, your new card will not display your Social Security number. Instead, you will have a unique “Medicare Beneficiary Number.” (Note that if you are enrolled in a…

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airline
Can You Bequeath (Or Inherit) Airline Rewards Points?
July 21, 2018

Many of our clients are frequent travelers who have accumulated significant reward points with one or more airlines. Naturally, they would like any miles that remain in their accounts at their deaths to go to loved ones. This topic has…

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ABLE Accounts: Positive Developments
July 21, 2018

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save in a tax-advantaged account without jeopardizing eligibility for Medicaid or other federal benefits. Funds in an ABLE account may be used only for qualified disability-related expenses and…

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Florida Electronic Wills Act Passes
Florida Electronic Wills Act Passes
June 18, 2018

Florida has passed the Electronic Documents Act (HB 409). Signed by Gov. DeSantis on June 7, 2018, it allows for electronic signing, witnessing and notarization of wills and other estate planning documents, and outlines strict standards that must be followed…

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Fiduciary Rule Struck Down By Federal Appeals Court
Fiduciary Rule Struck Down By Federal Appeals Court
March 16, 2018

On March 15, 2018  the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the Department of Labor’s proposed fiduciary rule. As we reported in November 2017, that rule was intended to curb conflict of interest by financial professionals who offer retirement account…

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Estate Tax Exemption Changes, But Not Permanently
Estate Tax Exemption Changes, But Not Permanently
January 1, 2018

Estate Tax Exemption Changes, But Not Permanently 1-1-2018 – Effective January 1, 2018, the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption has doubled. An individual may now pass $11.2 million estate tax free. With portability, a married couple may pass…

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ABLE United Princesa Collage
ABLE Account Annual Contribution Limit Rises to $15K In 2018
December 11, 2017

Effective January 1, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service raises the total amount that may be contributed to an ABLE account to $15,000 (was $14,000). The ABLE account (“Achieving a Better Life Experience”) allows an individual with disabilities to save in…

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