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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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 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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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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Being a resident in a long-term care facility does not mean giving up your legal rights. In fact, anyone who lives in a nursing facility gains certain rights. You can see a summary of those rights here, and read the…
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Headlines are made when wealthy people leave outsize fortunes to their pets. One notable example is Leona Helmsley, the hotel magnate who passed away in 2007. Cutting out her family, Helmsley left her entire $12 million fortune to her pet…
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In Florida, the average annual cost of a private room at a long-term nursing facility now hovers upwards of $90,000 annually, with a semi-private room around $83,000. With the oldest Baby Boomers turning 70 and the escalating incidence of chronic…
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What hospital to go to? You will get more help with your decision now. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has just released its new rankings for 3,617 hospitals nationwide. Originally scheduled for earlier this year, the release…
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It is important to have a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). This key legal document allows you to name someone other than yourself to handle your financial affairs. If you become incapacitated, having a DPOA can make the difference between…
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People who ask The Karp Law Firm to handle the Florida probate of a loved one’s estate often have an inkling of what’s ahead: just about everyone has heard horror stories about the probate courts, particularly the courts in Florida….
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