Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


SECURE Act Makes Big Changes To Retirement Plans
January 2, 2020

The SECURE Act has just been signed into law and went into effect January 1, 2020. Short for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, the legislation makes sweeping changes to the rules for retirement plan savings. We are in the…

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Nursing Home Compare Flags 25 Florida Nursing Homes
Nursing Home Compare Flags 25 Florida Nursing Homes
October 30, 2019

To help families make informed decisions when placing a loved one in a nursing facility, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services maintains a “Nursing Home Compare” web site. This is a searchable database of skilled nursing facilities nationwide. It…

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IRS Introduces Senior-Friendly Income Tax Form
IRS Introduces Senior-Friendly Income Tax Form
October 27, 2019

The Internal Revenue Service is rolling out a new income tax form specifically for seniors. The 1040-SR is expected to be ready to use for 2019 filing. The 1040-SR includes several features intended to make filing easier for older adults. It is…

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2020 Social Security Benefits Increase
October 11, 2019

Americans collecting Social Security benefits are slated to receive a cost of living increase in 2020. Benefits will increase by 1.6%. The average retiree’s monthly benefit will increase about $24, from $1,473 to to $1,503. Also, the Social Security tax…

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Blue Water Vets Still Waiting For Benefits
September 22, 2019

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act became law  on June 25, 2019, making Blue Water veterans eligible for disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. For decades, veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam argued that, like those who served…

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Many Nursing Homes, ALF’s Still Need Permanent Generators
May 5, 2019

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you would be well – advised to find out the facility’s readiness for a power outage as we head into hurricane season. After Hurricane Irma struck in…

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Claim Now, Claim More Later Social Security Strategy Ends This Year
Claim Now, Claim More Later Social Security Strategy Ends This Year
February 13, 2019

2019 is the last year that a married person achieving full retirement age can file a restricted application. This Social Security – maximizing strategy, commonly called Claim Now, Claim More Later, is available to those born before January 2, 1954. The strategy…

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Sumner Redstone Estate Battle- The Wheel Has Come Full Circle
A Valentine’s Message To Our Readers: Online Dating Safety Tips
January 17, 2019

We are lawyers, not matchmakers. That said, as elder law and estate planning attorneys we often meet older people who are looking for companionship. With so many people of all ages using online dating sites, we are taking this Valentine’s…

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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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