Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


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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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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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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Stan Lee
Be Your Own Superhero: Protect Yourself From Financial Predators With a Predator Protection Trust
June 27, 2018

Spider Man. Ant Man. The Fantastic Four. The Hulk. These comic book superheroes sprang from Stan Lee’s imagination and made their creator a wealthy man. But at 95, the Marvel mogul’s own powers appear diminished, potentially putting him and his…

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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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Senior Volunteers
Karp Law Firm Helps Sponsor Tribute to Senior Volunteers
March 14, 2018

The Karp Law Firm is one of the sponsors of the Area Agency on Aging’s 26th annual Prime Time Awards Breakfast. The May 24 event honors seniors in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties who have…

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