Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


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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Nat Shaffir
Holocaust Survivor, Marathoner, Volunteer
February 25, 2018

Nat Shaffir has seen more than most. A lot more. Born in 1936 in Romania, he later managed to escape Nazi-occupied Europe. He was shot at while serving as a paratrooper in the Israeli army. He made his way to…

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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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Wealth
Luxe Living for Seniors a New Trend
August 22, 2017

While the majority of Americans worry about having enough money just to last their lifetime, there’s a vastly smaller group with a different set of concerns: Ultra-wealthy seniors who live in luxurious surroundings, and want to keep it that way….

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physical therapy
Medicare staff still using improvement standard to deny claims
February 19, 2017

Medicare beneficiaries must be covered for skilled rehabilitation services if the services help the beneficiary maintain his/her level of functioning and prevent disease progression. Medical improvement is not necessary for coverage. This was made clear in the Jimmo v. Sibelius…

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Portrait of an elderly woman sitting alone in a senior care facility
Enforcement of CMS rule prohibiting pre-dispute arbitration clauses will be delayed
November 11, 2016

A new rule barring long-term care facilities from including pre-dispute forced arbitration clauses in their admissions contracts will not go into effect on November 28, as originally anticipated. (Discussed the rule in an earlier post. ) In response to a…

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elder_women_with_cat
Felines and homebound seniors: A perfect match
July 15, 2016

Here’s a lovely program that pairs seniors with furry feline companions. Consider it – ahem – a “fluff piece.” The humane society of Bay County, Michigan recently launched the Cats for Companionship program, which identifies homebound seniors who can benefit…

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Senior Couple Downsizng
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
June 8, 2016

Downsizing – simplifying, organizing and getting rid of clutter – can improve quality of life at any age. For seniors, it can be especially beneficial. See the tips below for seniors who are considering downsizing. This guest post is from…

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