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A dementia diagnosis creates an urgent need to put legal documents in place. Florida law requires that a person understand what they are signing. For a power of attorney, the person must be "of sound mind." For a healthcare surrogate, capacity is defined under Florida...
Creditor claims are one of the most time-sensitive parts of Florida probate. The person handling the estate must notify creditors, review each claim and decide whether to pay it, object to it or reject it. A wrong step at the wrong time can create serious problems for...
When a family member enters a nursing home, you expect enough staff to provide basic care and respond when help is needed. But what happens when too few nurses and nursing assistants are responsible for too many residents? In Florida, staffing shortages can contribute...
You are a beneficiary of a family trust, yet months have gone by and the trustee has told you almost nothing. You do not know what the trust holds or whether your share is shrinking. That silence is unsettling because it prevents you from evaluating whether the...
The milestones that make life meaningful also bring new responsibilities. Buying a home, welcoming children, caring for aging parents or building financial security can all impact the future in unexpected ways. Estate planning grows out of those moments. It gives...
Many people assume Medicaid eligibility depends only on how many assets you have. In reality, the process involves a closer look at your financial history.Medicaid uses a lookback period to review asset transfers before approving long-term care benefits. Understanding...
Few family problems feel as upsetting as realizing someone may be using an elderly relative's power of attorney for personal gain. You may feel angry, shut out and unsure what you can legally do, especially if the person holding that authority is a sibling, cousin or...
Many women spend years of their lives taking care of family members. They look after their loved ones whether it is a common cold or a terminal illness. But what happens when the caregiver needs care herself? While many women spend time preparing for retirement and...
When doing your estate planning, it is imperative that you select the right trustee for your loved one’s spendthrift trust. Exactly who that individual might be depends on your particular circumstances. However, there are a few common guidelines that can help you make...
Many families generally avoid estate plan conversations until a health scare or a loss forces the issue. That timing often raises stress and may increase the chance of misunderstandings. A calmer conversation now may help your family focus on support instead of...