As discussed in the last two blogs, the Florida Constitution allows resident homeowners to receive generous homestead exemptions if they qualify for a homestead exemption or reduction through the Florida Department of Revenue. In addition to the homestead programs available for veterans, the disabled, widows and widowers and to all other homeowners, the Florida Constitution allows local government … [Read more...] about The Property Tax Relief Programs Available in Florida: Part 3 of 3
The Property Tax Relief Programs Available in Florida: Part 2 of 3
After reading the first blog entry in this three-part series, you should know that you may qualify for a property tax reduction or complete exemption if you are a completely and totally disabled veteran limited to wheelchair use, a quadriplegic or suffer complete blindness. If you do not qualify for the complete veterans’ exemption, you may qualify for a different homestead exemption through … [Read more...] about The Property Tax Relief Programs Available in Florida: Part 2 of 3
The Property Tax Relief Programs Available in Florida: Part 1 of 3
Most states impose real property taxes on their residents. In many states, tax agencies impose property taxes on personal property. Additionally, many states, including Florida, offer some homeowners property tax relief programs that allow them to reduce their annual or semiannual real property tax payments. The Florida State Constitution gives local government tax agencies the legal rights to … [Read more...] about The Property Tax Relief Programs Available in Florida: Part 1 of 3
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
Both in elder law and estate planning you may see the term Guardian ad Litem used. But do you know what that term actually means? A probate court handles not only issues of wills, estates and trusts, it also deals with the issues of incapacitated adults and minor children. They are considered vulnerable in the eyes of the Court, and may require the help of skilled legal representatives to ensure … [Read more...] about What is a Guardian ad Litem?
Alzheimer’s Warning Signs
Typically, in the months or years leading up to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a patient or his or her loved ones notices certain changes that signal mental decline. The Alzheimer’s Association has published a list of ten warning signs that accompany the disease. Here they are, in a nutshell: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. This is one of the most common signs of … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Warning Signs
Elder Law: Beyond Estate Planning
Did you know that an elder law attorney is not the same thing as an estate planning attorney? While elder law attorneys can and do help their clients establish effective estate plans, the focus of an elder law practice goes beyond estate planning. In a nutshell, estate planning takes care of what happens to your property after you pass away; an estate planning attorney can help you minimize the … [Read more...] about Elder Law: Beyond Estate Planning
Financial Elder Abuse: What It Is and What to Do About It
Elderly people are uniquely vulnerable to financial abuse for a number of reasons. For instance, elderly people tend to have more money and property than their younger counterparts; age often brings with it illness and mental decline, requiring reliance on others for assistance; and many older people don’t know the full value of their assets. Identifying Financial Abuse Of all the forms of elder … [Read more...] about Financial Elder Abuse: What It Is and What to Do About It
Elder Care Dispute? Consider a Mediator
Should mom or dad be moved to a nursing home? Which sibling is best suited to make financial decisions for an elderly parent? At one point should an aging parent relinquish his or her car keys? These are issues that many families are faced with at some point, and they tend to spark just the types of disagreements that can drive a loved ones to the breaking point. It’s not unusual to see families … [Read more...] about Elder Care Dispute? Consider a Mediator
Is It Time to Hand Over the Car Keys?
At what point should you talk to a parent or another older loved one about reducing his or her driving, or even relinquishing the car keys altogether? The decision is a difficult one, and there’s no hard and fast rule. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s driving skills, the first thing to do is to observe that person’s driving over a period of time. Here are some warning signs to look … [Read more...] about Is It Time to Hand Over the Car Keys?
