With everything going on right now, I am especially anxious to get my Power of Attorney, Last Will and Testament and other estate planning documents prepared. How can that be done now that we are supposed to be social distancing?
- We are prepared and executing documents for our clients regularly. We make special accommodations to meet the needs of every client! We wear masks, we social distance in our conference room, and have even met clients at their vehicle so they do not have to come in to the office, if that is what they prefer. We work with nursing homes and ALFs to arrange safe and courteous signature executions from residents. We care for and protect our clients.
"I have a disabled child. How can I be sure he is looked-after when I am gone?"
- One option for providing funds for a special needs family member is to create a Special Needs Trust (SNT). This is a way of providing funds for the welfare of the disabled person without disqualifying him/her from other benefits for which they might otherwise qualify.
The Law Office of Walter B. Shurden is happy to assist your family regarding these matters. Please contact our office directly at (727) 443-2708. We are here to help!
We are so honored to have assisted your family Mrs. Carroll. Please do not hesitate to contact our office should you ever need anything!
It has been our pleasure to work with you.
Joan Jasbring CarrollWalt Shurden: Board Certified Elder Law Attorney
February 21 at 3:38 PM ·
We have used this firm and very happy with the results. WALT. As he likes to be called is the one to see for an Elder Care Attorney. His staff, Neelam.....Paralegal and Jennifer Ake have put up with my on going questions , texts and phone calls, keeping me abreast of the case. Thank you Walt, Neelam and Jennifer. I highly recommend the whole team.
We have used this firm and very happy with the results. WALT. As he likes to be called is the one to see for an Elder Care Attorney. His staff, Neelam.....Paralegal and Jennifer Ake have put up with my on going questions , texts and phone calls, keeping me abreast of the case. Thank you Walt, Neelam and Jennifer. I highly recommend the whole team.
Advance Directives: a list of critically important documents that should bear your signature - http://ow.ly/w8i5w
FLORIDAELDERLAWOFFICE.COM
Advance Directives in Florida: What They Are And Why You Need Them. -...
How do I transfer Power of Attorney to a sibling? http://ow.ly/w8iSS #elderlaw #Florida
AGINGCARE.COM
How do I Transfer Power of Attorney to a Sibling - AgingCare.com
Here is this week's Friday Tidbit:
"What documents do I need so I don’t have the same
mess we had when my mother died?"
The documents needed at death depends on what assets are owned by the individual and how they are titled. The titling of assets is a part of a well-planned estate plan. You should check with an estate planning attorney and discuss your specific situation. We will be happy to help.
Is Florida a Community Property State?
No, Florida is a common law state. The difference between common law and community property systems centers around the property rights possessed by married persons.
In a common law system like Florida, each spouse owns whatever he or she earns. Under a community property system, one-half of the earnings of each spouse is considered owned by the other spouse.
Check us out on Google for latest updates, and refer your friends! Our website is also a great source of updated info at www.waltshurdenlaw.com
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"How Long Does it Take to Get Qualified for Long Term Care Medicaid Benefits?"
It takes about 45 days for the Department of Children and Families to determine your eligibility. We often are working with clients on asset protection strategies for a month of two before an application is filed. For more on qualifying for Long Term Care Medicaid benefits, visit our website, waltshurdenlaw.com and download our EBook, Steps to Becoming Medicaid Eligible.
Here's our first Facebook Tip of 2021:
"How do I report payments to my caregiver?"
The IRS considers household caregivers to be employees and not contractors. Since your caregiver is properly classified as your employee you should apply for and receive a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). At the end of the year you must issue your employee a W-2 that contains your EIN. The employer must also register with the State of Florida and pay unemployment taxes each quarter. Remember, if you hire a home health agency you don’t have to worry about any of this. Just pay the agency’s invoice! For more information read IRS Publication 926, Household Employer’s Tax Guide, or call your CPA.
Happy New Year to you & yours!
May 2021 be a year of gratitude, good health, and better days.
"Since My Durable Power Of Attorney document says my “Attorney-In-Fact” can act on my behalf, does that mean my lawyer can make transactions on my accounts?”
No. In its most general sense, the term “Attorney” denotes an agent, or someone who is appointed and authorized to act in the place of another. So when you authorize your “Attorney-In-Fact” to transact on your bank accounts, to sign deeds, or to enter into long term care planning with your assets, you are referring only to that spouse, child, or close friend that you selected to help you during your incapacity.
