Florida Estate Planning & Elder Law E Newsletter  
February  2016
Message from our Attorneys

With Valentine's Day around the corner, this is a good time to remind you that
Have a wonderful month, and be sure to get in touch if there is anything we can do to assist you or your loved ones.
All the best,    
Joseph S. Karp
Joseph S. Karp
Genny Bernstein
Ge nny Bernstein
Adele S. Harris
Adele S. Harris
Brad Henry
Rachel G. Zetouni
Chad Steskal

In This Issue
Senior Survival Workshops
We have three estate planning workshops scheduled for February. There is no charge to attend, and you do not need a reservation. Check out the schedule and locations below.
  
Medicare figures for 2016
The basic Medicare Part B premium remains flat this year for most beneficiaries, but higher-income seniors will see hikes. Here are key numbers for Medicare programs in 2016.

Protecting online users' privacy: it's no game
Online providers' dedication to your privacy is commendable. But Apple may have taken things too far when it told a recent widow that she needed a court order to continue playing her favorite online card game. Read her story, and find out what steps Florida lawmakers are taking to enable your fiduciaries to access your digital information.

Can you sue for divorce if you have dementia?
A second marriage. Grown children from a prior marriage. Money. Declining cognitive function. When these factors converge, families can find themselves in a legal minefield. Here is the story of how the Zelman family navigated theirs. 

Elder Law Radio
Did you know that Attorney Joseph Karp is interviewed monthly on Anita Finley's radio show? Find out the broadcast schedule and where to listen here.
Should you take your pension as a lump sum?
If you are one of lucky few with a defined pension plan, you may soon be asked if you want to take it as a lump sum. That will save your pension provider money, but is it the right choice for you? Here are the pros and cons, from the nonprofit Pension Rights Center.
 
NYPD Red 4 has arrived
NYPD Red 4  is the latest collaboration from authors James Patterson and Marshall Karp (Attorney Karp's brother). If you like crime novels, this is right up your alley. Click here to learn more about the NYPD Red series as well as Marshall's Lomax and Biggs novels. 
Alzheimer's educational conference in March
The Karp Law Firm will be at the 19th annual Alzheimer's Educational Conference, March 17-18 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Caregivers and professionals alike can benefit from attending. Among this year's speakers is Dr. Kenneth Kosik, co-author of   The Alzheimer's Solution. 

More on ABLE accounts
An ABLE account is a new type of savings vehicle that may be beneficial in lieu of, or in addition to, a Special Needs Trust. The Social Security Administration has just issued its program guidelines. While intended for agency staff, the guidelines are highly readable and provide good information for anyone who wants to know more setting up an ABLE account. 
 
A new low in identity theft
And you thought identity theft affected only the living? The dearly departed and grieving families are also prime targets. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your family.    

Elder guardianship: a frightening prospect
Wondering why it's wise to plan to avoid court-ordered guardianship? You need look no further than the  The Palm Beach Post's unsettling investigation of the county's guardianship system.

Advice on long-distance caregiving
Many of our clients' families are scattered across the nation. Some, around the globe. This brochure from the National Institute on Aging can be helpful is you are trying to care for an aging loved one from afar.   

Thank you for your referrals
We are grateful for your referrals! Please encourage the people you refer to us to mention your name, so that we can personally thank you.

Florida Trusts, Estates, Elder Law

"Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority"

~ Three South Florida Offices ~

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Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
(561) 625-1100
( 561 ) 752-4550
(772) 343-8411

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