Part Two: The Mechanics of an ABLE Account
After part one of our article regarding ABLE accounts, we received several inquiries about how funds in ABLE accounts may be invested, how ABLE accounts differ from a 529 college savings plan, what constitutes permissible uses of ABLE account funds and what happens to account funds after the participant passes away. “ABLE” is an acronym […]
Establishing an ABLE Account in Florida
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (the “ABLE Act”) provides families with a valuable savings mechanism that has been underutilized since its enactment into federal law on December 19, 2014. The ABLE Act assists individuals and families in establishing tax-free savings accounts to maintain health, independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. […]
Future Planning – An Overview of Special Needs Estate Planning
September 25, 2020 Presented by Cooper Levenson and Opportunity Village – Join Cooper Levenson attorneys Michael Salad and Kimberly Maxson-Rushton as they provide an “Overview of Special Needs Estate Planning” for Opportunity Village
Financial Planners Beware
August 8, 2020Michael Salad, Esq. | Craig Panholzer, Esq. In the world of e-mails and text messages, financial planners are often pressed to answer their clients’ questions immediately. Referrals and client retention are the lifeblood of financial planners. As a result, financial planners may unknowingly extend themselves beyond ethical and legal thresholds. This article provides […]
AN OVERVIEW OF HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
The cost of healthcare is a significant concern to most Americans. A Health Savings Account (“HSA”) allows health insurance subscribers to save federal income taxes. An HSA is a federal tax-exempt trust or custodial account that may be established by qualifying individuals with an HSA trustee, which may be a bank, insurance company, or an […]
Is It Time to Litigate? Florida Standards for Contesting a Testator’s Capacity
July 7, 2020 Michael Salad Most people are aware that a person executing a will (a “testator”) must be of sound mind. Testators should not be influenced or coerced by anyone. Unfortunately, family members often litigate these issues because they do not agree with the provisions of a will. Dissatisfied parties often contest wills by […]
Preserving Social Security Benefits Against Creditor Claims
Debt is common for most Americans. Unexpected events such as job loss or sickness may cause defaults on debt. The resulting credit damage or creditor judgments may follow a debtor for life. To that end, many Americans nearing retirement or in retirement who rely on social security benefits wonder if social security benefits are subject […]
Using a Lady Bird Deed to Maintain Florida Residency Exemptions
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Clean Air Act in addition to waging a “War on Poverty.” He also contributed an estate planning tool that remains popular with residents of certain states today. President Johnson used a special type of deed to gift property to his […]
Do Not Resuscitate?
In these times of pandemic uncertainty, many people are faced with difficult circumstances, including health-care professionals. Prolonging life by means of resuscitation is not a decision universally accepted. Leaving that decision to health care providers can be precarious. Hospital and health care professionals are often faced with making decisions of life or death in an […]
Cherry Hill Squares – Episode 3
Join the third episode with lawyer Cynthia Grob and the Family Law Practice Group while they talk with Cooper Levenson Estate Planning lawyer Michael Salad.