This Is Your Life

This Is Your Life, Not Your Laundry his share would go to his My rusty washing children. Thus, Barry’s two machine needs replacing. daughters were now going I’ll have to look into enerto share his inheritance. gy efficiency, warranties The problem is, Joanne is and consumer ratings, but seriously bipolar and was with a bit of research, it diagnosed as such well should be easy to figure out before her grandmother the best make and model drew up her will. When to purchase. Joanne receives her inherWould your estate plann in g b e that straight- Joseph S. Karp, itance, she is going to be C.E.L.A. kicked off the Medicaid forward! When it comes to benefits and Social Security Disabilfinding an attorney to assist, the ity (SSDI) benefits she relies on. public doesn’t have such an easy road. Florence’s attorney should have For example, there are those temptanticipated this problem and created ing ads: Simple will, $79! Living a special needs trust for Joanne well Trust, $150! For a washing machine, in advance. Why didn’t he? Was it that may be all the information you because he didn’t delve deeply enough need. But for your estate plan? Not a into this family’s situation? Did he chance. Estate planning is a complex not ask the right questions or have process. It’s the written record of some sufficient knowledge of Florida of the most important decisions you’ll estate planning law? Was he rushing ever make. Price can’t possibly give through the consultation? Neither the you all the information you need to family nor I know the answer, but we make an informed decision. do know this: Setting this mess right Not all attorneys are equal in terms is going to be a hassle, and the cost of area of expertise and education; not of doing so will more than offset all consultations are equal in depth whatever Florence saved initially. or time; and certainly each family’s In my experience, this family is financial and personal circumstances not unique. Every family has its own are unique. You can be pretty certain brand of potentially sticky situations. that what you get for $79 is going to The competent estate planning/elder be different from what you get for law attorney must know what ques$179 or $1179. There’s a reason for tions to ask and ferret out the inforthose price differences, beyond whose mation, not hope his client is savvy office has the fancier potted plant! enough to volunteer it! Given the aging of our population, Listen to Joe Karp with many attorneys—and worse yet, Anita Finley on Saturday, non-attorneys—are eager to jump on September 12 from 7:30-8:00 AM the estate planning/elder law bandon WSBR 740AM and on the wagon. That means the public must Internet at www.wsbrradio.com. exercise caution. Your best bet is to rely on an attorney who is certified Let’s illustrate all this with a realby the Florida Bar. He or she will have life story. (My readers know I have a the requisite experience and educaslew of war stories, since a good tion to ask the right questions and portion of my business is attempting come up with a plan that really meets to repair the legal jams families get your and your family’s needs. Rememinto by using cut-rate legal services.) ber, your estate plan is not a washing A family recently came to me with machine. You’re not dealing with your this situation: Grandmother Florence laundry—you’re dealing with your had just died. Her will had evidently life! been prepared by a “discount” lawyer. As I read the will and listened to the Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certified family, I gleaned that Florence had and Florida Bar-certified elder law attorney been widowed for several decades. (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice of Trusts, She had three adult sons. Two of them Estates and Elder Law. His offices are locatwere in my office. The third who I ed at 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton will call Barry, had died the prior year. Beach; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port Barry had two adult children, Linda St. Lucie. Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boynand Joanne. ton); 561-625-1100 (Palm Beach Gardens); Florence’s will divided everything or 772-343-8411 (Port St. Lucie). Toll-free among the three sons equally, with a from anywhere: 800-893-9911. E-mail: KLF@ Karplaw.com or website www.karplaw.com provision that if any of the sons died,

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