As of January 2025, the Medicaid gross monthly income limit increased from $2,829 (2024) to $2,991 . Yes – it went from $2,829 to $2,991. It’s a small increase (typical every year to account for inflation), but it’s an increase, and that extra $162 per month now lets some people qualify automatically who were previously $50–$100 over the old limit. The 2025 Medicaid Numbers You Need to Know Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,991 Asset Limit: $2,000  (unchanged) – you must be able

Have you ever played a card game where you thought you had the winning hand… until someone slams down a trump card and takes the entire pot? That’s exactly what happens in estate planning more often than you realize — and most people never see it coming. In estate planning , a “trump card”  is any designation on an asset that automatically overrides everything else you’ve written in your will or trust. No matter how carefully you drafted your will, no matter how many hours yo

Only One Spouse on the Deed But Both on the Mortgage in Florida – Here’s What Actually Happens I get this question every single week: “We bought the house before we got married. Both of us are on the mortgage, but only one name is on the deed. If something happens to my spouse, do I automatically get the house?” The short answer: No — you do NOT automatically get the house. In Florida, ownership is decided 100% by the deed. The mortgage means nothing when it comes to who leg

If you co-own a home or land in Florida and you’re worried about whether the other person can secretly create a new deed that takes you off the title without your knowledge or consent , you’re not alone. This is one of the most common estate questions Florida property owners ask. Short answer:  It depends entirely on how  you and the other person hold title on the deed. In many cases — especially if the deed is silent or says “tenants in common” — the other owner can  transfe

If you're a Florida resident on Medicaid  with a paid-off house , you might worry about losing it to estate recovery after you pass. The good news? You can still get a Lady Bird deed —and you absolutely should. This simple tool keeps your home out of probate, avoids Medicaid claims, and passes it directly to your heirs. In this guide, we'll break down how Lady Bird deeds work for Medicaid recipients, Florida's generous homestead exemptions, and why skipping probate saves you

In the world of estate planning, Lady Bird deeds have become a popular tool for Florida homeowners looking to pass on their property smoothly without the headaches of probate. But a common question arises: When you change your deed to a Lady Bird deed , do you have to pay fees like documentary stamp taxes (doc stamps) or county recording fees? If you're in Florida and considering this option, you're in the right place. This guide breaks it down step by step, based on expert i

Many people call our office interested in pursuing probate in Florida , whether formal or summary. This guide explains the key requirements and documents needed to start the process, based on common questions we receive. Formal vs. Summary Probate in Florida Florida uses two main types of probate: Formal Probate : Required when assets subject to creditor claims exceed $75,000 or the decedent passed away less than 2 years ago. This process takes longer. Summary Probate : Avail

In Florida, many people use quitclaim deeds as a simple way to transfer property ownership, especially when planning for the future. A common scenario involves adding family members to the deed to ensure the property passes smoothly without probate. For example, imagine a situation where a mother adds her 34-year-old grandson and 24-year-old granddaughter to her quitclaim deed with survivorship, listing her name first. The big question: Will the property go straight to them w

When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions families ask is what happens to the money left in their bank accounts — especially if the person wasn’t married and didn’t have a will. Let’s walk through a real-world scenario that illustrates how Florida law handles this situation and how to make sure your loved one’s money ends up where it should. The Situation: A Gift, a Bank Account, and an Unmarried Partner A mother gifted each of her children $13,000 . One of her

When planning for long-term care, many people worry about protecting their assets, especially their home, from Medicaid recovery. If...

Income Limits in Florida Medicaid For a single individual in Florida, the gross monthly income limit to qualify for Long Term Care...

Estate planning is a crucial step for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out smoothly. But one of the most...

If you're navigating estate planning in Florida, you've likely come across terms like "Lady Bird deed" and "homestead exemption." These...

Discover how a revocable living trust in Florida can help your beneficiary avoid capital gains tax with a step-up in basis and bypass probate. Learn the benefits today!

When planning your estate in Florida, a lady bird deed  can be a powerful tool to ensure your property passes smoothly to your loved ones...

When it comes to owning real estate in Florida, understanding the different types of property deeds is crucial to ensure your ownership aligns with your goals. One commonly used option is the Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)  deed. This blog post explains how this type of deed works, its benefits, and important considerations for property owners in Florida. Whether you're purchasing property or planning your estate , this guide will help you make informed dec

When it comes to estate planning, one common question is whether you still need a Lady Bird deed if you already have a trust in place. The answer depends on your goals, the type of assets you own, and where you live.

When planning your estate, understanding the tools available to transfer property to your heirs is crucial. A common question is how a warranty deed differs from a Lady Bird deed and whether a warranty deed can help avoid probate, especially when a will specifies different beneficiaries. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences between these deeds, their impact on inheritance, and how they interact with probate in Florida.

Owning condos in Florida as a married couple? Learn how to title your properties for homestead benefits, probate avoidance, and liability protection. From adding a spouse to a deed to using LLCs for rentals like Airbnbs, discover expert strategies to secure your assets. Consult our Florida attorneys to navigate taxes, HOAs, and estate planning today!

Discover how a Ladybird deed can help you avoid probate in Florida. This powerful estate planning tool allows you to transfer real estate directly to beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing the costly and time-consuming probate process while retaining full control during your lifetime.