The Karp Law Firm

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The Karp Law Firm Florida Bar Certified Elder Law Attorneys provide help with wills, trusts, probate & trust administr "Your peace of mind is our priority."

The Karp Law Firm helps South Florida residents and their families in the areas of asset preservation, wills and trusts, estate planning, Medicaid planning, Veterans benefits, probate and trust administration, and planning for special needs individuals.

10/13/2026

“I trust my child completely. Why not just add their name to my account?”

Trusting them isn’t the concern. It’s understanding what shared ownership could mean for you.

Day 8 of my 26-day countdown to the New York City Marathon covers a shortcut that can have lasting consequences. Adding a child as an owner of your home or accounts may create complications with creditors, taxes, and Medicaid planning, while affecting your control over the asset.

Before changing ownership, talk with an estate planning attorney about what you’re trying to accomplish. There may be a better way to get there.

18 more tips to go! 🏃‍♂️

10/12/2026

You signed your trust documents. But did you finish the next step?

Day 7 of 26: Making sure your trust actually holds the assets it’s supposed to.

That process is called funding your trust. Depending on your plan, it may involve updating deeds, retitling accounts, or coordinating beneficiary designations.

I’ve seen carefully drafted trusts with none of that follow-through. The documents reflect someone’s wishes, but the assets haven’t been lined up to make the plan work.

If you have a trust, ask your attorney whether its funding is complete.

Seven tips down, 19 to go before I take on New York City! 🏃‍♂️

10/11/2026

A little plot twist in my New York City Marathon training… I’m running the Chicago Marathon today! 🏃‍♂️

Apparently, my idea of preparing for 26.2 miles is running another 26.2 miles first.

Chicago, see you at the finish line. New York, see you in three weeks!

10/11/2026

Who would make medical decisions for you if you couldn’t? And do they know what you’d want?

For day 6 of my countdown to the New York City Marathon, I’m talking about choosing a healthcare surrogate: someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf when needed.

Put that choice in writing, then have the conversation. Share your wishes and keep them informed about your health as things change.

And if your child is 18 or older, help them think through this, too. Being their parent doesn’t automatically give you full access to their medical information.

The paperwork matters. So does preparing the person you’ve chosen.

20 more tips before 26.2 miles! 🏃‍♂️

10/10/2026

Your estate plan may be up to date. But what about that beneficiary form you filled out 15 years ago?

Day 5 of 26 on the road to the New York City Marathon is about an easy detail to overlook: who’s listed on your accounts.

Beneficiary designations on assets like life insurance and retirement accounts generally take priority over instructions in your will. An outdated form could leave those assets to someone you no longer intend to receive them.

When reviewing your estate plan, check those designations, too. They should work together with your plan and reflect your wishes today.

Save this as a reminder to check yours. 🏃‍♂️

10/09/2026

Your will addresses what happens after you’re gone. But who would handle your finances if you couldn’t manage them while you’re still here?

Day 4 of 26: Why a durable power of attorney deserves a place in the estate planning conversation.

It lets you choose someone you trust to handle financial matters on your behalf, with the authority you grant in the document. Planning ahead may help avoid the need for a court to appoint someone for that role.

A good estate plan should consider your lifetime, too.

Next up: day 5. The countdown to 26.2 miles continues! 🏃‍♂️

10/08/2026

Thinking about giving away assets to help a loved one qualify for Medicaid? Pause before making that transfer.

Day 3 of 26 on the road to the New York City Marathon: A well-intended gift could complicate Medicaid eligibility.

Florida Medicaid’s rules include a five-year look-back period for long-term care eligibility. Certain gifts or transfers during that time can delay assistance with care costs.

Exceptions may apply, but the details matter. Before giving away money or changing a deed, talk with a Florida elder law attorney about your loved one’s situation.

Three days down, 23 more tips to go! 🏃‍♂️

10/07/2026

Do you have to spend everything on long-term care before Medicaid can help? Not necessarily.

On day 2 of my 26-day countdown to the New York City Marathon, I’m addressing a worry I often hear from families facing care costs.

Medicaid has income and asset limits, but depending on your circumstances, legal planning options may help preserve assets while qualifying for assistance. Even when a loved one needs care right away, it’s worth exploring what may be available.

Before assuming you have to spend it all, speak with a Florida elder law attorney.

24 more tips to go. Follow along! 🏃‍♂️

10/06/2026

“I have a will, so my family won’t have to deal with probate.” It’s a common misconception I hear as an estate planning attorney.

Day 1 of 26 before I run 26.2 miles: Having a will doesn’t automatically keep your estate out of probate.

A will outlines your wishes, but avoiding probate takes additional planning. Depending on your situation, that might involve a trust or simpler steps.

Knowing what your will does, and what it doesn’t, can help you better prepare for the people you love.

Follow along for tomorrow’s tip! 🏃‍♂️

10/05/2026

26 days. 26 tips. Then 26.2 miles. 🏃‍♂️

I’m Jonathan Karp, one of the estate planning and elder law attorneys at Karp Law in Florida. When I’m not working with clients, I’m training for the New York City Marathon. For the next 26 days, I’m bringing the two together.

Each day, I’ll share one thing worth knowing about planning for your future or helping someone you love. We’ll cover everything from wills and trusts to Medicaid planning, in plain language, without the legal jargon.

Follow along! Day 1 starts tomorrow.

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Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach
Port St. Lucie, FL

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+15616251100

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