Social Security Changes Coming

I received the following note from a friend who runs AGED, that is Advocates and Guardians for the Elderly and Diabled. They are a stellar organization and provide significant assistance to their clients.   Upcoming Social Security Changes There were many changes made to Social Security which could impact your benefits in 2013. Here are a few that we think are particularly relevant. To view the full list visit Social Security's Announcement on the 2013 changes. Cost of Living Increase Social Security approved a 1.7% cost-of-living (COLA) increase for those receiving monthly Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), beginning December 31, 2012.   For more information about the COLA increase, please visit Social Security's website.    Change in Social Security Credits   As you work and pay taxes, you earn "credits" towards retirement and other benefits. In 2013, the amount of money you have to make to earn one credit increased. Now, it will take $1,160 to earn one credit, an increase of $30 from the previous year. In general, a worker needs approximately 40 credits, or 10 years of work, to be eligible for benefits.   Increase in Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts When individuals receive retirement benefits, but continue to work, there is a limit on what they can earn before they are required to give back some benefits. For 2013, for every $2 in earnings above the new limit of $15,120/year, or $1,260/month, one dollar of benefits will be withheld . It is important to note this only applies until the year the worker reaches full retirement age. For the months up to the month of the birthday, a different formula applies. In 2013, Social Security will hold back $1 in benefits for every $3 that a worker earns above $40,080.   For more information about the changes in the Retirement Earnings Test Exempt amounts, please visit Social Security's website.

For more information you may call me at 407-645-3297, or visit my website at www.aubreylaw.com To contact AGED, visit www.trustaged.org or call AGED at (407) 682-4111.

How much will My divorce Cost?

Great Question! If you go to one paralegal in Central Florida, you will find this price list:

All divorces run between $400-$1200, depending on how many children, the amount of assets to be distributed, the amount of debt to be distributed, and the complexity of the divorce. Our prices are approximately ten percent of what most lawyers will charge for similar type paperwork.

	DIVORCE UNCONTESTED and CONTESTED (both parties making under $50,000 per year):                                                      Visit my Website: www.aubreylaw.com UNC CON - with No Children & No Property $400 $300 - with Property $400 $400 - with Children $500 $500 - with Children & Property $500 $500
	DIVORCE UNCONTESTED and CONTESTED (both or either party making above $50,000 per year): * UNC CON - with No Children & No Property $500 $400 - with Property $500 $500 - with Children $600 $600 - with Children & Property $600 $600 - with Child & Property, both parties making above $50,000 per year with substantial assets and debts $750 $1200
	FILING FEE for Divorce:                                         Visit my website: www.aubreylaw.com - As of January 1, 2006, the filing fee in most Florida counties for Divorce is approximately $408.
	ANSWER for Divorce: - Includes the following documents: Dissolution of Marriage, Financial Affidavit, Notice of Social Security and Parenting Plan when applicable. All of these need to be filed. - Under $50K - $300 / Over $50K - $400
	MODIFICATION of Child Support, Visitation or Paternity (both parties making under $50,000 per year): - Modifications base $400.
	MODIFICATION of Child Support, Visitation or Paternity (either or both party making above $50,000 per year): *                                                                Visit my website: www.aubreylaw.com - Modifications base $500.
	FILING FEE for Modification: As of 2006, $50 in all Florida Counties. Of course the hiring of an attorney can be expensive. But what happens if you spend money for a non-lawyer to prepare your case, and something goes wrong? A Non-Lawyer cannot advise you as to what the court may do, or what your actions may cause. A Non-Lawyer cannot tell you what your spouse's response means. When you need a Divorce, you need an Attorney who can work with you throughout the process to make sure your divorce is completed properly. Call me at 407-645-3297 or visit my website: www.aubreylaw.com

Whose Interests Do You Represent?

As an Attorney, I am required to advance the interests of my client. Sometimes that doesn't appear clear from one perspective or another. Many, MANY times, the opposing party to litigation will try to convince my client that I am in fact NOT advancing their interests, but either I am working against them, or not working at all - claims of Dilly, Dally and Delay P.A.

What are my client's Interests? Perhaps a better description would be, my client hopes, dreams, and desires for their family. What my client wants, as the outcome of litigation is the primary "Interest" I must support. So long as my client is not seeking litigation just to harass the other side, or just to delay the inevitable resolution, I must follow the Client's direction.

A great note on Interests can be found here: http://be-fulfilled.org/post/2012/11/17/Helping-Clients-Understand-Interests.aspx

When you want the advice of an attorney, call me.

Don't be afraid to call; I assure you that many others have been in the same position and needed help. Bo Prosser likes to say the two most basic prayers are Please Help, and Thank you. I like that! Feel free to visit my website at www.aubreylaw.com and send me a message. You will be glad you did! Aubrey