Your Trusted Legal Resource
Concerned family members, neighbors or caregivers can ask the courts to establish adult guardianship in qualifying situations. The courts can limit a person’s legal authority in cases where they cannot consistently act in their own best interests. Typically, there...
As you draft your estate plan, have you started worrying about how certain beneficiaries may use their inheritance? Maybe you do want to leave them something, but you are not sure they are ready for it. For example, maybe one of your beneficiaries is a college...
Funding a trust can deprive an individual of immediate access to and control over key resources. Some people choose to delay the transfer of certain property until after their passing. They may include those assets in a will while using the trust to address their most...
If a loved one passes away, it may be a relief to locate their will. That’s especially true if they didn’t discuss it with anyone, and you weren’t sure they even had one. What happens, however, if you find multiple wills? That’s more common than people realize. If you...
Creating an advance directive for health care (or “living will”) is a critical part of estate planning. Even young, healthy adults who aren’t ready to create a will, trust and other documents that address how they want their assets disbursed when they die can benefit...
An estate plan can be used to set up future medical care, often by making decisions in advance. As people age, medical emergencies become more likely. It can be helpful for their family to have guidance in the estate plan regarding the type of care or treatment that...
Florida homeowners often enjoy property tax savings through the homestead exemption, yet many overlook the restrictive rules that trigger upon a homeowner’s death. Florida’s Constitution and statutes create a "Homestead Trap" that can block the transfer of your home...
Most people enter the world of guardianship with the best intentions. You want to protect a loved one who can no longer care for themselves, whether due to age, illness or disability. In Florida, the court appoints a guardian to make decisions for this person, known...
One of the strongest reasons for contesting a will is undue influence. This happens when someone uses their position of trust or authority to manipulate a vulnerable person. The result is an estate plan that benefits the influencer instead of reflecting your loved...
There is no “right” answer to the question of how often you should update your estate plan. It all depends on what, if anything, has changed. A better question is, when should you review your estate plan? Reviewing it gives you the opportunity to understand whether or...