Children with certain conditions such as autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require special planning in order to provide for their needs. From a legal standpoint, there are two steps that parents should take in order to protect and to provide assistance to their...
Complex Legal Challenges
Estate Planning
Guardian Advocate for Adult Children with Developmental Disabilities
Children with certain conditions such as autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or Down syndrome require special planning in order to meet their needs. This becomes particularly true once the child reaches the age of majority—in Florida, age 18. During the years the...
Will Your Business Die When You Die?
Small business owners face many challenges—especially in this day of COVID-19! But challenges are nothing new for these owners. Whether it is marketing, cash flow, taxes, governmental regulation, or dealing with employees, there are always obstacles and difficulties...
What is a Pretermitted Spouse?
Often when married couples have their estate documents prepared, they will provide for each other. A husband’s Last Will and Testament (“Will”) may leave everything to his wife and vice versa. This sort of inheritance seems natural. But what happens if the couple had...
Dying without a will in Florida
Many families may find that making end-of-life plans can be a painful and challenging experience. It is vital, however, to not let grief cloud one’s judgment and skip out on end-of-life responsibilities. The reality is that all adult Floridians should have a will in...
Post-Divorce Estate Planning
For a married person, going through a divorce changes many aspects of his or her life. Often the person must look for a new place to live. He or she may have to change their bank and other financial accounts. Addresses for bills and other important mailings will need...
After my death, will my stepchildren get anything?
When thinking about the end of your life, what do you want to leave behind? Who do you want to leave it to? A will can help you achieve these things and more after your passing. With a blended family, it’s important that you have documentation if you want to include...
Controlled Distribution Using a Living Trust
In Florida, there are a number of benefits of establishing a Living Trust (also called a Revocable Trust). These include avoiding probate and maintaining privacy. Another important benefit is the ability to control how and when the assets which you own are distributed...
Crossing the line–When a Power of Attorney agent goes too far
A Durable Power of Attorney (“DPOA”) is an essential estate planning document in Florida. Having one allows you to appoint an agent who can act on your behalf on personal, business, and financial matters. This instrument can be especially important for persons who are...
Avoid these four estate planning mistakes
You look to your estate plan as a means of protecting your assets and giving you a sense of control over the fate of your property after death. Wills and trusts are meant to give us peace of mind. But without a careful approach in establishing and updating your plans,...