Category Archives: Estate Planning
Planning For A Loved One’s Future: What Is A Special Needs Trust, Anyway?
If you are caring for a family member with a disability, you have probably asked yourself a difficult question: what happens to them financially once you are no longer able to help? It is not a comfortable thing to think about, but it is one of the most important questions a caregiver can ask…. Read More »
Is Skipping Probate Really Possible In Florida? Here’s What The Law Allows
Everyone seems to have an opinion about probate. Some call it slow. Others call it expensive. A few call it unnecessary altogether. So which is it? And more importantly, can a Florida resident actually avoid it, or is that more myth than reality? The honest answer is somewhere in between, and it depends heavily… Read More »
Can You Really Write Your Own Will On A Napkin In Florida? Here’s The Truth
Picture this: someone jots down their final wishes on a piece of notebook paper, signs it, and tucks it in a drawer. No lawyer, no witnesses, just their own handwriting. Is that a valid will in Florida? It is a question that comes up more often than you might think, and the answer surprises… Read More »
Guardianship Is Not Your Only Option: Smarter Ways To Protect A Loved One In Florida
If you have a parent who is starting to struggle with daily decisions, or an adult child with a developmental disability, you have probably heard the word “guardianship” thrown around as the default fix. But is it really the only road available? In Florida, the answer is no, and for many families, it is… Read More »
Why An Unfunded Living Trust Won’t Protect Your Family
You signed the paperwork, the trust document is sitting in a drawer somewhere, and you figure your estate plan is done. But is it really? A living trust that has not been properly funded is a bit like a safe with nothing inside it, and unfortunately, this is one of the most common estate… Read More »
What Rights Does A Guardian Have In Florida?
If you have ever been named a guardian for a family member, or if you are wondering what would happen to your loved one if you became incapacitated, you may be asking the same question many Floridians ask: what exactly does a guardian have the power to do? Guardianship is one of those legal… Read More »
Can You Disinherit A Child In Florida?
Estate planning often brings up questions that feel uncomfortable to ask out loud. One of the most common is this: can a parent legally choose to leave a child out of their will entirely? Whether the situation involves a strained relationship, concerns about how assets would be used, or simply a desire to leave… Read More »
Trusts And Creditors In Florida: What Actually Holds Up And What Doesn’t
You have probably heard that putting your assets into a trust will shield them from creditors. It is one of the most common assumptions in estate planning, and like a lot of common assumptions, it is only true some of the time. The real answer in Florida depends heavily on what kind of trust… Read More »
How Business Owners Should Plan Their Estates In Florida
If you own a business in Volusia County or anywhere in Florida, you already know how much effort goes into keeping it running. But have you thought about what would happen to it if you were suddenly gone or became incapacitated? For most business owners, a standard estate plan simply is not enough. Your… Read More »
How To Protect Your Home From Probate In Florida
For many families in Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia County, the family home is the most valuable asset they own. It makes sense that one of the first questions people ask during estate planning is: will my house have to go through probate? The answer depends on how the property is titled and how… Read More »