Recent Blog Posts
How To Avoid Shady Guardians: Choose Someone You Trust
The idea of giving up control of your financial decisions because you are too ill to make these decisions on your own is scary, but no estate plan is complete until you have chosen someone that you wish the court to appoint as your legal guardian if you ever need one. If, while you… Read More »
Beware Of Nuncupative Wills
Florida has long been a popular destination for retirees from other states and other countries to spend their final years, so it is unsurprising that Florida’s probate courts have admitted many wills that were issued elsewhere. Florida law adopts the attitude that, if a will meets the legal requirements of the state or country… Read More »
You Have More Options Than You Think About What Happens To Your Body After You Die
The philosophers have been reminding us for years that eventually, all of us will die, and our bodies will turn to dust. Estate planning lawyers will tell you with a smile that estate planning is about planning for life, not just about planning for death. The truth is, however, that your estate plan is… Read More »
The Secrets You Keep From Your Family Can Come Out During Probate
There is already enough conflict and ugliness in the world; imagine how much there would be if your siblings, children, or spouse knew everything there was to know about you. In an age where everyone broadcasts everyone else’s business on the Internet, it is harder to take secrets with you to the grave. Meanwhile,… Read More »
You Have The Right To Leave Your Children Unequal Shares Of Your Estate
Personal finance advice columnists have strong opinions about whether you should divide your estate equally among your children. Some say that playing favorites in your will is a sure way to create rifts in your family that will make it very difficult for your grandchildren to enjoy the same kind of close relationship with… Read More »
Guardianships Can Protect Your Elderly Family Members From Financial Abuse
Forming friendships late in life can be a beautiful thing. Perhaps you saw your own grandmother become more social after your grandfather died, attending church choir practice several times per week and meeting her friends at restaurants for lunch, having more fun than she had had since the days when your grandfather was still… Read More »
Can You Stop Your Spouse From Claiming An Elective Share Of Your Estate?
When you write a will, you are the boss. You can leave as much or as little property to anyone you choose, regardless of their relationship to you. If you decide to disinherit your entire family and your entire estate to your pet corgi and appoint your friend Cathy as the corgi’s guardian, this… Read More »
Does Your Vision Of Happiness Include A Luxurious Assisted-Living Facility?
Aging happens to everyone, no matter how much or how little money they have. Forming an estate plan and a plan for living out your retirement years should begin with a realistic look at your financial resources. If you live beyond your means when you are young, there is still time to rein in… Read More »
Single Ladies, Build An Estate Plan In 2022, If You Don’t Already Have One
Kudos to you if you are a woman who thinks that life gets better as you get older; you will save bundles of money and untold amounts of stress by not chasing futile efforts to stay young. If you are happily married, then you and your husband should work on your estate plan together. … Read More »
New Year’s Resolution: Make A Budget To Remodel Your House For Aging In Place
Being content with the things you have is a sign of wisdom. If you are in your 60s and the house you bought when you were in your 30s still feels like a forever home to you, this means that you made the right decision all those years ago. Deciding on accommodations in which… Read More »