Recent Blog Posts
Why You Shouldn’t Make Handwritten Changes to Your Will: A Brandon Estate Planning Attorney’s Perspective
"I want to make a small change to my will. Can I cross that section out, make my changes, and initial it with a date?" This is one of the most common questions I receive as a Brandon estate planning attorney, and I completely understand the appeal of making quick...
Changing Guardians When Medical Needs Change: A Lithia Estate Planning Attorney’s Perspective
When young parents create their first will, they often name their own parents as guardians for their children. It makes perfect sense, as grandparents love their grandchildren deeply and have the life experience to provide guidance and stability. But as a Florida...
Capital Gains Taxes: What Will My Loved Ones Owe If They Inherit My Estate? A Brandon Estate Planning Attorney’s Guide
One of the most common concerns I hear from families in Brandon, Fish Hawk, and throughout Florida is about the tax burden their loved ones might face after inheriting property or investments. "Will my children have to pay huge capital gains taxes on the family home?"...
What Exactly Is a Living Trust? A Riverview Estate Planning Attorney Explains
If you've been researching estate planning options, you've probably encountered the term "living trust" more than once. But what exactly is a living trust, and why do so many estate planning attorneys recommend them? As a Florida estate planning attorney who has...
Navigating Inheritances When You’re Raising a Grandchild: A Brandon Estate Planning Attorney’s Perspective
Life has a way of bringing unexpected changes, and for many grandparents in Brandon, Riverview, and throughout Florida, raising a grandchild has become their new reality. Whether due to family circumstances, health challenges, or other life events, grandparents who...
Why You Need to Update Your Estate Plan After Relocating to Hillsborough County
If you've recently relocated to Hillsborough County from elsewhere in the country—first, welcome! Second, it's time to take a fresh look at your estate plan. While your existing will and other estate planning documents from your previous state may still be legally...
Guardian Advocacy vs. Guardianship in Florida: What’s the Difference?
Guardian advocacy and guardianship are both legal processes in Florida that provide protection for individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves, but they serve different populations and have distinct requirements. Guardian advocacy is specifically designed for...
Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners in Hillsborough County: Protecting Your Relationship
Unmarried couples in Hillsborough County have no automatic inheritance rights or legal protections that married couples enjoy, making comprehensive estate planning essential for protecting your partner and your shared future. Without proper planning, your longtime...
Do I Need a Lawyer to Create a Will in Florida?
A DIY will may seem cost-effective initially, but mistakes can lead to costly probate disputes or invalid documents that far exceed the cost of professional legal guidance.
Avoid Probate with a Living Trust: Protecting Your Legacy in Brandon
Are you confident your estate plan will protect your assets and loved ones from a time-consuming and expensive probate process? As a Brandon estate planning attorney, I've seen how living trusts offer an effective alternative that many professionals and families in...
The Estate Planning Puzzle: Fitting the Pieces Together for Your Future
Picture your estate plan as a puzzle – when all pieces fit perfectly, they create a beautiful picture of security for your loved ones. As a Brandon estate planning attorney, I've helped countless families throughout Riverview, Fish Hawk, and Lithia solve this puzzle....
Balancing Family Dynamics in Caregiving: A Brandon Elder Law Attorney’s Advice
"My mother recently moved in with us in Brandon due to declining health. My siblings live out of state but call constantly with opinions on her care. While I appreciate their concern, I'm the one handling daily caregiving. How can I maintain family harmony while also...
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Legal Planning for Brandon Families Facing Dementia
As June marks Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, our Brandon elder law practice is focusing on how families throughout Riverview, Fish Hawk, and Lithia can better prepare for the legal and financial challenges that accompany a dementia diagnosis. This annual...
How Do Medicaid Liens Work in Florida? A Fish Hawk Elder Law Attorney Explains
As a Florida Board Certified Elder Law attorney serving Fish Hawk and surrounding communities, I frequently encounter confusion about Medicaid liens. Many families are surprised when, after a loved one passes away, they discover the state has a claim against the...
Leaving a Larger Inheritance to Your Caregiver: What Florida Seniors Should Consider
In Florida, where many come to enjoy their retirement years, a significant population of seniors relies on dedicated caregivers—both family members and professionals—to maintain their quality of life. Increasingly, our Brandon estate planning practice sees clients who...