Blog: Estate Planning
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...
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....
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...
Prepaid Funeral Plans: What Florida Seniors Should Know
For many Brandon and Riverview seniors, planning ahead isn't just about organizing finances and updating estate documents—it's also about making decisions regarding final arrangements. As a Florida elder law attorney, I've witnessed how prepaid funeral plans can...
Why Does Probate Take So Long in Hillsborough County? A Brandon Estate Attorney Explains
As a Brandon estate planning attorney serving Hillsborough County families, one question I'm frequently asked is why probate takes so long. When grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing families want is a drawn-out legal process. Yet, probate in Hillsborough...
Documenting Your Green Burial Wishes in Florida: A Fish Hawk Will Lawyer’s Guide
More and more Floridians are choosing eco-friendly options for their final arrangements. As a Fish Hawk will lawyer who helps families plan for the future, I've seen a growing interest in green burials – a return to simpler, more natural practices that minimize...
Protecting Your Kids with Life Insurance Trusts: A Riverview Trust Lawyer’s Advice
As a trust lawyer helping Riverview families plan for the future, I'm often asked: "Should I just name my kids as my life insurance beneficiaries?" My answer might surprise you—there's actually a better way that provides much more protection for your children. Why...