Blog: Estate Planning
In Case of Emergency: Take These Steps to Let Authorities Know You Have a Child with Special Needs At Home | Brandon Special Needs Lawyers
The possibility of unexpected death or incapacity is something no parent likes to think about, but as Brandon special needs lawyers, it’s our job to ensure that families are legally prepared for the worst. With that said, imagine being involved in a serious accident...
Tampa Will and Trust Lawyer Answers, “Can Minors Inherit Assets?”
Although it is possible for a minor to inherit assets, the individual to whom an asset goes cannot claim it until he or she reaches the age of maturity. In the event that both parents die, a court-appointed judge will designate a legal guardian who will be responsible...
How to Properly Liquidate a Loved One’s Home
Liquidate Your Home (or a Loved One's) When a loved one will no longer be returning to their home the family needs to secure the assets of their loved one in the newly abandoned home. The family has a number of responsibilities, among those are: Immediately secure the...
Planning for a Special Needs Child
Quite often, I receive phone calls from parents of a special needs child concerned about how to plan for that child should something happen to them. For every phone call I receive, I know there at least ten other families out there who have not thought about planning...
Durable Power of Attorney – Why does your eighteen year old need one?
Do you have children that have turned eighteen or about to turn eighteen? Do you have children that are in college or on their way to college? A few things every parent should know when your child turns 18 Did you realize that once your child turns eighteen your...
Should I draft my own estate planning documents?
You’ve seen the commercials with OJ Simpson’s attorney telling you to go to a certain website, put in some information, and you can prepare your own estate planning documents with the click of a mouse. And I say – absolutely, go ahead and do that. Why would I say...
Springing Powers of Attorney – still viable in Florida?
Springing Powers of Attorney - still viable in Florida? Very often, a client wants me to prepare a durable power of attorney for them that cannot be used until they are determined to be incapacitated. This is because persons who serve as agents under a power of...
What happens to your Facebook Account when you Die?
In the last two years, there have been plenty of articles and blog posts written about this topic. Unfortunately, it does not seem like we’ve come very far in answering the question. Facebook and Twitter still do not allow family members access to a deceased...
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do? Fifteen years ago today, one of the most precious people in my life passed away - my Nana, Elsie Gonzalez. I adored my grandmother and have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her. She was always around while I was...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you? Continued.
"Fiscal Cliff" legislation - what does it mean to you? Last month, I discussed the tax rate changes and the estate tax exemptions under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. You should also be aware that the payroll tax holiday will not be extended meaning that...
Florida Homestead Law: Your Florida homestead is your castle – or is it?
Florida Homestead Law Many of my ideas for blog posts come from the phone calls and emails I receive from potential clients about legal questions they have concerning their estate planning, Florida Homestead Law, Medicaid issues for their parents, probate concerns,...
Gun Ownership & Estate Planning
I recently read an article by Mark Albertson entitled "Estate Planning for Gun Owners" which I think is mandatory reading for anyone who owns a gun. I have had quite a few people over the last year contact me inquiring about a "gun trust" and how they could go about...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you?
[pullquote_left] Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you've been hearing about the "fiscal cliff" and how our government waited until the very last minute to pass any meaningful legislation to avert us from this "cliff". [/pullquote_left] Unless you have been...
Discussing Estate Planning Around the Holidays with Elderly Family Members
The holidays are always time to be with family and enjoy each other’s company. Many of us travel great distances to see relatives whom we may only get to see once or twice a year. We visit with our parents and grandparents and listen to stories of past holidays and...
Avoiding Probate – everyone’s doing it, or are they?
I’ve written about this topic previously (see my post from March, 2012 – Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Probate) but I feel it needs to be addressed more in-depth because I have many clients that come to me with the same questions. Avoiding Probate Most people tell me they...