Blog: Estate Planning
What happens to my social media accounts when I die?
Back in 2009, I was featured on Bay News 9 as a reporter was working on a story of a mother who wished to maintain the online presence for her teenage daughter. This question comes up quite a bit as we become a more digital population and our lives play out...
A little estate planning can go a long way
A friend of mine passed away a few weeks ago. He was not married but had a life partner. They had done all of their estate planning and thought that everything was in order. The only problem? My friend’s parent was not very accepting of her child's partner, and,...
Ohall as featured speaker on estate planning for local retirement community
Each month, the Bridges Retirement community invites professionals to present information on various topics related to senior residents. Brandon elder law attorney, Laurie Ohall, will be the featured speaker on May 30, 2012 at 10:00 am discussing the importance of...
Autism at 18: What can a parent do financially and legally?
My child is autistic and is about to turn 18. Her doctor told me that I better look into a guardianship because I will not have any authority to control health care decisions or financial decisions once she turns 18. Is this true? I must receive at least five phone...
What is your religion’s view on Living Wills?
Last year, a couple came into my office to sign their estate planning documents. They were Catholic and when it came time to sign the Living Will, the husband refused to sign it because he was unsure of the Catholic Church’s view on Living Wills. He stated that he...
Tax Time is a great time to review your estate planning
You’ve compiled all your tax information and given it to your CPA (or sat down at Turbo Tax and done it yourself). You’ve determined whether you are due a refund or whether you owe money to the I.R.S. And, by now, you’ve either filed your taxes or you’ve requested...
CONSUMER ALERT: Florida CFO Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities
*Consumer Alert* Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Warns Consumers about Misleading Postcard Solicitations for Annuities TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today warned consumers about a scam that involves misleading postcards sent to...
Be prepared for things that could go wrong in Florida Probate
I often have clients that come to me to help them probate the estate of their loved one, and they tell me that everyone is in agreement with what needs to happen in the estate or that there are no creditors. I cringe every time because, in my mind, that will jinx the...
What do I do when my loved one dies?
One of the things I love about my practice is that my clients often give me hugs and say “thank you” because they know that I’ve helped them. One of the things I don’t love is when someone calls to tell me a client passed away. It is always a sad occasion and never...
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Probate
Almost every time I meet with a client, they tell me that they are interested in avoiding probate. Many times, the client is unsure of what a probate actually is. Probate is a Court proceeding which occurs when someone dies having property (real estate, bank...
Can a personal injury settlement affect my receipt of V.A. Aid and Attendance?
A couple of months ago, a veteran who is receiving care in an assisted living facility and receives Aid and Attendance called to ask whether the receipt of a personal injury settlement would affect his benefits. He was involved in a car accident about two years ago,...
What you need to know about Medicaid in 2012
Medicaid provides Medical coverage to low income individuals and families. The state and federal government share the costs of the Medicaid program. Medicaid services in Florida are administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Medicaid eligibility in...
Can I avoid probate of my homestead without using a revocable trust?
I frequently have clients that come to me because they have been told that they need to put their house into a revocable living trust in order to avoid probate. Many times, this is the only major asset they own, and with the property values having plummeted in recent...
The Top 5 Reasons Planning Ahead Could Save Your Family and Your Wallet
I was reading a Forbes magazine article the other day entitled “Make a New Year’s Resolution to Give Your Estate Plan a Checkup” by Deborah L. Jacobs, and I was reminded about how much people dislike going to visit their estate planning attorney (I think we’re right...
Ohall named speaker at Medicaid, Medicare and Long-Term Care Seminar
Tampa Attorney, Laurie Ohall, was named one of three instructional speakers at the upcoming National Business Institute Seminar "What Every Attorney Needs to Know About Medicaid, Medicare and Long-Term Care" on January 25, 2012. About the Course: Understand How the...