Blog: Estate Planning
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...
Leaving Your Inheritance to Charity: A Brandon Will and Trust Lawyer’s Guide
As a Brandon will and trust lawyer, I've helped many clients who prefer to leave their legacy to charitable causes rather than family members. While this is entirely your right, it requires careful planning, especially when you have heirs who might have different...
When Timing Changes Everything: A Brandon Estate Planning Lawyer’s Guide to Simultaneous Spousal Deaths
The recent passing of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has brought to light an important estate planning issue many couples overlook: what happens when spouses die within a short time of each other? As a Brandon estate planning lawyer, I've seen...
Disinheriting Children in Florida: A Fish Hawk Estate Planning Lawyer’s Guide
As a Fish Hawk estate planning lawyer, I often receive questions about disinheriting children and the legal requirements surrounding this difficult decision. While Florida law respects your right to distribute your assets according to your wishes, proper legal...