Blog: Estate Planning
Funding Your Child’s Special Needs Trust: Which Assets Are Best? | Brandon Special Needs Lawyer
As a parent of a child with special needs, you've likely created a special needs trust to safeguard their future well-being. But understanding which assets to place in the trust as your child grows can be perplexing. Let's explore some options to support your child's...
Annuities: More Than Retirement Income – Discover Their Role in Estate Planning with a Tampa Estate Planning Lawyer
Many think of annuities as vehicles for guaranteed retirement income. Still, they can also be valuable additions to a sound estate plan. The specific role an annuity might play depends on your goals and your chosen annuity type. Let's explore some possibilities. How...
Love Later in Life: Why Remarriage in Florida Requires Smart Estate Planning
Florida sunshine draws many seeking a fulfilling retirement and life's next chapter. Sometimes, these new chapters bring newfound love. While romance at any age is a gift, late-in-life marriage calls for not just heart-led action, but legal pragmatism as well. When...
Rebuilding Your Estate Plan After Divorce By Laurie E. Ohall, FL Board Certified Elder Law Attorney
After divorce, the last thing anyone wants is to find themselves back in a lawyer's office. However, there's a common misconception that the divorce decree resolves all estate planning issues. Sadly, this leaves gaps that could cause chaos for your heirs, should...
Navigating the Complexities of Leaving Your Tampa Vacation Home to Your Kids: Insights from a Tampa Estate Lawyer
For many families, a vacation home in the Tampa area is not just a property but a treasure trove of memories. As a Tampa estate lawyer, we often assist clients who wish to leave these cherished homes to their children. However, transferring ownership of a vacation...
Navigating a Loved One’s Will in Florida: Do I Need to Travel There? Insights from a Hillsborough County Will Lawyer
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is challenging enough without the added stress of legal and estate matters. If your loved one has passed away in the state of Florida, you might be wondering if you need to travel to Florida to handle their will. As a Hillsborough...
Beyond Wills and Wealth: The Crucial Lesson from Jay Leno’s Conservatorship Case
When the news surfaced that Jay Leno had to file for conservatorship over his wife's estate, it wasn't just a startling moment for fans—it was a vivid example of a challenge that countless families face every day. (In Florida, this type of filing is known as a...
What’s Changing in 2024: Key Updates from Your Tampa Estate Lawyer
As we ring in 2024, it's crucial for residents of Tampa to be aware of several significant updates in the realm of estate planning and tax laws. These changes will have a direct impact on financial planning strategies, particularly regarding federal estate and gift...
“Can My Loved One Create an Estate Plan While in Hospice?” Clarity from Tampa Will Lawyers
Families often wonder about the legalities of estate planning when a loved one is in hospice care, especially in Florida where the question arises: "Is my loved one still able to create a valid estate plan?" Tampa Will Lawyers regularly address these concerns,...
Tampa Estate Planning Tips: How to Bequeath Valuable Collections to Your Loved Ones
Discover essential tips on estate planning for collectors with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to bequeath valuable items to your loved ones seamlessly. Our experienced attorneys provide expert advice to ensure your precious collections are passed on according to your wishes. Start safeguarding your legacy today
Navigating Changes to Your Power of Attorney: Steps to Take When Relationships End
Life changes can lead to shifts in relationships, impacting decisions about your Power of Attorney (POA). If you need to update your POA due to a changed relationship, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Begin by reevaluating your choice, considering whether issues affecting your decision are temporary or permanent, and how they impact the agent’s ability to act in your best interest. Consult an experienced estate attorney for guidance and follow the legal steps necessary to revoke the current POA, draft a new one, select a trustworthy new agent, inform relevant parties, and store documents securely. It’s vital to ensure that your POA is held by someone you trust implicitly to protect your interests and wishes
Can I Cross Out and Initial Changes on My Will? Understanding the Risks and Best Practices From a Brandon Will Lawyer
Making changes to your will is a natural part of life. As circumstances evolve – be it family dynamics, financial situations, or personal preferences – it's essential to ensure that your will reflects your current wishes. But can you simply cross out and initial...
Hurricane-Proofing Your Estate Planning Documents: A Must in Florida’s Storm Season
As residents of the Sunshine State, we're no strangers to the looming threats of hurricane season. While we often focus on physical preparations – boarding up windows, stocking up on essentials, and planning evacuation routes – there's another crucial aspect we must...
How Financially Savvy Should Your Estate Executor Be? Insights from a Tampa Will Lawyer
When creating a will, one of the pivotal decisions you'll make is choosing an executor. This is the individual responsible for administering your estate after your passing. This role can be intricate and demanding, prompting a significant question: How financially...
What Assets Count Towards Estate Tax & Do I Owe Anything? Insights from a Tampa Estate Lawyer
Navigating the intricate world of estate taxes can be daunting. It's essential to understand which assets count toward the estate tax and whether or not you owe anything. With the threshold for 2023 being $12.92 million ($25.84 million for married couples), it's more...