My special needs child is about to turn 18 – Am I still in charge?

by Laurie Ohall | Jun 19, 2012 | Estate Planning, Guardianship, Health Care Directives, Living Will, Special Needs

I have been receiving an alarmingly high volume of phone calls over the last few months from individuals who have children with special needs that are about to turn 18 and they are panicked because they have been told they will lose the ability to make legal, health...

What happens to my social media accounts when I die?

by Laurie Ohall | Jun 12, 2012 | End of Life Issues, Estate Planning

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

by Laurie Ohall | Jun 4, 2012 | Estate Planning

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,...

Ohall as featured speaker on estate planning for local retirement community

by Laurie Ohall | May 25, 2012 | Company News, Estate Planning

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?

by Laurie Ohall | May 12, 2012 | Estate Planning, Florida Laws, Guardianship, Special Needs

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?

by Laurie Ohall | Apr 23, 2012 | End of Life Issues, Estate Planning, Living Will

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...