South Florida Estate Planning News

Last week, our associate attorney, Demi Lamas, Esq., had the opportunity to attend the Florida Council of Aging’s Annual Florida Conference on Aging in Orlando,...

Navigating Grief and Responsibility: A Checklist for New Personal Representatives Losing a loved one is tough, and if you’ve been named as the Personal Representative of their estate, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. It's crucial to take care of yourself while managing these tasks. We've put together a checklist to help you navigate this challenging time and make your visit to an attorney's office smoother. Remember, some of these tasks have deadlines, so it’s important to act sooner rather than later.

Our friend John has a job at Publix. He has a good job, a comfortable salary, and a nice home. However, John has never thought...

When starting a new marriage, there is much to think about: communication, living conditions, holiday plans, financial stability, and the wedding itself. However, something often overlooked by new spouses is the importance of creating an estate plan. It can be hard to think about what would happen if your spouse became ill, incapacitated, or worse, but an estate plan can ease those difficult times. An estate plan typically includes a will or trust, but the most important documents for a new couple are Health Care Directives and Powers of Attorney.

Here are key lessons from the Lenos' experience: 1. Spouses Can’t Automatically Step In: Many believe that being married means their spouse can automatically manage their finances or healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated. This isn’t true. After turning 18, no one, not even a spouse, can manage these affairs without prior consent (through estate planning documents) or court involvement.

Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of summer and backyard barbecues. Although a cookout may be casual, good planning is crucial. This is true for...

Watch Andrea chat with a financial advisor to discuss common questions about estate planning and to answer various misconceptions. She discusses the of necessary documents...