South Florida Estate Planning News
Recent Posts and Articles
What do I do with an inheritance?
A Windfall and a Target: A Financial Windfall Can Be a Blessing—If You Plan for It A financial windfall sounds like nothing but good news. It may come from an inheritance, the sale of a business, a lawsuit settlement, a successful investment, real estate appreciation, or even a lottery win.…
What do I do After My Spouse Dies?
Navigating Chaos After a Spouse’s Death Your estate plan was built around two people. After the loss of a spouse, it needs to be rebuilt around one. You and your spouse planned a life together. You may have bought a home, raised children, saved for retirement, named each other in…
Seven Estate Planning Traps Most People Miss
Think back to your life seven years ago. Were the same people in your life? Did you have the same assets? The same accounts? The same family situation? The same wishes? Your estate plan may still be legally valid — but that does not mean it still fits your life.…
Holiday Fun Facts
Holiday Fun Facts (That Double as Estate Planning Conversation Starters) Picture this: the house is decorated, the food is in the oven, and the family is finally under one roof. It’s the perfect time for… an argument about who gets Grandma’s china. Let’s avoid that. You don’t have to bring…
When a Spouse Dies: Legal and Financial Steps for Florida Trusts and Estates
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.
Plan Now, Breathe Later: Your Aging Roadmap
What to do and When As we (or our parents) get older, the best gift we can give the family is clarity. Here’s a simple, no-stress roadmap for what to do, when to do it, and when to bring in an estate planning/elder law attorney. Start Now (Any Age) 📝…
From Weston Neighbor to Trusted Planner
Featured September 2025 Article | Our City Weston Magazine Being featured by Our City is a meaningful nod to what matters most here: clear, customized planning. At Andrea L. Jakob, PA, we go beyond documents—designing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and deeds that protect assets, preserve harmony, and prepare the…
Help! This Probate Is Taking Forever!
When Sarah’s dad passed away, she thought things would be simple. Her dad had a will, and Sarah and her brother were the only kids. She figured they’d take care of some paperwork, pay off a few bills, and be done in a few months. But months later, Sarah found…
Surprise! You Can’t Easily Disinherit Your Spouse
Believe it or not, it is not easy to disinherit your spouse in the United States. In many states and the District of Columbia, you cannot intentionally disinherit your spouse unless your spouse agrees to receive nothing from your estate in a prenuptial, postnuptial, or other marital agreement. However, the same is…
Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and affection. By preparing a will and other estate planning documents, you can ensure your loved ones are well taken care of now and in the future. Estate planning isn’t just about who gets what—it’s about ensuring your life’s work passes smoothly to those you love. Show your family your love by choosing what to include and what NOT to include in your estate plan!
