Estate Planning

One of the biggest estate-planning myths is that having a will keeps your family out of probate. In Florida, a will actually goes through probate. Here's what a will really does — and what does keep assets out of court.

If you have a child or loved one with disabilities, one of your biggest worries is likely what happens to them when you are no longer able to provide care. A special needs trust is a powerful tool that lets you provide for a loved one without jeopardizing the government benefits they rely on. Here is how special needs trusts work in ...

When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves—or when a minor needs someone to manage their affairs—Florida guardianship may be necessary. But guardianship is a serious, court-supervised process that removes rights from the person under it, and in many cases, good planning can avoid it entirely. Here is what you need t...

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, their spouse or children will simply inherit everything. In Florida, that is not always how it works. When you die without a will—known as dying "intestate"—state law decides who gets your property, and the results can surprise your family. Here is what actually happens under ...

Two of the most important estate planning documents in Florida are the will and the living trust—and one of the most common questions we hear is which one you actually need. The honest answer? Many Florida families benefit from both. Here’s how they differ and how to decide. What Is a Will? A will is a legal document that...

Estate planning is not only about what happens after you pass away—it is also about protecting yourself while you are still alive. Florida's advance directives let you decide, in advance, who will make medical decisions for you and what care you want if you cannot speak for yourself. Here is a plain-English guide to living wills, hea...

When a loved one passes away in Florida, their estate usually has to go through a court-supervised process called probate. If you have just been named a personal representative—or you are simply trying to understand what happens next—the process can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down exactly how probate works in Florida, how l...

A lady bird deed—also called an enhanced life estate deed—is one of the simplest, most powerful estate planning tools available to Florida homeowners. It lets you pass your home to your loved ones automatically when you die, avoiding the time and expense of probate, while keeping complete control of the property during yo...

If you own a home, condo, business, or other assets in Florida but you are not a U.S. citizen, the short answer is yes—and you arguably need a plan even more than a citizen does. Non-citizens who own Florida property face tax rules, probate hurdles, and family-protection gaps that can cost their loved ones dearly if they go una...

No will in Florida? State intestacy law decides who inherits your home, savings, and more — and it may not be who you would choose. Here is exactly how it works.