Author name: Attorney Lori Vella

Family reviewing estate documents during a Probate consultation

What Is Probate in Florida? A Simple Guide for Families

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate court procedures and legal paperwork. Many families are surprised to learn that even after someone passes away, there may still be important legal steps required to transfer assets, pay debts, and carry out final wishes. That process is called Probate. At Law Office of […]

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Family standing together at sunset representing protection, trust, and Estate Planning for children

Why Every Parent Should Consider a Kids Protection Trust

As parents, we spend so much time thinking about our children’s future, their education, health, happiness, and safety. But one important question is often overlooked: What would happen to your children if something unexpected happened to you? For many families, the answer is unclear. That uncertainty is exactly why a Kids Protection Trust can be

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Florida family receiving calls about unclaimed property after a loved one passes away

Getting Calls About “Unclaimed Money” After a Loved One Passes Away? Here’s What You Should Know

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without unexpected phone calls from strangers claiming there is money waiting to be claimed. Lately, many families have been receiving calls from companies or “asset recovery vendors” saying that the State of Florida is holding unclaimed funds belonging to a deceased family member. These callers often promise to

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Family discussing Medicaid Planning options with attorney in Florida

Medicaid Planning in Florida: Why Timing Matters

Many families do not start thinking about Medicaid Planning until a health crisis happens. A parent falls. A hospital stay turns into rehabilitation. Rehabilitation turns into long-term care. Suddenly, families are trying to make emotional decisions while also facing overwhelming financial concerns. One of the most common things we hear is: “We wish we had

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Couple reviewing financial documents together at home

Why Outdated Beneficiaries Can Undermine Your Estate Plan

You may have already taken an important step by creating a Will or Trust. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked—and it can completely change how your assets are distributed. Outdated beneficiary designations. A common misunderstanding Many people assume their Will controls everything. In reality, certain assets pass outside of your

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Multi-generational family smiling together outdoors in Florida, representing generational wealth and Estate Planning protection.

Protecting Your Inheritance from Divorce and Creditors in Florida

The $883 Billion Florida Wealth Transfer: Is Your Family’s Inheritance “Predator-Proof”? Florida is ground zero for the largest wealth transfer in history. Over the next decade, nearly $883 billion will change hands in the Sunshine State. While most focus on “who gets what,” our focus is on “who can take it away.” Without specific asset protection, your hard-earned legacy could

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18-year-old college student standing on campus with backpack on first day of college in Florida

Legal Documents for 18-Year-Old College Students in Florida 

Your Child is 18: Why You Are Now a “Legal Stranger” to Your College Student It’s a milestone every Florida parent celebrates: sending your child off to college. You’ve handled their doctors and their safety for 18 years. But the moment they turn 18, a legal wall goes up. In the eyes of Florida law, you no longer

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Florida estate tax exemption 2026 trust audit showing estate planning documents and a 2026 calendar

Why Your Florida Trust Needs a 2026 Audit 

Why Your Florida Trust Needs a “2026 Audit” Right Now For years, the estate planning world held its breath for the “2025 Sunset”—the moment federal tax exemptions were scheduled to drop. However, as of January 1, 2026, the landscape has shifted. With federal estate and gift tax exemptions now stabilized at approximately $15 million per individual,

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Florida Estate Planning: couple reviewing documents to plan their future and avoid Probate

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Florida? (And Why the Law May Not Do What You Expect)

Many people assume that if they pass away without a Will, the State of Florida will simply “take everything.” Others believe their spouse or children will automatically inherit exactly what they want them to have. The truth is more complicated, and often surprising. If you die without a valid Will in Florida, your estate is

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