Author name: Attorney Lori Vella

Florida estate plan for parents

Why Every Parent Needs a Florida Estate Plan (Even If You Have Few Assets)

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Becoming a parent means preparing for the unexpected—not just for yourself, but for your child’s future. Many assume estate planning is only for the wealthy, but in reality, every parent, regardless of financial status, needs a plan to protect their family. Why Estate Planning Matters for Parents Naming a Guardian for Your ChildIf something happens […]

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Barry Gibb Scam: How to Spot and Avoid Online Impersonators

Beware of the Barry Gibb Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Online Impersonators

Leave a Comment / Digital Assets /

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive people, and one alarming trend involves impersonating celebrities like Barry Gibb. If you or someone you know has received a message from someone claiming to be Barry Gibb, it’s likely a scam. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. How the Barry Gibb Scam Works

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Guardianship vs. Supported Decision-Making in Florida | Law Office of Lori Vella

Choosing the Right Legal Support: Understanding Guardianship, Guardianship Advocacy, and Supported Decision-Making in Florida

Leave a Comment / Adult Guardianships, Estate Planning /

Finding the Right Balance of Support and Independence When a loved one has a developmental disability or struggles with decision-making, families often wonder what legal options are available to help them. In Florida, there are three main choices: Guardianship, Guardianship Advocacy, and Supported Decision-Making (SDM). Each option provides a different level of assistance and legal

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pretermitted spouse rights in Florida estate planning.

Navigating Pretermitted Spouse Rights in Florida

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A pretermitted spouse is a spouse who marries the decedent after the decedent has executed their will and is not provided for in that will. Florida Statutes §732.301 protects pretermitted spouses by granting them the right to inherit as if the decedent had died intestate (without a will). However, this right does not apply in

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Understanding Florida's Homestead Election and Deadlines | Law Office of Lori Vella

Understanding Florida’s Homestead Election and Its Critical Deadlines

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In Florida, the homestead election allows a surviving spouse to choose between two options regarding the decedent’s homestead property: Life Estate: The default provision grants the surviving spouse a life estate in the homestead property. This means the spouse can live in the property for the remainder of their life. Elective Share: Alternatively, the surviving

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Family discussing trust administration with an estate planning lawyer.

What Is a Designated Representative in a Trust and Why It Matters

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When creating a trust, you might consider appointing a Designated Representative to simplify the administration process. This role is especially useful for complex trusts, trusts with multiple beneficiaries, or situations where minors or incapacitated individuals are involved. What Is a Designated Representative? A Designated Representative is someone appointed to act on behalf of one or

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efficient probate solutions for Florida mass tort and wrongful death cases

Efficient Probate Solutions for Florida Mass Tort and Wrongful Death Cases

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Handling mass tort or wrongful death cases can get complicated when a claimant has passed away. Without someone officially appointed as the Personal Representative (PR) or executor, cases can stall, leaving families waiting and firms unable to move forward. The Law Office of Lori Vella specializes in these situations, providing efficient and reliable probate solutions

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Managing digital assets in Florida estate planning

The Importance of Including Digital Assets in Florida Estate Planning

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Digital assets have become a critical component of modern life, and Florida residents should not overlook them when creating or updating their estate plans. From cryptocurrency to social media accounts, your digital presence carries both personal and financial value. Including digital assets in your estate plan ensures they are properly managed, protected, and distributed according

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