Author name: Attorney Lori Vella

Organized Estate Planning documents stored securely for family access

What Happens If Your Family Can’t Find Your Estate Planning Documents?

Creating an Estate Plan is an important step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones.   But there is one issue that many people overlook:   What happens if your family cannot find your Estate Planning documents when they need them? Even the most carefully prepared Estate Plan may create challenges if your loved ones […]

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Estate Planning meeting discussing selection of a Personal Representative in Florida

Who Should Serve as Your Personal Representative?

One of the most important decisions you will make in your Estate Plan is choosing your Personal Representative. Many people focus on who will inherit their assets, but the person responsible for carrying out your wishes plays a critical role in the administration of your estate. Choosing the right individual can help make the Probate

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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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