Author name: Attorney Lori Vella

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

Leave a Comment / Estate Planning, Probate /

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

Leave a Comment / Homestead /

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

Leave a Comment / Probate /

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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Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement Halted Nationwide

Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement Halted Nationwide

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which went into effect on January 1, 2024, has been temporarily blocked nationwide by a Texas court ruling. This act requires certain business entities to disclose their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network). On December 3, 2024, a federal judge found the law likely unconstitutional, citing concerns

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Estate planning for Baby Boomers and the Gray Wave

Navigating the Gray Wave: Why Baby Boomers Need Thoughtful Estate Planning Now

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As Baby Boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—reach retirement age, they’re driving a phenomenon known as the “Gray Wave.” This generational shift is resulting in one of the largest wealth transfers in history, bringing unique estate planning needs and considerations to the forefront. With Baby Boomers prioritizing legacy and family, the time for thoughtful and

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Why Directing the Sale of Your Homestead in a Will Could Strip Its Protection: Insights from Knadle v. Estate of Knadle

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Florida’s homestead protections are some of the strongest in the nation. They shield a person’s primary residence from creditors and provide special benefits for heirs. But what happens if your will directs the sale of that homestead? As the case of Knadle v. Estate of Knadle, 686 So. 2d 631 (Fla. 1st DCA 1997), shows,

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