Our Blog
How to Avoid a Guardianship
You can avoid a guardianship by having someone you trust to handle your personal affairs with a few estate planning documents.
Professional Guardians – Who are They and What do They Do?
To become a professional guardian, you can be a natural person or a corporation as long as you are providing guardianship services. You must also meet the requirements to become…
Five Things to Know About a Conservatorship
Whatever it is, it sounds scary, doesn't it? Learn more about it so you can avoid it if need be. But if you must have one, appoint someone now who…
#Freebritney is finally over. So, what did we learn?
Since 2008, Britney Spears has been under a conservatorship managed mostly by her father. Thanks to the “Free Britney Spears” campaign started by her fans everyone knows about her case.…
What Is a Special Needs Trust and How Does It Work?
Special needs trusts can help those that are physically disabled, mentally disabled, or chronically ill. This includes individuals of all ages who made need part time or full-time care.
Are My Estate Planning Legal Fees Tax Deductible?
Prior to 2018, you may have been able to deduct legal fees associated with estate planning. However, that all changed with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed that year…
Lady Bird Deed – Is It Something I Need To Consider?
A Lady Bird deed is a legal tool that allows an owner of “real property” to transfer it to a beneficiary without the need to submit the matter to the…
Save Yourself the Headache and Get an Elder Law Power of Attorney
Run-of-the-mill power of attorney (“POA”) documents blanket the pages of the internet if you do a quick search. But when you have a loved one and need real protection, you…
Lady Bird Deeds: Can I Get One in Florida?
A Lady Bird Deed can be very useful for your estate planning needs.
What Do I Do if it’s Too Late to Appoint a Power of Attorney?
This past year has really tested the waters for most of the world, and one thing we should have learned is that no matter how health your loved ones are,…
Florida Guardianship – You Should “Care A Lot”
Does a Florida Guardianship have you worried?
Florida Probate Attorney: You Don’t Care what Happens after you Die?
Florida probate and estate planning attorneys help you care for your family by helping you avoid probate.
Avoid Florida Probate for your Family
The Florida Probate process is so famous for its delays, costs and aggravation that most people try to avoid it, if possible. Some people, however, are known for saying something…
Parental Fears Created My Legal Passion
Have fears as a parent? We did too. Let us guide you as we plan from a parent's perspective.
Fiscally Fit & Physically Fit in 2021
I’ve found that all my clients already have that internal will power and motivation but just need to tap into it.
21 Reasons 2021 is the Year of the Estate Plan
If you’ve delayed getting your estate planning documents together, this year, 2021, is the year to get it done. Think about it. You are stuck in this pandemic which took…
Do Florida Parents Need Revocable Trusts?
If you have young kids, a cookie-cutter estate plan won't work. Do Florida parents need revocable trusts? Parents of young kids need estate plans as unique as their own children.
Change Last Will in Florida
When big changes happen, you may need to revise your last will and testament or other estate planning document. But how do you make sure those changes are legal and…
Florida Probate in a Nutshell
Probate is a fancy legal term for the court-supervised process of determining what happens to a person’s property after they pass away.
Pandemic Planning-Wills, Trusts and More
People under the age of 65 account for more than 20% of COVID-related deaths in the US. However, young people are less likely to have estate planning documents, like a…
What could possibly go wrong if I do not make plans?
This is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. As an estate planning attorney, it’s my job every day to educate my community about issues they may face in the future with…
Wondering What “Estate Planning” Is?
Did you know that this week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week? In our line of business, we often hear confusion over the term “estate planning,” and the belief that…
Parents’ Guide to Legal Documents to Care for their Kids
If you are confused about setting up legal documents and plans for your minor kids, you are not alone. Most parents know they need to do something, but experience confusion…
Why Do I Need a Will?
In celebration of “Make a Will” month, this month we will feature blogs solely dedicated to Last Wills and Testaments. We hope this information will encourage you to finally get…
Parents in the Dark with 18 Year Olds
Turning eighteen is a special time in life. High school graduation, new job, and possibly college. While your son or daughter may still seem like a “child” to you, turning…
Not the Best Idea to List Minors as Account Beneficiaries
Parents of young children often wonder if it is the best idea list their minors as account beneficiaries. Usually, a parent will list the spouse as the main beneficiary, but…
Tampa Teachers Writing Wills as “Back to School” Planning
Summertime is known as the perfect, relaxing time. Beaches, camping, family vacations and late nights. But unfortunately, 2020 hit us with the unexpected. This year, as we go back to…
Why a Testamentary Trust may Fit your Family
While some attorneys do not recommend testamentary trusts, I offer my clients the option to choose between testamentary trusts and revocable trusts based on their family needs. A testamentary trust…
Florida Homestead—A Privilege and a Burden
The Florida Constitutional Homestead exemption can be viewed as both a privilege and a burden. A privilege as it offers protection, but a burden as it places limits as to…
The Probate Process
The probate process varies state to state and even county to county, in terms of costs, money and the time it takes from start to finish. Usually, the estate must…
Free Healthcare Surrogate for Florida’s Essential Workers
As a small token of gratitude, I am providing all essential workers and teachers with a Florida healthcare surrogate, at no cost to them. A healthcare surrogate allows your trusted…
Overcome the “Sadness” of Estate Planning with “Peace of Mind”
Does thinking about “estate planning” sadden you? If so, you are not alone. Each year, countless individuals delay and procrastinate necessary planning. This planning may save money, tax payments and…
Need a Will or Trust? Ducks in a Row!
Almost everyone knows it is important to receive these documents but many don’t do that. And we wondered why. Why do people avoid getting necessary documents? So we did our…
Your Estate Planning Checklist
If you like working off a checklist, use this as a step-by-step guide to your personal estate planning.
Parents’ Legal Guide to Emergency Situations
You are already stressed, anxious and worried, so I hesitate to add “legal drama” to your concerns. So, instead of adding fuel to the fire, I will give you some…
Virtual Will Camp-Why You Should Get in on the Beta Test
In the next couple of weeks, we are excited to begin beta-testing our new Virtual Will Camp. This is a modern, virtual way to obtain estate planning documents quickly, easily,…
Estate Planning Must Change to Respond to COVID-19 Concerns
Estate Planning must modernize and change with the new coronavirus
Practical Considerations as you Plan
As you begin to plan your estate, ask yourself these questions. They will help you to start seeing the big picture and also narrowing in on your wishes, desires and…
What is a DNR under Florida law
In reality, a “do not resuscitate” order finds its most useful application with a person suffering from a long-term illness. In that situation, one should clearly express their wishes in…
What You Need to Know if you Have an IRA (SECURE Act changes) Part 2
This blog will focus more specifically on changes made to the beneficiaries that receive your IRA dollars in the future, after your death. I want to give you a snapshot…
Transferring your house? Be on the lookout for these taxes
If you are transferring your house, you need to be on the lookout before you get dinged with taxes. Florida’s documentary stamp tax is a special tax added onto the…
Four Estate Planning Terms to Stop Confusing
The four most confusing estate planning terms are: Living Will, Living Trust, Last Will and Testamentary Trust. Luckily, your days of confusion are over. Read on to clarify and distinguish…
What You Need to Know if you Have an IRA (SECURE Act Changes)
Have you heard about the new tax changes? Now is the time to start understanding these changes and determining if you need to make revisions to your estate plan.
Your Roadmap to How a Will Travels Down the Probate Road
If you are not sure how a Last Will and Testament travels down the probate road, then look no further. This road map will explain the journey of your Last…
What are Required Mandatory Distributions (RMDs)?
Defined contribution retirement accounts provide an enormous incentive for accumulation of funds tax-deferred. This tax referral must stop at some point, however as the government wants to start collecting its…
Making Appropriate Beneficiary Designations
You may create the best Estate Plan for your family, but if you do not have property beneficiary designations for your accounts, all of your good attentions will be thwarted.
Options when Titling Accounts
Titling assets determines how they pass at your death and whether they may travel through probate.
Is your Last Will and Testament Compliant?
Often times, people will call asking to review their Last Will and Testament to let them know if it is sufficient or should be updated. As a rule of thumb,…
The Age of Digital Assets
Our generation has entered a new age of “digital assets.” We use our computers, websites and software quite often. And with such use comes the need for a “plan” for…
What is the popular Kid Care package?
The Kid Care Package empowers you to nominate legal guardians for your children.
Quick Explanation of Jointly-Held Assets
Learn more about jointly-held assets under Florida law.
Electronic Wills and Remote Notarization
Learn more about Electronic Wills and Remote Notarization.
Restrictions on Devise of “Tenants by the Entirety” Property
Homestead property owned by spouses as tenants by the entirely is not subject to any Florida constitutional restrictions on devise.
What is a LadyBird Deed?
Florida has a very cool way to devise property that you need to know about. In a ladybird deed, the grantor (property owner) deeds the property to the remaindermen (the…
Do I Really Need Estate Planning?
Yes, you do need estate planning! After all, I got into this area myself due to my own personal needs. What’s more than that, I saw that my friends could…
What is the Best Way to Leave Kids an Inheritance?
Do you know the best way to leave your kids an inheritance? Keep in mind that a Florida child under 18 cannot inherit property in their own name above $15,000.…
Disclaimer: The Law Office of Lori Vella’s website contains general information directed to Florida residents. This firm does not intend to give legal advice through its pages and/or blog. If you need legal advice, we encourage you to find an attorney licensed in your state. This language on this website website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and this firm. Review our legal disclaimer page.