Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Everyone You Love

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Everyone You Love

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Blended families bring love, connection, and new beginnings—but they also introduce unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. If you’re remarried with children from previous relationships or merging two families into one, a thoughtful estate plan is essential to ensure your loved ones are protected. Without proper planning, Florida’s default inheritance laws may not […]

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including pets on your estate plan

Who Will Care for Your Pets? Including Pets in Your Estate Plan

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Including pets in your estate plan is an important way to ensure they are protected and cared for, no matter what the future holds. For many of us, pets are more than just animals—they’re beloved family members. They offer companionship, unconditional love, and even emotional support. But have you thought about what would happen to

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Person reviewing Health Care Surrogate and Living Will documents in Florida with an estate planning attorney.

What’s the Difference Between a Health Care Surrogate and a Living Will in Florida?

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When preparing an estate plan, many people are surprised to learn they need both a Health Care Surrogate Designation and a Living Will. These are two distinct legal documents under Florida law—and while they often go hand in hand, they serve different purposes.   Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Health Care

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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