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When music legend Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, he left behind a legacy of island escapism—and a substantial estate reportedly worth over $275 million. But even the most carefully laid estate plans can run into turbulence. A year after his death, Buffett’s widow, Jane Slagsvol, is embroiled in litigation with one of the trustees…
By a Florida Bar-Licensed Estate Planning Attorney As summer winds down and the second half of the year begins, it’s the perfect time to review your estate plan. Life changes quickly: marriages, births, relocations, and even economic shifts can impact your estate strategy. A mid-year check-in allows you to correct errors, update your documents, and…
Sonny Bono was known for his success as a singer, actor, and politician—but when he tragically died in a 1998 skiing accident, he left behind something that shocked the legal world: no will. While Bono’s life was colorful and high-profile, his lack of basic estate planning led to complications that could have easily been avoided….
If you’re creating an estate plan in Florida and own a boat—whether it’s a modest fishing skiff or a luxury cruiser—you may be wondering: should that boat be placed into your revocable trust? The answer depends on your goals, the boat’s value, and how your assets are structured. Let’s look at the key considerations. Why…
Guidance from a Florida Bar-Licensed Estate Planning Attorney Estate planning is intended to provide peace of mind, not conflict. Yet too often, disputes among family members arise after a loved one’s passing, turning what should be a time of remembrance into legal and emotional turmoil. If you’re concerned about preventing family conflict over your will,…
The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) marks a significant shift in estate planning for high-net-worth families. While the bill has not yet been signed into law, it has already passed the House and is expected to be enacted soon. Here’s what you need to know about how this legislation affects your estate…
By a Florida Bar–licensed attorney experienced in estate planning As the fireworks fade and summer unfolds, now is the perfect time to reflect on the deeper meaning of independence, not just as a national celebration, but as personal empowerment over your life and legacy. True freedom includes the ability to make intentional choices about how…
On July 4, 2025, Congress passed—and President Trump signed—the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation that dramatically reshapes taxes, federal benefits, and spending priorities. For Florida residents, the bill’s effects are especially important to understand. Our state has a high share of seniors, Medicaid recipients, and working families who may gain or…
When preparing an estate plan or administering a probate estate, one of the first questions an attorney must answer is: Where was the decedent domiciled? This simple question can have significant legal consequences. Domicile affects everything from which state’s probate laws apply to whether certain tax benefits or exemptions are available. What Is Domicile? Domicile…
Many Florida residents make “avoiding probate” a top priority in their estate planning—but is it always necessary? Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. In Florida, this process can be public, time-consuming, and costly. However, depending on your assets and family situation, avoiding probate might not be essential—or might be critical….
Do you own property outside of Florida? If so, your estate plan needs special attention to avoid ancillary probate—a separate probate process in another state. Why This Matters Even if you live and die in Florida, property located in another state (such as a cabin in North Carolina or a condo in Chicago) must go…
June marks a major milestone for many families as high school seniors graduate and prepare to leave home for college. Amidst dorm shopping and campus tours, one critical step often gets overlooked: legal planning. Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their financial or medical information. Without proper legal documents…
What Happened? When Aretha Franklin died in 2018, her family believed she had no will. Later, multiple handwritten wills were discovered, each with different instructions for her $80 million estate. The conflicting wills sparked confusion and disputes among her four sons, leading to prolonged probate litigation. The estate also faced challenges in managing her music…
Each year, Floridians prepare for hurricane season with practical steps like stocking up on supplies, securing property, and reviewing evacuation routes. But there’s another crucial task that should be part of your seasonal checklist: reviewing your estate plan. For residents in Venice and surrounding areas, taking time to update documents like powers of attorney and…
Losing a will doesn’t automatically mean the court ignores it—but there are hurdles to overcome. Florida Law on Lost Wills If a will is lost but believed to be valid, Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 733.207) allows it to be probated—but the person offering it must: Common Situations What If It Can’t Be Proven? If…
What Happened? Whitney Houston died in 2012, leaving an estate worth around $20 million. Her will directed her assets to a trust for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, but disputes arose over the trust’s terms and management. When Bobbi Kristina tragically passed away in 2015, the estate became entangled in further legal battles over her…
Florida’s Enhanced Life Estate Deed—commonly called a Lady Bird Deed—is often promoted as a way to avoid probate. While it may seem like a convenient shortcut, relying too heavily on deeds as testamentary tools can lead to complications and unintended consequences. What Is a Lady Bird Deed? A Lady Bird Deed allows you to: It’s…
As hurricane season bears down on Florida, preparing your home and ensuring your safety are top priorities. However, one crucial area often overlooked is the protection of your important documents, especially estate planning documents. These papers are essential to your future and the well-being of your loved ones, making their preservation vital. Here’s how you…
What Happened? The “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, passed away on Christmas Day in 2006. Despite leaving behind a will, his estate became entangled in over 15 years of legal disputes. Brown had intended for the majority of his estimated $100 million estate to fund scholarships for underprivileged children in South Carolina and Georgia. However,…
One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning isn’t a legal document or a financial decision—it’s the conversation. While creating wills, powers of attorney, and health care surrogate designations are essential steps in protecting your future, communicating your decisions to your loved ones can make all the difference in how those plans are carried…