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When I meet with clients in Sarasota or Bradenton to discuss estate planning, the conversation often flows easily when we talk about who gets the house or the jewelry. But when I bring up “Advance Directives”, the medical documents, the mood often shifts. Many people mistakenly believe these documents are only for the very end…
If you are reading this from your lanai in Sarasota or Bradenton, enjoying the mild winter breeze while your friends back north are shoveling snow, congratulations. You are living the Florida dream. But for many “Snowbirds,” this dream property can turn into a complex legal burden for their heirs. There is a common misconception among…
If your New Year’s resolution involves starting a new venture in Sarasota or Manatee County, congratulations. Our region continues to grow, offering fantastic opportunities for entrepreneurs. But before you print business cards or sign a lease, you face one of the most critical decisions in the life of your company: choosing your legal structure. The…
Happy New Year! As we settle into January 2026, many of us are focused on resolutions for health and organization. But while you are clearing out the garage or setting new fitness goals, don’t overlook the “health” of your legal documents. For Florida residents, the start of the year is the critical window to ensure…
The death of a loved one is always a distressing time, but the stress can be compounded exponentially when the deceased owned real estate jointly with another person and left no Will. In Florida, what happens to the deceased co-owner’s share of the property is not a matter of simple assumption; it is dictated entirely…
As the year draws to a close, your focus might be on holiday plans, but as an experienced estate planning attorney serving the Sarasota area, I urge you to dedicate time to one critical, often-overlooked task: a final, year-end review of your estate plan. Failing to make timely updates to your will, trust, and related…
When creating a living trust, many clients assume their estate plan is complete. But without one key document, a pour-over will, important assets may be left exposed to probate or legal confusion. If you’ve established a trust in Florida or are considering one, understanding how a pour-over will fits into your estate plan is essential….
Florida vacation homes are often more than an investment; they’re places where family memories are made and traditions are built. But when it comes to passing down these second properties, too many families are caught off guard by legal and tax issues that could have been avoided. In this article, we’ll walk through the key…
Estate Planning Attorney near Venice Each August, legal professionals across the country observe Make-A-Will Month, an annual reminder of the importance of having a valid will in place. Whether you’re 28 or 82, single or married, a parent or not, having a legally sound will is a cornerstone of responsible planning. In Florida, the absence…
Estate Planning Lawyer near Lakewood Ranch As children transition into adulthood and head off to college or begin their independent lives, one legal issue often overlooked is healthcare decision-making. Many parents are surprised to learn they no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions once their child turns 18, even in emergencies. This article…
Written by a Florida Bar-licensed estate planning attorney serving Sarasota and surrounding area When someone passes away owning real property in Florida but resides in another state, their estate may need to go through ancillary probate to legally transfer or sell that property. Unfortunately, delays in this process can create significant complications, especially for heirs…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Estate planning isn’t something you complete once and forget. Just like your finances, family dynamics, and even the law itself, your estate plan should evolve over time. That’s why performing an annual estate plan review is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect your legacy and ensure your wishes are carried…
Introduction Retiring to the sunny state of Florida is a dream for many seniors seeking warm weather, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant retirement community. However, moving to Florida in your golden years also calls for careful estate planning to ensure a smooth transition and a secure future for yourself and your loved ones. In this…
Introduction: Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your assets and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. Many individuals seek various estate planning tools to simplify the transfer of assets to their loved ones while minimizing potential conflicts and expenses. One such instrument that has gained popularity in recent years…