Recent Blog Posts

How Can Personal Care Contracts Help Me Qualify For Medicaid?
If you are approaching or are older than 65 years old, you have probably given some thought to how you will pay for medical care as your needs increase with age. Even after a little homework, you may be disappointed to find that your options are limited when it comes to the US government’s… Read More »

Parental Rights Of Same Sex Couples Under Florida Child Custody Laws
Same sex couples rejoiced in 2015 when the US Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to all by the due process and equal protection clauses in the US Constitution. However, marital relationships break down among same sex couples just as they do with heterosexual spouses. When going through Florida… Read More »

Does Your Florida Advance Directive Include HIPAA Authorization?
Even if you have not yet executed the paperwork, most people who have looked into Florida estate planning options know the function of a health care advance directive. State law uses the term Designation of Health Care Surrogate, and this document enables you to name an agent to make medical decisions and manage your… Read More »

Florida Trusts: Terminology And What It Means
If you are just starting the estate planning journey and want to know whether a trust is the right fit, a good starting off point is getting to know the important terminology. A helpful resource is the definitions section of the Florida Trust Code, which covers the essential parties to a trust. The settlor… Read More »

5 Facts You Did NOT Know About Property Division In Florida Divorce
Not all divorcing couples will need to deal with alimony and care for minor children, but the vast majority of parties must address how to divide their assets. Florida divorce laws require equitable distribution of property, an analysis that starts by determining whether an item is marital, partially marital or separate property. The default… Read More »

Child Custody In Florida Divorce Mediation: Tips For Parents
Even when going through divorce, parents still love their children and want what is best for them in terms of residential arrangements, education, social development, and other lifestyle-related factors. Unfortunately, parties might struggle with the details when it comes to handling child custody issues in divorce. The good news is that not all disputes… Read More »

Considerations When Cutting An Heir Out Of Your Estate Plan In Florida
Finding out that someone has been cut out of a decedent’s estate plan can be among the most jaw-dropping moments in a TV or film drama, but many people do consider their options in real life as well. Essentially, the objective is to leave out a person who would normally inherit part of the… Read More »

What To Expect When A Guardian Ad Litem Is Appointed In A Florida Family Law Case
The practice of law is a field that encompasses numerous Latin terms, and one you may encounter in a Florida family law case is guardian ad litem (GAL). Taking these terms in turn may offer some insight on the concept: A guardian is someone appointed by a court or otherwise empowered to act on… Read More »

Reasons To Consider Changing Your Florida Power Of Attorney
As you probably recall from when you originally created your Florida estate plan, it is important to review your documentation and decisions periodically. Changes in your life, family, employment, and even estate planning laws might necessitate modifications over time. However, while many people focus on their will or trust, you should also review the… Read More »

Guarantees When You Do NOT Have A Florida Advance Directive
Even if you have not yet made arrangements for incapacity as part of your estate plan, you are probably aware that the best tool for handling health care matters is an advance directive. Florida law empowers you to create a Designation of Health Care Surrogate for this purpose. Despite the fancy legal terminology, this… Read More »