Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


Charles Manson Crime Scene
The Battle Over Notorious Killer Charles Manson’s Estate: Lessons For The Rest Of Us
August 10, 2022

It’s shocking, it’s macabre, but it’s true: The estate of serial killer Charles Manson could be worth a fortune. And there’s a legal battle over who inherits it. Manson left behind assets when he died. He passed away at age…

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beneficiaries
Don’t Let Outdated Beneficiary Designations Spoil Your Estate Plan
August 7, 2022

If you own an asset for which you have named a legitimate death beneficiary, the asset will not go to probate when you pass on.  Your beneficiary will avoid the court and the additional hassles and expenses that go with…

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estate tax portability
Great News For Those Who Missed the Portability Filing Deadline
July 20, 2022

Great news for those who missed the deadline to file for portability: Uncle Sam is giving you a second chance. Portability allows a surviving spouse to claim for his/her own estate any unused portion of the deceased spouse’s unified estate…

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3 Items Your Florida Estate Plan Should Include If You And Your Partner Are Not Married
February 12, 2022

Florida law does not provide unmarried couples with the inheritance protections and automatic decision-making authority it provides to married couples. Even if you are in a longstanding, devoted relationship, from a legal perspective you and your companion might as well…

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Last Will and Testament
Do Handwritten Wills Hold Up In Florida?
January 25, 2022

You have met with a competent Florida estate planning attorney and discussed your situation and your goals. He/she has drawn up a Last Will & Testament for you that meets your needs, fits your financial and family circumstances, and anticipates…

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Estate of James Brown, Godfather of Soul, Finally Settles
December 17, 2021

James Brown, aka the “Godfather of Soul,” died at age 73 on Christmas day in 2006. One of the first 10 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Brown’s signature songs include “I Feel Good,” “Papa’s Got A…

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What You Must Know About Cryptocurrency In Your Estate Plan
December 13, 2021

An increasing number of our clients now hold cryptocurrency or are considering purchasing it. Cryptocurrency is a “digital asset” – but a digital asset like none other. It requires special consideration so that  (1) it can be passed on to…

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florida
Estate Planning Documents Every Florida Snowbird Needs
November 27, 2021

Welcome back, Snowbirds! We are writing this blog at the tail end of November. Today’s midday temperature in New York is 38 degrees; in Chicago, 34; in Boston, 35. At our Palm Beach Gardens office, it’s a glorious, balmy 70…

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life insurance
Why couples (and singles too) may want to hang on to life insurance, even after retirement
August 25, 2021

As couples retire and age, their thoughts often turn to giving up their life insurance. The premiums could cover other expenses. There are no longer little kids to consider.  They are collecting Social Security, or soon will be. They are…

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harry potter
Scholastic CEO’s Estate Plan Shocks His Family
August 10, 2021

Richard Robinson, the 84-year-old CEO of Scholastic Corporation, strolled on Martha’s Vineyard this past June with his two grown sons, Reece and Ben. They were shocked when their dad suddenly collapsed and died. They were in for another shock later,…

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