Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


Legal Battle May Be Brewing Among Presley’s Heirs
January 28, 2023

Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, aka the King of Rock & Roll, died of cardiac failure on January 12. She was 54. A potential contest for control of her estate has already begun, a mere two…

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Florida elective share
Florida Elective Share Protects Surviving Spouse, No Matter The Status Of Marriage
November 10, 2021

Florida law offers a robust safety net for surviving spouses: the elective share. A surviving spouse has the right to inherit 30% of his/her deceased spouse’s estate, as well as the right to live in the homestead property (or to…

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elder abuse
Surprising Estate Plan Suggests Victimizer Became Victim Of Undue Influence
January 27, 2021

Burton Pugach and Linda Riss’ life together is a bizarre saga that captured public attention years ago. Consider the title of the 2007 documentary about their relationship: “Crazy Love.” Pugach’s recent death, allegedly while he was being abused and coerced…

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personal property in Florida estate plan
How Floridians Can Pass Tangible Personal Property to Loved Ones
September 29, 2020

For most people, the ultimate goal of estate planning is to promote family harmony. If your family members get along well, you want your plan to encourage more of the same. If they don’t, you want to avoid adding more…

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The story of two wills, one eaten by the dog
July 8, 2020

The dog ate my homework! That time-worn excuse usually gets an unprepared student an “F”. But suppose Rover isn’t interested in your homework, but in your last will and testament? That could result in an “L” – as in lawsuit. …

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deadline
Homestead Exemption Deadline is March 1
January 28, 2020

The deadline for Florida homeowners to apply for homestead exemption on their primary residence is March 1, 2020. The exemption can reduce the assessed value of your primary residence by as much as $50,000. There are also additional exemptions for…

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Stories Of Assets Lost and Found
Stories Of Assets Lost and Found
January 18, 2020

Reports frequently come in from around the country about misplaced, forgotten or hidden valuables found in deceased person’s homes, or in items that have been donated to second-hand stores. Sometimes the valuables are discovered by rightful heirs, sometimes not. It’s…

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Family Fighting Over Former Attorney General's Childhood Home
Family Fighting Over Former Attorney General’s Childhood Home
January 10, 2020

You probably think that the estate plan of one of the nation’s most prominent legal authorities would be absolutely airtight. But you would be wrong. Janet Reno was appointed U.S. Attorney General by President Clinton, the first woman to serve…

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Estate/Gift Tax A Moving Target, But No Clawback Is Certain
November 29, 2019

Effective January 1, 2020, the federal lifetime unified estate and gift tax exemption increases. Individuals who pass away in 2020 can pass, tax-free, $11.58 million (was $11.4 million). With portability, a married couple may pass twice that amount, $23.16 million. Anything in excess…

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A Real Dogfight Over Late Painter's Estate
A Real Dogfight Over Late Painter’s Estate
October 26, 2019

You may not know the name George Rodrigue, but you probably know his art. Rodrigue was the New Orleans-based creator of the 1984 “blue dog” painting that has become a pop culture icon. Blue dog has appeared in one form…

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