Recent Blog Posts
HB 625 Changes Attorney Fee Structure For Tampa Estate Planning
Understanding estate law vernacular is complicated enough as it is. Trustee, representative, settlor, and decedent are all terms many clients struggle to make sense of. But what about the fee schedules cost of opening an estate? Of course, there are attorney fees associated with opening an estate and completing administrative tasks, but what about… Read More »
Do You Need An Advanced Directive Or Florida Living Will?
Many people mistakenly assume that estate planning is finished once they draft a last will and testament. They may fail to update their will as life passes by, something they may also want to reconsider. However, a last will and testament only governs a person’s decisions regarding property division. It does not account for… Read More »
Understanding The Benefits Of Florida Special Needs Trusts
Providing around the clock care for a loved one is a full-time job. It takes a special person with patience, love, and understanding. You are your loved one’s best advocate and friend. If you care for a young child or adult child with special needs or a physical disability, you may be concerned about… Read More »
Understanding Florida Minor Guardianships
You and your husband recently became parents to a baby girl. While you are immersed in the life of raising a newborn, your relatives keep mentioning the importance of a life insurance policy and minor guardianship. You want your sister to care for your child in the event of an emergency. Is it really… Read More »
What Is A Florida Life Insurance Trust, And Do You Need One?
Michael and Abigail have three young children under 10 and know it’s time to purchase a life insurance policy. However they are bewildered by the process because Abigail has a pre-existing condition and is in cancer remission. They are concerned they might not qualify for coverage, and even so, what happens to the policy… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between A Florida Quitclaim Deed And A Life Estate?
A mom of three adult children confronts them about who would act as personal representative when she dies. None of the adult children want the responsibility of winding up her estate when the time comes, so she makes the decision to draft a quitclaim deed to the eldest son, meaning he becomes the legal… Read More »
Understanding Florida Probate Administration
It is not uncommon for a loved one or relative to die intestate (without a will). Unfortunately, when estate planning does not occur prior to one’s passing, relatives must prepare for probate administration. Despite its necessity, probate is not straight-forward. However, there are tips and strategies our attorneys at Strategic Counsel Law Group can… Read More »
Determining Adult Mental Capacity In An Elder Guardianship Proceeding
Melissa is worried about her father Ken. He was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and since then has acted erratically. Last week he drove to the grocery store, then got disoriented, could not find the car, and walked halfway home until he collapsed. He is also becoming increasingly belligerent and accidentally spent a couple… Read More »
Contesting A Decedent’s Will In Hillsborough And Pinellas Counties
A good friend passed away last month leaving a sizable estate and detailed instructions in their will. That friend had four children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Now her children are arguing about the contents of the will, why the eldest was made personal representative and whether the eldest child exercised undue influence over… Read More »
Concerned About Your Pets? Consider Drafting A Florida Pet Trust
Pets are family. Entire industries are devoted to sending us treats, toys and medicine in the mail for our beloved four-legged family members. Dogs, cats, reptiles and fish also make great companions for our elderly loved ones. While discussing estate and legacy planning can be difficult to address, many people unfortunately fail to consider… Read More »