Category Archives: Wills & Trusts

Not all birth certificates include the name of the child's father. Many people in Florida may believe that it is a parental responsibility to name the father; however, what many people don't know is that the father has to be in agreement with his name being on a birth certificate if the couple aren't married.

When someone writing an estate plan has more than one beneficiary, it can prove to be a challenge on how to divide assets equally among them. For Florida residents who are thinking about estate planning, they should know there is a way to think about who should get what, especially when it comes to children.

What are referred to as 'I love you' wills are pretty outdated for the 21st century, yet many couples still have them. Florida residents who want their estate planning to be all-encompassing and up to date might want to look into bringing their wills into the modern age.

If you have a special needs child, your Florida life is filled with both challenges and joy. Naturally you want him or her to lead the best possible life, and you do everything you can to make sure (s)he does. You also likely worry about who will provide him or her with the care (s)he needs should (s)he outlive you.

People don't like to think of a future in which they're incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. But life has a way of throwing some powerful curve balls and it might be best for Florida residents to think about putting a health care directive in place should the unforeseen happen.

There are certain rules that go along with estate planning. One of those has to do with creating a power of attorney in Florida. In order for the document to have any legitimate weight, the principal -- or the one making the power of attorney -- has to sign the document in front of two witnesses and a notary public, which could be one of the witnesses as well.

Estate planning documents are in place for a reason. One of those -- a power of attorney (POA) -- legally authorizes a person to be able to handle affairs and to make health care decisions on behalf of the maker in case the person should be unable to do so for him or herself.

Some people understand the importance of estate planning early in life. Perhaps they are compelled to visit an estate planning attorney following the birth of their first child, or they have had experience with a loved one who died leaving an estate in disarray.

Thinking about the future and preparing for the often frightening possibilities ahead takes courage. It means facing one's own mortality and contemplating issues beyond how to distribute one's belongings. When Florida residents make time and effort to create an estate plan, it is usually after careful consideration.

Pets are often beloved members of the family, participating in family vacations, posing in holiday portraits and taking their places in the hearts of every member of the household. As owners grow older, however, they may begin to wonder how to ensure the well-being of their animals after the owner's death.