An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating. You might be worried about what you’re going to experience as you condition worsens, and you may be concerned about how your loved ones are going to be able to get by while still caring for you. First, we’re sorry to hear...
Most Fort Lauderdale area residents have heard of a will and many of us have had ours created. But a will is just a small portion of an estate plan. Estate planning encompasses many different matters and one item that you may not have is a living will. So, what is a...
Most Florida residents try to avoid the probate process if possible, assuming it to be costly, complex and lengthy. Unfortunately, the estates of Florida residents who die without a will must go through probate, which is the legal process of distributing a person’s...
Making an estate plan should not be done once and stored away until death. Changes in your life and the law could make an unchanged plan ineffective. When to update Your estate planning documents should be reviewed for needed updates every three to five years. There...
You might have heard or read discussions on elder law planning and estate planning. While some law firms work with both legal areas, and there is some overlap between them, technically they are distinctly different and equally important. Elder law planning protects...
When a person in Fort Lauderdale passes away, their estate generally must be probated. Probate is the legal process through which their assets are located, debts and taxes are paid out of the estate and the remainder distributed to the decedent’s heirs. Overseeing...
Your estate plan is only effective if it’s found to be legally valid. This means that your documents have to align with applicable state laws, but it also means that you have to be able to provide assurances that you had the requisite mental capacity when creating...
Estate planning can seem like a complex process, with many different ways to accomplish an endless variety of goals. Establishing one or more powers of attorney can be a useful means of achieving some of those goals, but it’s important to understand that there are...
Although most Florida residents have any number of questions when they start looking into the estate planning process, trusts are probably one of the top issues. Estate planning can seem difficult enough before a person even starts to think about whether or not trusts...
Losing a loved one is never easy. While you struggle to cope with the emotional realities of the situation, the financial and logistical nature of the circumstances can make moving forward even more challenging. In fact, most people who suddenly and unexpectedly lose...
Jennifer D. Sharpe, P.A.