Many people put off estate planning because it feels uncomfortable or unnecessary. Unfortunately, in Florida, if you die without a valid will or trust, state law—not your family—decides who inherits your property. This process is called intestate succession, and it…
Divorce after 50—often called “gray divorce”—is on the rise. According to research from the Pew Research Center, divorce rates among adults over 50 have nearly doubled in the past 30 years. For those over 65, the rate has tripled. While…
Florida’s homestead laws are among the strongest in the country, offering powerful protections for your primary residence. These laws can shield your home from most creditors and ensure it passes to your family under specific rules. However, they also create…
Takeaways Advance directives, including health care powers of attorney and living wills, are crucial for outlining your medical wishes and appointing a surrogate decision-maker. Creating these documents involves personal reflection on quality of life, end-of-life preferences, and whom you trust…
When Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023, he left behind more than a legendary catalog of beachy ballads. The "Margaritaville" singer also left behind a massive estate worth more than $275 million, including restaurants, resorts, real estate, and business interests.…
When David Bowie passed on January 10, 2016, at age 69, he left behind a well-structured estate plan. Estimated at around $100 million, his estate included carefully considered allocations, trusts, property bequests, and even instructions for his ashes. Bowie’s approach offers…
When Jerry Garcia—lead guitarist, cultural icon, and the spiritual force behind the Grateful Dead—passed away in August 1995, he left behind more than psychedelic solos and beloved albums. He also left behind an estate tangled in legal disputes, financial chaos,…
When the “Queen of Soul” passed away in 2018, the world mourned a voice like no other. But behind the scenes, Aretha Franklin’s family faced a years-long legal mess that could have been avoided with just one thing: a clear,…
In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born…
When most people think about estate planning, they focus on wills, trusts, and bank accounts. But in today’s world, there’s another category of assets that often gets overlooked—digital assets. From email and social media to online banking, photo storage, and…