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,…
Losing a spouse is a heartache no one is truly prepared for. Amid the emotional whirlwind, financial concerns often feel overwhelming. But here’s some relief you might not know about: Florida’s widow/widower homestead exemption. This program offers a meaningful way…
If you’re tempted to save money by using a do-it-yourself (DIY) will kit or an online template, a recent Florida court case might change your mind. It’s a sobering reminder that in estate planning, small mistakes can lead to big…
In the digital age, your estate is more than just financial accounts and property—it includes your online footprint and, in some cases, your genetic identity. That reality has come into sharp focus with the recent news that 23andMe has officially…