Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, or lack…

You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare…

While many proactive individuals understand the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan, they often assume that their plan addresses only what happens after they pass away. However, a comprehensive estate plan is also meant to positively impact your life…

Since creating your estate plan, have you thought about updating it? If you are like most people, probably not. However, the carefully thought-out plan you created years ago may not meet your current goals or family circumstances. To put things…

Do you own your home, other property, or a financial account with someone else, such as a spouse or an adult child? If so, you might be surprised to learn that a common way of owning property could cause problems…

Have you just welcomed a baby to the family? Protecting your newborn goes beyond car seats and babyproofing. Ensure that your child is protected no matter what life brings by creating an estate plan. Establishing an estate plan is one…

You love your children and want to ensure that they are always taken care of. The desire to provide for them may also be shared by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. However, when leaving money and property to minor children,…

It is a topic no parent wants to think about: What would happen to your children if you were gone? However, facing this question is one of the most loving and powerful things you can do for your kids. If…

Planning for the future of your home can be complicated, especially when you want to ensure that a loved one can continue living there after you are gone. Two common tools for accomplishing this are life estates and right of…

Many people believe that once they set up a revocable living trust and change the ownership of their accounts and property from themselves as individuals to their trust, those accounts and property are protected from lawsuits. This is not true.  …

Getting married is a special time in your life; you may have a beautiful wedding, a fun reception (with a delicious cake and special gifts), and a romantic honeymoon. It is also the right time for you and your new…

Fewer people are creating estate plans today than in years past. Research shows that, in 2024, less than one-third of Americans report having a will.  Every adult—whether they are 19 or 99—should have a will at a minimum. Many people…

Stereotypes surrounding “only child syndrome” have largely been debunked, as recent studies show that only children, on average, develop social skills similar to those of children with siblings. Further, outdated perceptions surrounding only children have shifted as the average size…

What is a Durable Power of Attorney? At Barreau Legal, PLLC, it is common to run into clients who believe that estate planning only deals with how to pass property along to the next generation after someone’s death. This would…

When dealing with loved ones with special needs, it is important to understand the relationship which exists concerning someone with special needs and his or her approved government benefits. Namely, did you know that your loved one could potentially lose…

Do you know the requirements to qualify for Medicaid? Medicaid is an important tool to help provide long-term care for those who cannot afford it. The costs of being in a nursing home can almost be insurmountable, sometimes reaching approximately…

Are your loved ones qualified to serve as personal representative of your estate? In the State of Florida, a personal representative is an individual (or organization) who has been tasked with the management of an estate going through the probate…

Have you ever wondered what happens to your assets, like your home, car, or laptop, for instance, after you pass away? The answer is pretty simple if you have a valid estate plan in place – how your property will…