News & Articles

Life Estate versus Right of Occupancy Trust: Which Is Right for You?

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…

The Trust Protection Myth: Your Revocable Trust Protects Against Lawsuits

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.  …

Estate Planning Basics for Newlyweds: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

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…

Don’t Let Your Estate Plan Go Up in Smoke

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…

How Do I Create an Estate Plan with an Only Child?

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 Further, outdated perceptions surrounding only children have shifted as the average size…

The Power of Attorney

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…

Special Needs Trust

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…

Qualifying for Medicaid

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…

Personal Representatives

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…

Intestate Succession

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…