What parents and caregivers should know as a child with a developmental disability approaches age 18. By Ramona S. Chaplin, Esq. A child’s eighteenth birthday is a major legal transition. Even when a young adult relies on a parent for medical, educational, or daily-living decisions, the parent does not automatically continue to have legal authority

A new Florida probate law may make a simplified estate process available to more families. By Ramona S. Chaplin, Esq. When a loved one dies, families often assume that every estate must go through a lengthy formal probate. That is not always true. Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida law expands several procedures intended to simplify

When a person passes away without a will, they are considered to have died intestate. Florida law then determines how their assets are distributed. Who Inherits? Under Florida’s intestacy laws: ● If there is a spouse and no children → the spouse inherits everything ● If there is a spouse and children → assets are

Can You Avoid Probate in Florida? Many people want to avoid probate—but is it possible? Yes, With Proper Planning Certain strategies can help minimize or avoid probate altogether: ● Revocable Living Trusts ● Joint ownership with survivorship rights ● Beneficiary designations (POD/TOD accounts) ● Enhanced life estate deeds (Lady Bird deeds) When Probate Is Still