Spiro J. Verras Blog

Going through a divorce is such a tumultuous process that many people neglect to amend their estate plan in keeping with their new marital status. This can be a crucial mistake because although we generally assume that this task is not urgent -- you never know. Life is unpredictable and no one can foresee when an accident or health event may change everything, removing your opportunity to alter past decisions by updating pivotal documents. It is a good idea, during divorce negotiations, to get in touch with a

If you have taken the step to develop an estate plan to protect your future and that of your loved ones, congratulations! Having an estate plan can go to great lengths in providing you with peace of mind that you and your family will enjoy certain legal protections in some of the most difficult times life can throw at you. While putting an estate plan in place is a great accomplishment, you must be mindful that your estate plan will only be most effective if it remains current and reflects your most recent life circumstances. In addition to scheduling periodic reviews of your estate plan, there are also certain times that should trigger a review and potential update of your estate plan.

Will a Last Will and Testament help me to avoid probate?

Probate is the process by which the court distributes your assets to your heirs. In the state of Florida, as elsewhere across the country, probate can be a costly and time consuming process. Probate involves both court fees and attorney’s fees, and may tie up your assets for several months or potentially even years as the court works to distribute your assets either in accordance with your will or per the laws of intestacy. Fortunately, with some advance planning, there are ways in which you can avoid probate. A thorough estate plan can allow your assets to pass to your heirs without added expense or unnecessary delays.
Read more . . .

Sad to say, but as we get older, we are not only victimized by increasing physical weakness. We are often targeted by cruel financial scams that attempt to take advantage of our free time, our desire for human interaction, and our inability to keep up with the latest technology. If you feel that you or your elderly loved ones are vulnerable, you are probably right. Fortunately, an Read more . . .

We want the best for our aging loved ones. Sometimes, the level of care needed is beyond what we are able to provide. This is when it is time to make the move to a long term care facility.

Estate planning is perhaps most commonly associated with wills using this type of legal document to memorialize wishes regarding how you want your property distributed when you pass away. Estate planning, however, can go far beyond employing a will to distribute property to your heirs. In fact, many people choose to utilize different types of trust in estate planning.

Estate planning is important for everyone. It is not something just for older adults to take care of. Younger people tend to think that they do not need to estate plan because they have nothing of value.
Read more . . .

When you think of estate planning, most people will think of a Last Will and Testament, or simply, a “will.” A will can be an important part of your estate plan. It has the ability to go far beyond detailing what property you want distributed to which beneficiaries.
Read more . . .

How can I help my loved one in a nursing home make an estate plan?

The coronavirus pandemic has sent a message to all of us that our futures are uncertain. Most at-risk for serious illness or death from the virus remains the elderly. People aged 65 or older have a heightened risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Perhaps the most vulnerable are Florida’s nursing home and assisted living residents. Nursing home residents are typically already in compromised health due to physical or mental illnesses.
Read more . . .

What are the benefits of making an estate plan right now?

The novel coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, bringing about illness, death, and economic turmoil in its wake. Currently, the death toll in the United States has exceeded 40,000, while more than 2.4 million people globally have been infected by COVID-19. Along with the magnitude of the illness, many Americans are now suffering financially. Necessary social distancing and stay-at-home orders have caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs.
Read more . . .

Do I need an estate planning attorney?

None of us know what the future holds. Creating an estate plan is about preparing for the unknown. A good estate plan will protect your loved ones, your assets, and yourself in the event of a serious injury, incapacity, or death. Your estate plan is about a lot more than just dividing up your assets. With your estate plan, you can ensure your spouse, children, or other loved ones are cared for, while also knowing that your last wishes will be respected and honored.
Read more . . .