The House That Cost Three Siblings Everything: A Florida Inheritance Story

One paid-off house, three siblings, and four years in court. Following the timeline of how a family came apart is the clearest way to see what a trust can and cannot shield from a lawsuit.

What to Do in the First Two Weeks After a Loved One Dies: A Florida Checklist

The days after losing a loved one are overwhelming, and a few tasks carry real deadlines in Florida. This simple checklist walks you through what to handle first, so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Can You Be Forced to Pay Your Parent’s Nursing Home Bill in Florida? What Filial Responsibility Laws Really Mean

Can a nursing home make you pay your parent’s bill in Florida? For most families, the answer is no, but a few paperwork traps can change that. Here is what you need to know before you sign anything.

what assets are exempt from probate in florida

Florida Homestead: Why You Can’t Always Leave Your Home to Whoever You Want

Think you can leave your Florida home to anyone you choose? Florida homestead laws may say otherwise. Learn how these unique rules can affect your estate plan and your family’s future.

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Paying a Family Member to Care for You in Florida – Without Triggering a Medicaid Penalty

Many Florida families want to compensate a loved one for providing care, but doing it the wrong way could affect future Medicaid eligibility. With careful planning, you may be able to pay a family caregiver while reducing the risk of a Medicaid transfer penalty.

Your Income Is Too High for Florida Medicaid? How a Qualified Income Trust May Help

Some Florida families are surprised to learn that too much income can create problems for Medicaid long-term care eligibility. A Qualified Income Trust may help when it is prepared, funded, and managed correctly.

5 Signs a Simple Will Isn’t Enough — and You Need a Wills and Trusts Attorney in Jacksonville

A simple will is a good start, but it may not be enough to protect your family. Here are five signs it may be time to talk with a wills and trusts attorney about a more complete estate plan.

Florida Second Marriage Planning — Why Your Old Estate Plan Could Hurt the People You Love Most

June 26, 2026
Bill O'Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Second Marriage Planning

Remarriage can bring new opportunities, but it can also create estate planning challenges. If your current plan was created before your second marriage, it may no longer protect your spouse, children, or other loved ones the way you intended.

How Jacksonville Retirees Can Avoid Probate in Florida Before It Becomes a Family Burden

June 24, 2026
Bill O'Leary, Esq.
Probate

Many Jacksonville retirees want to make things easier for their loved ones after they're gone. Understanding how assets pass to family members can help you reduce court involvement, save time, and create a smoother transition for those you care about most.

The Elder Law Mistake Jacksonville Families Make When a Parent’s Health Starts to Decline

Many families recognize that a parent needs help long before a medical emergency occurs. The challenge is knowing when to start planning. Waiting until a crisis develops can limit options and create unnecessary stress for everyone involved.