Legally Speaking
When “Stuff” Becomes an Estate Planning Problem
George Carlin once joked that a house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff. Funny—and maybe a little too true. But (more…)
Articles by Andrea Jakob
Legally Speaking
The Conversation No One Wants to Have Until It’s Too Late
Most people don’t think about estate planning until something forces the issue. My dear friend and colleague, Scott, is an estate planning attorney. He helps families prepare for incapacity and (more…)
Legally Speaking
The “No-Drama” Parent Conversation 3 Questions to Ask ASAP
If you’re an adult child with aging parents, you’ve probably had this thought at least once: “If something happened… would I even know what to do?” Not in a spooky, (more…)
Legally Speaking
Surprise! Second Marriages Change Estate Planning More Than You Think
This one surprises people all the time, so let me start here: in Florida, it’s very hard to completely cut your spouse out of your estate plan. I often hear (more…)
Legally Speaking
Estate Planning For the new Year
As we step into 2026, many people will once again say, “This is the year I finally get my Will done.” Then life happens—and that plan slides right back onto (more…)
Legally Speaking
Fair Isn’t Always Fifty-Fifty Finding the Right Balance for Your Family
Most parents want to be fair when dividing their estate among their children. It feels natural to think that “fair” means “equal,” right? But when it comes to estate planning, (more…)
Healthy Senior Living
Aging Smart What to Tackle, When, and Who to Call
As we (or our parents) get older, the best gift we can give the family is clarity. Here’s a simple, no-stress roadmap for what to do, when to do it, (more…)
Community News
Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate
Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because probate involves the court system, most (more…)
Legally Speaking
The Digital Afterlife: What Happens to Your Online Life When You’re Gone?
We plan for our homes, savings, even who gets the good china. But have you thought about what happens to your online life when you’re gone? These days, we live (more…)
Legally Speaking
Supportive Child or Subtle Schemer? Spotting the Line Between Help and Harm
As our parents get older, many of us step into new roles: part chauffeur, part medication manager, part tech support (“Mom, that’s not how FaceTime works…”). For many families, one (more…)