THE SOTO LAW OFFICE, P.A.

At The Soto Law Office, we are often asked what to do when someone passes away and you discover their original Last Will and Testament. It can be an emotional and confusing time, and knowing your legal obligations is essential to avoid serious consequences. Let’s consider a fictitious example. A Florida Example Imagine Robert and Elena, a couple who lived together in Orlando for 20 years but never married. Robert owned their home in his name only, as he purchased it long befo

At The Soto Law Office, we often remind clients that owning and running a business in Florida is not just about day-to-day operations—it is also about preparing for the future. One of the most overlooked aspects of business ownership is succession planning. What happens to the business if the owner suddenly passes away or becomes incapacitated? Without a clear plan in place, even successful companies can face confusion, conflict, or even collapse. A Florida Example Consider a

Florida has been a leader in modernizing estate planning. With the adoption of Florida Statute §732.521–732.525, the state became one of the first in the country to recognize electronic   wills. These laws provide Floridians with an alternative to the traditional pen-and-paper approach to estate planning. While electronic wills offer convenience and accessibility, they also come with unique requirements—particularly around who can safeguard them. One of the most important asp

Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes those surprises bring joy, like when a young athlete breaks through at the Olympics and wins gold against all odds. Other times, the unexpected is far less welcome - a sudden accident, illness, or other life-altering event. While we cannot predict every twist and turn, we can prepare. That preparation is the essence of estate planning. At The Soto Law Office, we often remind clients that a good estate plan is not just about making de

When someone you love begins struggling to manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. In Florida, one legal option is guardianship. A court-supervised process that appoints someone to act on behalf of an individual who cannot safely make decisions on their own. If you live in Altamonte Springs or elsewhere in Seminole County, understanding how guardianship works and how the courts decide these cases can help you make

At The Soto Law Office, we often meet clients who believe that having a Revocable Living Trust means their loved ones will never have to go through probate. While a trust can help avoid probate, it’s not automatic. The trust has to be properly funded to work as intended. A trust only governs assets titled in the name of the trust. If an asset isn’t retitled into the trust or doesn’t have a beneficiary designation, it may still have to go through probate under Florida Statute

Starting a business is exciting. But the reality is that not every business will last forever. According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, about one-third of new businesses with employees close within the first two years. And while some businesses fail for financial reasons, many others close for personal reasons—such as retirement, health concerns, or the owner simply deciding to pursue a new opportunity. Whatever the reason, when the doors close, the busi

Amid the excitement of planning a wedding—flowers, cake tastings, and honeymoon destinations—it’s easy to overlook estate planning. But once you’re married, reviewing and updating your estate plan is a key step toward protecting your new life together. While it might not be the most glamorous item on your checklist, updating your will and related documents is a smart, responsible move—and one that can prevent confusion, conflict, and legal challenges down the road. Why Estate

When it comes to estate planning, we frequently hear from well-meaning adult children who want to help their aging parents “get their affairs in order.” While their intentions are usually rooted in love and concern, Florida law places clear boundaries around who can make these decisions and how the legal process should unfold. It’s important to understand that estate planning is not something one person can do on behalf of another, unless proper legal authority has been grant

Tenant improvements refer to the changes a commercial tenant makes to a leased space to make it suitable for their business operations....