THE SOTO LAW OFFICE, P.A.

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

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

Here in Central Florida, “winter” is a bit of a stretch. While the rest of the country pulls out parkas and snow shovels, we’re over here...

After the death of a loved one, it's natural to want to help—by paying bills, depositing checks, or managing day-to-day finances. But...

Imagine you’re in the middle of a legal dispute—maybe over a job issue or a business matter—and you’ve taken all the right steps by...

Serving as a personal representative in Florida carries significant responsibility—and with that, many questions. One we’re often asked...

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows a designated person, known as a trustee, to manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries. These...