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

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

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

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...

When a loved one passes away and their estate enters probate, it’s common for emotions to run high and confusion to follow. One of the...

A thoughtful estate plan can become a source of disappointment if it isn’t kept up to date. In Florida, the legal principle of ademption means that if a specific gift—like a treasured piano—is no longer owned at death, the intended recipient may get nothing. Here’s how to protect your legacy and prevent loved ones from opening an “empty box.”

Napoleon Bonaparte’s will offers more than historical intrigue—it highlights a vital truth about estate planning: the original document matters. In Florida, probating a copy of a will can be complicated and costly. Learn why keeping your original will safe is key—and how The Soto Law Office can help.