Law Office of Lori Vella, PLLC

06/18/2026

You created your Estate Plan.

But can your family find it?

Many people carefully prepare their Estate Planning documents and then store them away without telling anyone where they are.

If your loved ones cannot locate important documents during an emergency, it can create unnecessary stress, delays, and confusion.

In our latest blog, we discuss why document organization and communication are important parts of every Estate Plan.

Read the full blog here: https://lorivella.com/can-your-family-find-your-estate-plan/

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

Your Estate Plan is only helpful if your loved ones can find it. Learn how to organize and store important documents for easy access.

06/15/2026

Many people assume they either need a Trust or they don't.

The reality is that every family has different goals, assets, and concerns.

The best Estate Plan is the one designed around your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

06/13/2026

Creating Estate Planning documents is important.

Making sure your loved ones know where to find them is equally important.

Take a few minutes to review where your documents are stored and who would know how to access them in an emergency.

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

06/12/2026

Many people spend time deciding who should inherit their assets, but often overlook one of the most important decisions in their Estate Plan:

Who will serve as their Personal Representative?

This individual will be responsible for administering your estate, handling important responsibilities, and carrying out your wishes after you're gone.

In our latest blog, we discuss what a Personal Representative does, the qualities to look for, and common mistakes families should avoid when making this important decision.

Read the full blog here: https://lorivella.com/who-should-serve-as-your-personal-representative-florida/

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

Learn how to choose a Personal Representative in Florida, what responsibilities they have, and what qualities to consider when creating your Estate Plan.

06/10/2026

One of the greatest benefits of Estate Planning is clarity.

Without a plan, loved ones may be left making difficult decisions during an already emotional time.

A well-designed Estate Plan provides guidance, direction, and peace of mind when it matters most.

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

06/09/2026

America is in the middle of the largest wealth transfer in history.

Experts estimate that approximately $124 trillion will pass from one generation to the next over the coming decades. Yet a recent report warns that billions of dollars in assets may never reach their intended beneficiaries because of missing Wills, outdated Estate Plans, and inheritance disputes.

Without proper planning, families may face:
✔️ Probate delays
✔️ Family disputes
✔️ Unintended beneficiaries
✔️ Costly legal proceedings
✔️ Loss of generational wealth

Many people assume Estate Planning is only for the wealthy, but the reality is that every family can benefit from having a clear plan in place.

A Will, Trust, and properly coordinated beneficiary designations can help ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.

Read the article here:
https://nypost.com/2026/03/31/real-estate/heir-disputes-seriously-threaten-americas-great-wealth-transfer/

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

Housing experts convened at the Urban Institute on Monday said some states have passed more laws in recent years, but there isn’t nearly enough education about the scope of the problem.

06/06/2026

Many families don't learn about Probate until they're suddenly responsible for handling a loved one's estate.

At that point, they're often navigating grief while also dealing with court procedures, deadlines, property transfers, and financial responsibilities.

Understanding the Probate process before it's needed can help families feel more prepared and confident.

Questions about Probate? We're here to help.

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

06/04/2026

When creating an Estate Plan, many people focus on who will receive their assets.

But another important question is:
Who will handle everything?

Choosing the right Personal Representative, Trustee, Healthcare Surrogate, and Agent under your Power
of Attorney can be just as important as deciding who inherits.

These roles carry significant responsibility.

Have you chosen the right people for yours?

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

06/03/2026

Inheritance disputes are on the rise.

A recent report found a significant increase in legal challenges involving Wills and Estates, driven by higher property values, blended families, and disagreements over a loved one's final wishes.

Many of these disputes could have been avoided with updated Estate Planning documents, clear communication, and careful planning.

Common reasons families end up in Probate litigation include:
✔️ Outdated Wills
✔️ Questions about mental capacity
✔️ Concerns about undue influence
✔️ Disagreements among children, stepchildren, or beneficiaries
✔️ Unclear instructions regarding assets

Estate Planning is about more than distributing assets—it can help preserve family relationships and reduce the likelihood of costly court battles.

Read the article here:
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/will-disputes-families-estates-law-rmh6zqxm0

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.

Rising valuations involving properties and ‘blended families’ mean more people are running into conflicts involving lawyers

06/02/2026

Many people spend time creating an Estate Plan but forget to review their beneficiary designations.

Here's the important part:
Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain financial accounts typically pass according to the beneficiary designation on file.

Not according to your Will.

If you've experienced a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or major life change, it may be time for a review.

When was the last time you checked your beneficiaries?

📍Main Office Tampa, Florida, serving all counties of Florida and New York.