Emily Hicks Law

10/01/2026

Probate has a way of producing questions families never thought they’d have to ask:

Why is this taking so long?
Why can’t we access that account?
Why does this asset have to go through probate?
And why didn’t anyone tell us this before?

A little knowledge—and thoughtful estate planning—can help eliminate some of those surprises.

We’re breaking down what Florida families should know about probate in our latest blog: https://loom.ly/H9sgk9E

09/27/2026

There’s nothing better than hearing that a client felt well cared for from start to finish.

Estate planning involves a lot of details, and having an experienced, organized team there to guide you through the process can make all the difference.

Thank you for trusting Emily Hicks Law—and for taking the time to share such kind words about Emily and our team. We’re grateful to have been part of your planning journey!

09/25/2026

“Wait…that has to go through probate?”

That’s a question families often don’t expect to ask after losing a loved one.

From discovering assets that weren’t properly titled to dealing with creditor claims, family disagreements, or a home that can’t simply be sold right away, Florida probate can come with a few surprises.

Knowing what to expect—and doing some planning ahead of time—can make a difficult season a little easier.

Read now: https://loom.ly/H9sgk9E

When a loved one passes away, probate is often the legal process used to settle their estate. In Florida, probate can help ensure that debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the will—or, if there’s no will, according to state law. But sometimes, families discover unexpected issue...

09/23/2026

Some of the best things about tennis happen off the court. 🎾🥂 We’re so happy to support a fun happy hour all about building friendships, making connections, and growing our tennis community at the beach!

09/21/2026

Can being just $68 over an income limit affect your ability to qualify for Medicaid nursing-home benefits?

In the example featured in this article, a Florida widower receives $3,050 per month from Social Security and a pension—just $68 above Florida’s 2026 Medicaid institutional-care income limit of $2,982.

But being over the limit doesn’t necessarily end the conversation. Florida allows certain applicants to use a Qualified Income Trust (sometimes called a Miller Trust) to address income above the limit, provided the trust and its funding meet Medicaid requirements.

It’s a great example of why understanding the rules—and planning before a long-term care crisis—can make such a difference.

Read more: https://loom.ly/CAvrr3g

A Florida widower earning $3,050 a month cannot afford a third of his nursing home bill, yet Medicaid still rejected him because of a gap so small it would barely cover a tank of gas. The legal workaround exists, but families who attempt it without understanding the exact rules tend to make it worse...

09/20/2026

Not all deeds are created equal.

One deed may help your property avoid probate. Another may transfer property into a trust. And another could limit what you’re able to do with your home during your lifetime. That’s why changing a deed shouldn’t be treated as a simple paperwork decision. The type of deed you use should work together with the rest of your estate plan.

Our latest blog explains 6 different types of deeds you may encounter in Florida estate planning—and what each one does.

Read more: https://loom.ly/9QcvYFU

09/17/2026

Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act). The GUARD Act empowers state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to fight back against the fraud epidemic targeting older Americans.

See how it protect your loved ones: https://loom.ly/zJp2yrA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act, H.R. 2978) legislation that U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) co-led to protect seniors and their families from th...

09/15/2026

When should your children receive their inheritance?

The answer may have less to do with their age and more to do with their readiness.

Maturity, financial responsibility, education, major life milestones, creditor protection, and even the choice of trustee can all play a role in deciding how a trust should be structured.

The goal isn’t simply to leave your children money. It’s to create a plan that helps protect that inheritance and prepare them to use it wisely.

We explore the options in our latest blog: https://loom.ly/U9GG0bk

09/13/2026

One of the best things we can protect as we age? Our independence.

Staying active can help us continue doing the things we love—traveling, spending time with family, volunteering, enjoying hobbies, and simply living life on our own terms.

And getting more movement doesn’t have to mean a major lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes it starts with a 10-minute walk or choosing an activity you genuinely enjoy.

We’ve rounded up 7 easy ways to make movement a more natural part of everyday life: https://loom.ly/bIlzEiA

09/12/2026

What happens financially when one spouse needs nursing-home care but the other is still living at home?

Many couples worry that they’ll have to exhaust nearly everything they’ve worked a lifetime to save. But Medicaid includes protections intended to help prevent the spouse at home from becoming impoverished.

This article is a great reminder that long-term care planning isn't something families should wait to think about until a crisis occurs.

Take a look: https://loom.ly/UHrw-FM