Law Office of Lori Vella, PLLC

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report warns that billions of dollars in assets may never reach their intended beneficiaries because of missing Wills, outdated Estate Plans, and inheritance disputes.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.

05/30/2026

Many people put off Estate Planning because life gets busy.

But planning ahead can make a meaningful difference for the people you love most.

Taking the first step today may help avoid confusion, stress, and unnecessary complications in the future.

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

05/27/2026

An Estate Plan is not something you create once and forget forever.

Major life changes, like marriage, children, retirement, or changes in assets, may mean it’s time to review your documents and update your plan.

Keeping your Estate Planning documents current helps ensure your wishes continue to reflect your life today.

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

05/26/2026

A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights an important Estate Planning lesson: even a carefully planned inheritance can end up tied up in court for years because of paperwork issues.

In this case, a grandfather intended to leave his retirement account to his 36 grandchildren. Seven years later, the inheritance is still in legal limbo due to disputes over beneficiary forms and authorization requirements. (Wall Street Journal)

The story is a reminder that Estate Planning is not just about having a Will or Trust, it also includes:
✔️ Updating beneficiary designations
✔️ Reviewing retirement accounts regularly
✔️ Making sure powers of attorney are properly coordinated
✔️ Keeping documents current after life changes

Small mistakes or outdated paperwork can create major delays, legal expenses, and stress for loved ones.

Read the full article here:
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/a-small-fortune-36-grandkids-and-an-inheritance-stuck-in-limbo-780c8c99?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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

A family’s fight over a retirement account shows the pitfalls around updating beneficiary information.

05/26/2026

Losing a loved one is already overwhelming, understanding Probate should not add more stress.
Many families are left wondering:

• Do we need Probate?
• What happens if there is no Will?
• How long does Probate take?
• What happens to the house and bank accounts?

Our newest blog explains the basics of Florida Probate in plain English so families can better understand the next steps during a difficult time.

Read the blog here:

https://lorivella.com/what-is-probate-in-florida-a-simple-guide-for-families/

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

Florida Probate can feel overwhelming after the loss of a loved one. Learn how Probate works in Florida and what families should expect.