Estate Planning

Florida Inheritance Terms Explained: Decedent, Heir, Executor & More

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, or you’re starting to think about your own estate plan, you’ve probably encountered legal terms that feel like a foreign language. Words like…

Document with the word Signature followed by an X mark signed with a pe

Estate Planning Probate Wills & Trusts

When “X” Marks the Will: Is an “X” a Valid Signature for Your Will?

Most people assume that signing a will requires a full legal signature like the kind you’d put on a contract or a check. But what if the person making the…

Notebook with the words irrevocable life insurance trust written on the cover

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts

What is an ILIT and Why Would You Want One?

Estate planning has certain wealth management aspects to it, including asset protection and wealth planning. In today’s post, we will discuss one estate planning tool that helps to ensure that…

Diagram showing how a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) works — Spouse A as grantor transfers assets into a trust, with Spouse B as beneficiary

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts

What Is a SLAT? Definition, How It Works, and When It Makes Sense

What Does SLAT Mean? SLAT stands for Spousal Lifetime Access Trust. It’s an irrevocable trust that one spouse (the “grantor”) creates for the benefit of the other spouse (the “beneficiary”).…

Estate Planning

3 Tough Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting with an Estate and Probate Attorney.

Once you have taken the important step of making an appointment to meet with an estate and probate lawyer to discuss your estate plan, you should take a little time…

Estate Planning

Asserting Control from Beyond the Grave: Conditional Bequests

When you make a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) you get to decide who will receive your property at the time of your death. You also can choose when they…

Estate Planning

4 Essential Elements a Trust Must Have to Qualify Under Florida’s New Community Property Trust Act.

On July 1, 2021, Florida’s new Community Property Trust Act became effective. The Community Property Trust Act (or “CPTA”) allows married couples in Florida to create a valid community property…

Senior married couple reviewing documents with an attorney, discussing a Florida Community Property Trust as part of their estate plan

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts

Florida’s Community Property Trust Act: How It Works

Most people don’t think of Florida as a community property state because it isn’t. But a Florida law that took effect in 2021 gives married couples a way to access…

Estate Planning Probate

Good Things Come in Threes: The 3 Main Roles in a Trust.

A revocable living trust (aka a “living trust,” referred to here simply as a “trust”) is a wonderful estate planning tool. But understanding who the parties in a trust are…

Estate Planning Probate

Why A Power of Attorney Isn’t So Powerful When It Comes to Trusts.

The 30‑Second Takeaway A power of attorney (POA) is wonderful for paying Mom’s everyday bills or signing Dad’s tax return—but the minute those assets land in a living trust, the POA hits…

About The Firm

Since 2011, SJF Law Group has been helping clients protect their families with estate planning, probate & trust administration. We pride ourselves on combining the personalized service and attention of a boutique firm, with the talent and legal acumen of a large firm.

Our Awards

GOLD – Estate Law

GOLD – Law Firm

SILVER – Woman-Owned Business

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Estate Planning

Florida Inheritance Terms Explained: Decedent, Heir, Executor & More

When “X” Marks the Will: Is an “X” a Valid Signature for Your Will?

What is an ILIT and Why Would You Want One?

What Is a SLAT? Definition, How It Works, and When It Makes Sense

3 Tough Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting with an Estate and Probate Attorney.

Asserting Control from Beyond the Grave: Conditional Bequests

4 Essential Elements a Trust Must Have to Qualify Under Florida’s New Community Property Trust Act.

Florida’s Community Property Trust Act: How It Works

Good Things Come in Threes: The 3 Main Roles in a Trust.

Why A Power of Attorney Isn’t So Powerful When It Comes to Trusts.

Voted GOLD for Estate Law by South Florida Families – Sun Sentinel 2026

About The Firm

Our Awards

About the Firm

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