Estate planning may seem intimidating but with the right communication and resources, you have plenty of options to make your wishes known. Handling your affairs ahead of time not only gets your preferences in writing — it helps ease the pressure on your family when...
Estate planning is crucial for all people, regardless of age or financial status. Elements of estate plans offer protection to your loved ones, but they can also protect you while you are still alive. That is why estate plans must include certain items, which ensure...
Equal and equitable distribution of marital property are two concepts that are similar but are not the same. Florida is an equitable distribution state. Understanding the difference between these concepts will help you prepare for your divorce. What does equal...
A major change to your life can happen at any time. You could suffer a head injury in a vehicle accident or become incapacitated due to a serious illness. A healthcare directive and a financial power of attorney (POA) are two estate planning tools that will ease your...
Few things in life have the potential to be more heart-wrenching than a child custody dispute. If you are going through a divorce, negotiating a time-sharing agreement may give you more control. That is, if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can come up with an...
Collaborative divorce has seen an uptick in support from divorce advocates and attorneys across the board in recent years. More people find what they need within it. But how does collaborative divorce work? More importantly, how do you know it will work for your...
Floridians often refer to a revocable trust as a “living” trust because of its use during your lifetime. A living trust, for example, serves as an estate planning tool that may also help you manage your assets now. The Florida Bar notes that a trust may also prevent...
Recently passed legislation awaiting the governor's signature or veto has the Florida court systems backing up with divorce cases. One way to avoid the backlog is to pursue a collaborative divorce. What is collaborative divorce and how can it help you avoid court?...
If you are going through a divorce, you likely understand the importance of coming up with a fair settlement. After all, both you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse worked hard to build your marital estate. This is true even if you chose to stay home and raise your kids...
Divorce is difficult for all couples, even those who had a good relationship beforehand. Couples who divorce on friendly terms still have trouble acclimating to life after and they may still find themselves amidst disagreements. When divorcing a narcissist, however,...
Christine S. Cook has earned a reputation in the legal community for her professionalism and among her clients for the care and personal attention she gives to every case.
