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JULY 2025
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Don’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance What Florida’s Intestacy Laws Will Do to Your Assets
The next time you meet up with your friends or gather with extended family, ask them if they have an Estate Plan. You don’t need to inquire what it includes or any specifics; simply find out if they have one. You’ll discover that many have some sort of Estate Planning document in place, even if it’s just a Will, but others won’t. The question then becomes, “Why?” Some people believe they don’t need one because they don’t have many assets or are young, healthy, and invincible. Others will simply say they haven’t gotten around to it because it’s not a priority. This is a common trap people fall
into, but you should never procrastinate when it comes to Estate Planning.
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If you’re single with no children, your parents inherit everything. If you have no spouse or children and your parents have passed, your siblings inherit everything. If you have no spouse, children, parents, or siblings, the state of Florida claims your assets.
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In past newsletters, I’ve discussed the different reasons everyone needs an Estate Plan and the specific situations it can protect you and your family from. This month, I want to focus on a key question everyone without an Estate Plan should consider: What happens if I pass away without any sort of Estate Plan in place? If you or a loved one passes away without an Estate Plan, your estate will become subject to Florida’s Intestacy Laws. It doesn’t matter if you already told your family exactly how you want things distributed or left a piece of paper on your nightstand with your wishes. Verbal instructions and written notes do not count in the eyes of the law. You must have a properly executed Will or Trust. If you don’t, Florida’s Intestacy Laws determine exactly how your assets are distributed.
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While that might sound straightforward, you’ll want to consider a few other details. “Spouse” only refers to your legal husband or wife at your death. Florida does not recognize common-law marriages. “Children” refers to biological or adopted children, but not unadopted stepchildren. “Parents” means biological or adoptive parents, but not foster or stepparents. “Siblings” only refers to full or half-siblings. Assets covered by intestacy law include real estate you own in your name alone, bank accounts and investments in your name alone, business interests, and personal property like cars, furniture, or jewelry. Nobody wants to imagine their life’s hard work going to the state or someone they no longer have a relationship with, but it happens too often. Don’t put yourself in this position! Contact us today to create or make updates to your Estate Plan!
Here is who will get your assets if you don’t establish an Estate Plan or create a Will.
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If you’re married with no children, your spouse inherits everything. If you’re married and have children with your spouse, your spouse still inherits everything. If you’re married with children from a previous relationship, your spouse inherits half, and your children split the rest. If you’re single with children, your children split everything equally.
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-Barry Siegel
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1 561-955-8515
As we grow older, most of us start to understand the importance of Estate Planning. We get married, buy our first home, and have kids, realizing we now have something worth protecting. However, not just parents and homeowners benefit from creating an Estate Plan. Nearly everyone should have something in place to protect their assets, loved ones, and future, but many young people think it’s unnecessary for several reasons. Young and Healthy? You Still Need an Estate Plan As mentioned in our cover article, some people believe they’re invincible when young, but you never really know what tomorrow will bring. Others think they don’t have any assets or money to leave behind, so there really isn’t a point. You must push these misconceptions out of your mind. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how healthy you feel, or how many assets you own; everyone can benefit from having an Estate Plan.
Have you ever wondered how top athletes consistently perform under pressure and deliver when it counts? Their skills on the court or field are undeniable, but their edge doesn’t come from talent alone. It also comes from how they think. Whether you’re looking for your own edge in competition or want to show up stronger in everyday life, you can use the same mental approach to be at your best. An Athlete’s Mental Edge Boost Performance With Elite Thinking Strategies CONFIDENCE IS A CHOICE. Confidence may look effortless, but it’s built over time. Athletes use positive self-talk to train their minds to believe in their abilities, which is critical during competition and other situations with uncertain outcomes. You can do the same by treating confidence like a decision rather than a feeling. If you find yourself doubting your abilities, think back on the challenges you’ve overcome and use them to remind yourself that you’re capable of more than you believe in the moment.
While Estate Planning can help ensure your wishes come to fruition after you pass away, it also allows you to lay out plans for incapacitation. Through your Estate Plan, you can name someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself. Without a Durable Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy, your loved ones will have to go to court to establish guardianship so they can make those decisions for you. And then, it might not even be someone you want making those decisions. The need for Estate Planning becomes even greater if you have a young family. What would happen to your child if the unthinkable occurred and you and their other parent were no longer around? Who would become the child’s guardian? The court will have to appoint a guardian if you don’t name one in an Estate Plan. It’s often a close relative, but it could be someone you don’t trust or like. As a final note to consider, even if you don’t believe you have any assets, you may have more than you think. Bank accounts, retirement accounts, and your personal belongings will all need to go to someone if you pass away. Make sure it goes to the right person!
SEE IT BEFORE YOU DO IT. Many athletes rehearse success mentally long before they hit the field, a technique called visualization. Although it may sound like wishful thinking, this technique can help you build confidence and maintain motivation when working toward life goals. Research shows that imagining a successful outcome using all five senses strengthens neural pathways and can lead to behavioral and cognitive transformations that improve focus, decision-making, and overall mindset. Visualization can help with various situations, including stressful tasks at work and nerve- wracking social interactions. BOUNCE BACK LIKE A PRO. Even elite athletes make mistakes, but they put them to good use. Rather than letting past failures define them, they review the tape, learn what went wrong, and move forward with new insight. When you stumble in life, you can do the same thing. A winner’s mindset is growth-oriented, and it’s something anyone can build. When you start seeing opportunity in challenges, you become more resilient and better prepared to return from setbacks with clarity, grit, and purpose — just like the pros.
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Celebrating Independence, Together Our Team’s Favorite Fourth of July Moments
spending time with my family at home, at the park, or at the beach to watch fireworks. It’s a day for me to relax. SARAH RIVERA (EXECUTIVE AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT): Last Fourth of July, I had the joy of spending the day with my family and our local community at Village Park in Wellington, filled with laughter, music, and togetherness. We strolled through the park, enjoying delicious bites from food trucks and listening to live music. Our son and his friends played games and bounced around in the inflatable houses. As the sun set, we all gathered to watch the village’s fireworks show, a perfect ending to a day full of connection and joy. I love how this holiday brings people together. Seeing families, neighbors, and friends come together in celebration reminds me of the strength and unity within our community.
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, our team is reflecting on their past celebrations and favorite traditions. BARRY SIEGEL (FOUNDER AND CEO): Last Fourth of July, my family and I were on a European vacation. On July 4 specifically, we were in Spain visiting our daughter, who was participating in a summer study abroad program. While we weren’t stateside for the holiday, it was a meaningful experience to be with family, even from afar. When celebrating here at home, my favorite part of the holiday is watching a great fireworks show. There’s something special about the combination of lights, sound, and the joy of being surrounded by friends and family, all while reflecting on the significance of our nation’s independence. JULIE JORDAN (HR MANAGER): I spent last year’s celebration like every other year with my close family and friends. We barbecued and hung around the pool. My favorite part is hanging out with my
little nieces and nephews and lighting up sparklers.
CANDANCE S. KAUFMAN (ESTATE PLANNING PARALEGAL): My favorite part of celebrating the Fourth of July is spending time with family and friends, barbecuing, swimming, watching the fireworks together, and celebrating our country! ODI GIBSON (DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS): My favorite tradition is being off from work and having a day with my family! JULIE FAOUR (OFFICE ASSISTANT): I celebrated last year’s Fourth of July with my family and boyfriend! We watched fireworks and had a mini barbecue with just the family. My favorite part of the holiday is
Sudoku
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Inside This Issue
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What You’re Risking by Not Creating an Estate Plan
Winning Mental Tricks That Build Confidence
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Older Crowd
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How Our Team Celebrates the Fourth
Check Out Our Seminars!
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Fortify Your Health With Fiber
From Plate to Well-Being The Impact of Fiber on Digestive Health
Blood Sugar Control Fiber-rich foods help slow down the absorption of sugar, keeping spikes
Digestive Health The most well-known benefit of fiber is likely its ability to keep things moving in the digestive tract. Adequate fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements, which is key for expelling toxins in the body. HOW TO INCREASE FIBER IN YOUR DIET. So, how can you get more fiber? Start by including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your meals. Every food group offers fiber and other nutrients that can support overall health. • Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, berries, oranges, and pears, along with carrots, beets, and broccoli, are all fiber-filled. • Legumes and Nuts: Beans, chickpeas, lentils, as well as cashews and almonds are excellent sources of fiber and also pack a protein punch. • Whole Grains: Swap out white bread
Have you taken your fiber today?
and subsequent crashes at bay. This can be particularly beneficial for people managing diabetes or prediabetes. Heart Health Hero Your heart loves fiber just as much as your gut. Fiber is believed to reduce blood pressure and inflammation and lower the chance of heart disease. It also helps lower cholesterol levels by binding with fat and sugar molecules, preventing their absorption and flushing them out of your system. Weight Management Have you ever noticed how a fiber-rich meal leaves you feeling satisfied longer? That’s because fiber adds bulk to your diet without adding calories. This feeling of fullness can help you reduce snacking and overeating, which is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
If you’re looking to boost your health naturally, fiber is your best friend. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, the amount of fiber adults require varies by age and gender, which is why a balanced diet is so important. Medical experts recommend that men ages 19–50 consume 31–34 grams daily, while those older than 50 should aim for 28 grams daily. Women ages 19–50 should have 25–28 grams daily, and those over 50 need about 22 grams. WHY FIBER? Fiber may seem like just another dietary requirement, but its benefits extend far beyond the obvious.
and regular pasta for whole-grain versions, or try grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats.
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