LEGAL INSIGHTS & UPDATES

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Showing 1–10 of 441 articles
Powers Of Attorney•Sep 23, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Choosing a health care surrogate when estate planning

Estate planning includes preparing for incapacitation. Anything might happen to you, making you unable to manage your affairs or make decisions for yourself. And one of those decisions is medical. An estate plan allows you to plan for such a possibility. Using a living will, you will outline your medical wishes regarding life-prolonging procedures. This…

Immigration•Sep 23, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Visa processing temporarily suspended

On Tuesday, August 25, the United States temporarily suspended its visa processing program. The reason given by the Department of State is that embassy and consular staff needed training regarding some of the new rules that will apply to both visas and green cards. They paused visa processing while this training took place. To a…

Trusts•Sep 4, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

What type of trust should you consider for your estate plan?

A will is an essential estate planning document, but it may not accomplish everything you want. Assets distributed through a will generally must pass through probate, and a will may not provide enough control if you have minor children, a financially vulnerable beneficiary or property you want managed over time. A trust can complement your…

Powers Of Attorney•Sep 2, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Do you need witnesses when establishing a power of attorney?

Under Florida law, the person establishing a power of attorney (the principal) needs to sign the document, and there must be two witnesses to this signature. Additionally, the document needs to be notarized by a notary public. Only when these official steps have been taken is the power of attorney (POA) properly established so that…

Immigration•Sep 1, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

USCIS policy change on incomplete immigration benefit applications

A recent policy change has raised the stakes for immigrants filing applications for benefits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Effective Aug. 5, 2026, USCIS officers may now broadly deny an application without first offering the individual the chance to correct any deficiencies. The underlying obligation on the applicant is not new: A person requesting…

Estate Planning•Aug 21, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Which life changes may require estate plan changes?

Life rarely stays stagnant for long. As families grow, careers evolve and financial goals shift, the plans people made years ago may no longer completely reflect their current wishes. Many people create an estate plan and assume the work is finished. However, reviewing those documents after major life events can help ensure they continue to…

Legal Updates•Aug 6, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

What to know when naming a guardian for your child

If you have a minor child, it’s crucial to name a guardian for them. This is someone who will raise them to adulthood if you become unable to do so. In Florida, if the parents of a minor child become incapacitated or die without a named guardian, a judge appoints one. Therefore, it’s beneficial to…

Estate Planning•Jul 23, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Who can serve as a personal representative in Florida?

A personal representative administers a decedent’s probate estate. Some of their duties include securing, valuing and managing the estate’s assets, communicating with beneficiaries and interested parties, paying debts and taxes, distributing assets to beneficiaries and closing the estate. If you are estate planning, you should name a party who can perform these duties competently. You…

Family Based Visas•Jul 23, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

Should my fiancée come to the USA to get a green card?

It seems like the sensible choice, i.e., bringing your fiancée here to the United States to let her apply for a green card and make her your wife. But like many areas of the immigration process, the recent policy changes affect the choices being made at all levels. Under current immigration policies (which may or…

Citizenship•Jul 9, 2026•By Cynthia I. Waisman

The test requirements for naturalization

Naturalization is the process that allows a foreign national living in the United States to become a citizen. Lawful permanent residents who have resided in the country for years can apply for naturalization. Provided that they pass a background check and meet all of the criteria imposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services…