Estate planning for Fort Lauderdale parents and homeowners

Start by discussing who could care for your children, who could manage money for them and whether the same person is suited to both responsibilities. Consider a backup, the children’s routines and the practical effect of a caregiver living outside Broward County.

Florida provides a process for parents to nominate a preneed guardian for a minor, with formal requirements and court oversight. A nomination is not an automatic appointment. Ask how that choice fits with your will and whether a trust could provide instructions for the use of an inheritance over time.

A Fort Lauderdale house or condominium may be owned by one spouse, both spouses, a trust or another arrangement. Bring the recorded deed and describe how you use the property. Broward County’s official records portal provides access to recorded documents; a tax bill is useful background but does not replace the deed.

List any second property, mortgage and association obligations. Before changing ownership, review the family’s inheritance goals alongside homestead restrictions. Also explain whether you want a beneficiary to keep the property, sell it or share its use with siblings.

Attorney Dolina Lascaze’s office is in Aventura. Fort Lauderdale is a service area, and office visits are by appointment only. Confirm the consultation arrangements when you schedule, including who should attend and which documents to provide.

If your biggest concern is finding time to get started, make a one-page list of family members, assets and three decisions you want help with. You can identify missing paperwork during the consultation rather than trying to solve every question in advance.