Posts by Fatima Hasan

In Broward County courtrooms, scenes like the following are unfortunately frequent and commonplace: An adult child watches their mother struggle to answer a judge’s questions about basic orientation. Six months earlier, there were signs: forgotten names, confused dates. “We’ll handle the estate planning next month”, the family promised. That delay typically costs families $10,000 or…

It’s a familiar story: A South Florida family watches a close relative spend years building equity in her home, only to see those assets consumed by nursing home costs in her final years. Now they wonder if putting their own home in a trust would have made a difference. The answer depends entirely on what…

Your parent passes away and names your oldest sibling as Personal Representative (aka executor in some states). That same sibling also inherits a significant portion of the estate. The other siblings start asking questions. Can one person really wear both hats? Is this even legal? The short answer: Yes! Florida law allows the same person…

When someone grants you authority through a power of attorney, you’re taking on serious responsibilities that go far beyond simply signing a few documents. Under Florida law, agents operate under strict fiduciary obligations that carry both legal and ethical weight. Many people accept this role without fully grasping what they’re agreeing to, only to find…

An inheritance lawyer handles estate settlement after someone passes away. These attorneys guide families through probate court, distribute assets to beneficiaries, and resolve all legal complications that arise during estate administration. They work directly with personal representatives (executors) to ensure estates close properly under state law. Most people encounter inheritance lawyers during probate. Probate is…

Fort Lauderdale has emerged as one of America’s wealthiest communities, attracting millionaires seeking luxury at lower price points than billionaire-dominated Miami and Palm Beach. The region’s wealthy suburbs rank among the nation’s most affluent, with Fort Lauderdale positioning itself as the destination for high-net-worth individuals priced out of neighboring markets. This wealth concentration creates substantial…

Probate in Broward County can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been through it. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, explain the local rules, and point out common pitfalls so you can understand what to expect. What Is Probate? Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after death.…

Florida’s Medicaid landscape changed dramatically in February 2025 with the implementation of new managed care rules and updated income limits. With over 4.3 million Floridians enrolled in Medicaid, these changes don’t just affect your healthcare coverage — they fundamentally alter how estate planning strategies work for Florida families. Without proper estate planning that accounts for…

When you’re planning your estate in Florida, understanding how to avoid the lengthy and costly probate process can save your family considerable time, money, and emotional stress. As a Florida probate attorney, I help clients implement proven legal strategies that allow assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court supervision. Florida’s unique laws provide several…

Published on June 24, 2025 by Fatima T. Hasan, Attorney at Law and Founding Attorney at Fiducia Law, a firm specializing in Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Asset Protection, and Probate. As we gather with family and friends this Independence Day to celebrate freedom, it’s also a good time to think about another kind of independence…