When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
A will or trust that accurately reflected your wishes when it was signed may no longer fit your circumstances after a few years. Marriages end,
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A will or trust that accurately reflected your wishes when it was signed may no longer fit your circumstances after a few years. Marriages end,
The word “trust” sounds simple enough until you start planning your own estate, and then suddenly there are two kinds, a dozen acronyms, and a
You finally sit down with the folder your parent left behind, and there it is. A thick document with the word “Trust” on the cover
A will or trust that accurately reflected your wishes when it was signed may no longer fit your circumstances after a few years. Marriages end, families grow, real estate changes hands, and laws can change, yet many people never review their estate planning documents after signing them. The result can be a plan that remains legally effective but no longer
The word “trust” sounds simple enough until you start planning your own estate, and then suddenly there are two kinds, a dozen acronyms, and a well-meaning neighbor telling you their cousin’s lawyer said something completely different than what you just read online. If you have found yourself confused about the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust, you
You finally sit down with the folder your parent left behind, and there it is. A thick document with the word “Trust” on the cover and your name listed as the person in charge. Maybe a wave of pride washes over you. Maybe it is closer to panic. Either way, one question tends to rise above the rest. Now what?
You have just learned that a loved one passed away and left behind a trust. Maybe you expected to be a beneficiary, or maybe what you received is nothing like what you believe that person intended. Something feels off, possibly very wrong, and you are now left wondering whether you have any legal options. The short answer is yes. Contesting
Most families never expect to find themselves in a guardianship proceeding. One day, your parents are managing their own affairs just fine. Next, you are watching someone you love make decisions that are putting them in real danger, and you have no legal authority to step in. Or maybe your child is about to turn 18, and you suddenly realize
You spent months carefully planning your revocable living trust. Every asset has been titled properly, your successor trustee is named, and your beneficiaries are clearly designated. Then a friend asks, “So you don’t need a will anymore, right?” You pause. Good question. The short answer is yes, you absolutely need a will even if you have a trust in Florida.
You’ve probably heard friends and family mention estate planning documents like wills and trusts. Maybe you’ve wondered which one you need or if both serve a purpose. Planning for what happens to your assets after you pass away doesn’t have to be confusing. In Florida, two primary legal tools can help you protect your legacy and provide for your loved
The phone call comes at 3 AM. Your father has passed away. Between funeral arrangements and notifying family, you remember he has bank accounts. Can you access them? Will they be frozen? The confusion you feel right now is shared by thousands of families across Florida every year. When someone dies in Florida, their bank accounts don’t simply transfer to
You just lost someone you love, and now someone mentions probate. Your mind races with questions. How long will this take? When can you access the estate? Will you be stuck in court for years? These concerns are completely normal. The Florida probate process length varies significantly based on several factors, but understanding the probate timeline in Florida can help
LAW AND DISORDER – Planning for the Golden Years (Part 2)
We are thrilled to present again through the Shepherd’s Center program, "Adventures in Learning for Older Adults," during their 2026 Fall term!
Attorney Cheryl A. Ward and guest co-presenters will explore essential topics to protect your health, home, and finances.
📍 Where: Eastminster Presbyterian Church (106 N Riverside Dr, Indialantic, FL 32903)
🗓️ When: Thursdays at 10:00 AM (Fall Term: October 1st – November 20th)
💡 Topics Include:
"Who Decides When You Can’t: Medicare and Legal Planning"
"The Family Home: Planning Today to Stay in Your Home Tomorrow"
"Serving in a Fiduciary Role: What No One Tells You Before You Say Yes"
🔗 Learn more and register: myshepherdcenter.org
Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward, PL
Join us this fall to take proactive control of your future.
We are honored to share that Attorney Cheryl A. Ward will be returning for our second year presenting at the Annual Dare to Care Mental Health Fair!
Navigating a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one through a struggle often involves complex legal questions, ranging from Guardianship and healthcare surrogate planning to protecting rights and assets. Attorney Ward will be presenting two breakout sessions dedicated to bringing clarity and peace of mind:
📖 Breakout Topic: "How Can a Lawyer Help with a Mental Health Challenge?"
This impactful community event brings together top mental health professionals, valuable resources, and supportive guidance to help move families forward with hope and strength.
📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 10th, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 1:15 PM
⛪ Location: Suntree United Methodist Church (7400 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940)
🎟️ Cost: FREE to attend (Registration Required)
🔗 Register online for free at: SuntreeUMC.org/MentalHealth or scan the QR code on the flyer!
#SuntreeUMC #MentalHealthAwareness #MelbourneFL #ElderLaw #CherylAWardLaw #CommunitySupport #DareToCareRegister today to reserve your spot and take a step toward clarity and support.
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🍷 Uncork & Informed: Pouring Clarity on Aging, Healthcare, and Legal Planning
Join the Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward and our wonderful co-sponsors for an afternoon of fun, valuable insights, and great conversation!
Planning for the future doesn't have to be overwhelming. Enjoy wine, soft drinks, and delicious hors d'oeuvres while learning how to navigate aging, healthcare options, and legal planning with confidence. Plus, earn prize tickets just for attending, asking questions, and bringing a friend! 🎟️✨
📍 Where: Sonata East (4206 Breslay Dr, Melbourne, FL 32940)
📅 When: Thursday, Sept 24
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When an elder is facing immediate physical danger, severe self-neglect, or active financial exploitation, waiting months for a standard court proceeding isn't an option. Florida law allows for an Emergency Temporary Guardianship (ETG) to appoint a temporary surrogate within days. The Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward, PL assists families during these urgent crisis situations.
📍 Key Info: An ETG remains in effect for a limited period while the court evaluates long-term safety measures.
Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward, PL
Call us immediately if an elderly family member requires urgent legal protection.
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When a vendor fails to deliver or a business partner breaches an agreement, unresolved contract disputes can harm your livelihood. Effective civil litigation requires a clear legal strategy focused on protecting your financial interests and securing fair compensation. The Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward, PL advocates for individuals and local businesses involved in contract conflicts.
📍 Litigation Tip: Preserve all original agreements, written amendments, and email exchanges to build a strong evidentiary record.
Law Firm of Cheryl A. Ward, PL
Schedule a consultation to discuss your business or contract dispute.
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Top Ten Mistakes I See as an Elder Law Attorney
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at Indian River Colony Club(IRCC) and presenting on a topic that has become very important to me throughout my years of practice: “Top Ten Mistakes I See as an Elder Law Attorney.”
We had a fantastic turnout, and I truly enjoyed the opportunity to share some of the common mistakes I see in my practice and discuss ways individuals and families can be more proactive when it comes to estate planning, long-term care planning, and preparing for the future.
I want to extend a special thank you to Timothy Wood and the many others who helped organize and coordinate the event. So much work happens behind the scenes to make presentations like this possible, and I am incredibly appreciative of everyone who helped make the event such a success.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and took the time to spend part of their day with me. One of my favorite parts of what I do is having the opportunity to get out into our community, meet with people face-to-face, and provide information that can help families feel more prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Thank you, IRCC, for such a warm welcome and a wonderful event! I look forward to visiting again soon.
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