Of all the paperwork involved in estate planning, beneficiary designation forms get the least attention and quietly cause some of the biggest problems. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts do not pass through your will. They pass directly to whoever you named on the form, no matter what your will says. At […]
Ask ten Florida homeowners what a living trust is, and you will get ten different answers, some of them shaped more by marketing than by law. Trusts are heavily promoted, sometimes to people who genuinely need them and sometimes to people who do not. At Mara Law, P.A., we believe the starting point should always […]
It is one of the most common questions we hear from clients in Ormond Beach and throughout Volusia County: do I really need a lawyer to make a will, or can I just do it myself? The honest answer is that Florida law does not require you to hire an attorney to write a will. […]
For many DeLand families, the biggest threat to a lifetime of savings is not a market downturn or a bad investment. It is the cost of long-term nursing home care. With private-pay costs at Florida nursing facilities commonly exceeding $10,000 per month, Medicaid has become an essential resource for covering long-term care. But Medicaid eligibility […]
Alimony, sometimes called spousal support, is often one of the most contested and misunderstood parts of a Florida divorce. The rules in this area of law changed substantially in 2023, and outdated assumptions, including the idea that alimony automatically lasts a lifetime, no longer reflect how Florida courts approach these cases. At Mara Law, P.A., […]
Deciding to end a marriage is rarely easy, and the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to expect. At Mara Law, P.A., we guide clients throughout Daytona Beach and Volusia County through every stage of divorce, from the first filing to the final judgment. This guide walks through […]
For parents going through a separation or divorce, few decisions carry more weight than the ones made about a child’s care and upbringing. Many people still use the term “child custody,” but under Florida law, this area of family law is actually governed by rules about parental responsibility and timesharing. At Mara Law, P.A., we […]
Blended families are a common part of modern society. When a stepparent raises, loves, and supports a child as their own, they often want to formalize that bond under the law. Adopting your stepchild is a lifelong commitment that provides emotional security and legal protection for your family. If you are considering this path but […]
The internet has made it easier than ever to access legal forms and create important documents from the comfort of home. Many people are drawn to online estate planning services because these services appear convenient, affordable, and quick. While it may seem like a simple solution, these services often fail to address the unique legal […]
Choosing a Guardian for Your Child Every parent wants to protect a child’s future and provide stability no matter what life may bring. While many parents focus on daily care and financial support, long-term planning is equally important. One of the most significant decisions a parent can make is selecting a pre-need legal guardian […]
Phone: 386-672-8081
555 W. Granada Blvd.
Ste. D-10
Ormond Beach, FL 32174-9490
389 Palm Coast Parkway SW
Suite 4
Palm Coast, FL 32137
119 Magnolia Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
228-C East New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32724