Planning Across State Lines: Why Talking Early Could Save Your Family Thousands

If your aging parents split time between Florida and Connecticut (or move from one to the other), their legal residence — and who has the right to make decisions for them — can become a costly legal puzzle.

That’s exactly what happened in Barnhart v. Varrone (unpublished opinion), where a dispute over guardianship resulted in both Florida and Connecticut courts being involved. The legal bills probably reached over $10,000 or more in order just to decide which state should hear the case.

The truth is: this all could have been avoided.

Families don’t need to agree on every detail, but they do need to talk in advance. This can be about powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, guardianship preferences, and where the parents intend to be legally domiciled. Avoiding these conversations doesn’t protect the peace. It just postpones the conflict until you’re paying for it in probate court.

If you’re concerned about future disputes or cross-state issues, let’s talk. A short meeting now can save your family thousands later.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

If you have questions about probate, conservatorship, or multi-state estate issues, feel free to call me or schedule a time.