My Pink Lawyer Blog

Tiny Employees, Big Futures: How Business Owners Can Give Their Kids a Retirement Head Start

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:29:34 GMT

Your Kid Has a Roth IRA?
(Yes, Really.)

Questions to Ask a Florida Estate Planning Lawyer

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:56:42 GMT

You've decided to talk to an estate planning attorney. That's a big step. But once you're sitting across from one, what do you actually ask? Most people walk into that first meeting without a clear list, and the conversation moves fast.

No One Talks About the Meat

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:26:01 GMT

Everyone talks about the exciting parts of moving offices.

The paint colors. The chandeliers. The historic building. The "fresh start." The Pinterest boards. The coffee bar.

No one - not one single person - warns you about the meat.

Florida Homestead Exemption + Estate Planning: What Owners Miss

Angela Smith — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:31:50 GMT

Florida's homestead rules can provide important tax and legal protections for a primary residence. Those protections work differently for property taxes than they do for what happens after you pass away. Treating them as one set of rules can create problems for your family.

What Happens to Your Digital Footprint When You're Gone?

Joley Dixon — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:47:42 GMT

Florida Estate Planning and Make-a-Will Month

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:27:34 GMT

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and it is a helpful reminder to create a will or review the one you already have. A will can help you put important wishes in writing, name people you trust, and give your loved ones clearer direction. It is also a useful starting point for Florida estate planning.

8 Things Pensacola Families Should Know About Estate Firms

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:10:40 GMT

Choosing an estate planning firm in Pensacola is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make for your family. It's about more than paperwork. It's about protecting the people who matter most and giving yourself peace of mind.

Growth, Community, and Finding My Place at My Pink Lawyer

Kacey Bender — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:39:20 GMT

You might have seen me or heard my voice over the past several months as the receptionist. My role of making sure things are handled is still the same; just from a different seat as I transition to a Legal Assistant position. While my title may have changed, one thing remains the same: my commitment to serving our clients and helping create a positive experience during what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process.

What Swing Dance Lessons Taught Me About Estate Planning

kristen@mypinklawyer.com (Kristen Marks) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:43:57 GMT

“Retirement” hasn’t slowed me down in Santa Fe where Andrew and I relocated last summer after handing over the reigns to My Pink Lawyer® to the highly qualified Amanda Lynch Elliott, Esq.

The Lunch We Missed

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:57:39 GMT

Last week, our team had an important mission: coffee, sandwiches, and one last lunch with Izzy before law school.

What in the World is Trust Administration (and Why Should You Care)?

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:36:39 GMT

Let’s set the scene: A loved one passes away, and someone gently reassures you, “Don’t worry… everything is in the trust.”

You nod, relieved. Then, about five seconds later, a new thought hits: “Okay… but what does that actually mean?”

Welcome to trust administration - a process that sounds intimidating but is really just about carrying out someone’s carefully written wishes.

In our office, we often say a properly drafted and funded trust is like wrapping everything up in a beautiful gift box and finishing it with a bow.

When done right, a trust is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave your loved ones.

The Art of Perfectly Planning Disney (And Your Estate!)

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:02:40 GMT

There are two types of people at Disney World.

Actually, three.

Choosing Intention Over Fear: My Journey to Estate Planning

Angela Smith — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:00:06 GMT

"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."

— Henry Ford

In just a short time, I will graduate from law school and step into my role as an estate planning attorney. Even now, that sentence feels surreal to write. It isn’t that I ever doubted my desire to be here—it’s that for years, I allowed fear and uncertainty to convince me that this path was too difficult, too time-consuming, or simply "not for me."

Designing Your Estate Plan Around Your Why

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:18:40 GMT

Why your personal objectives - not the documents - are the heart of true estate planning.

When most people hear the phrase estate planning, they think of documents: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives. They picture stacks of paper filled with dense legal language and assume the goal is simply to “get the documents done.”

Who Gets Grandma’s Jewelry?

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:05:54 GMT

When most people think about “estate planning,” they picture big things: houses, retirement accounts, and life insurance.

But here’s the truth: the biggest fights we see among families often aren’t about money at all.

They’re about stuff.

Holiday Giving with My Pink Lawyer®

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:29:43 GMT

The holiday season is here, and at My Pink Lawyer®, we’re embracing the spirit of giving to make a little magic happen!

This year, our firm is sponsoring children through the Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) Program, which helps local kids in foster care and court proceedings right here in Northwest Florida.

Love, Divorce & Estate Planning

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:50:16 GMT

Life has seasons.

We fall in love, we marry, we raise families.

Sometimes we divorce.

Sometimes we remarry.

Sometimes we get “bonus children” and become a stepparent.

From a 23-Year-Old’s Perspective

Aubrey Myers — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:42:41 GMT

Most 23-year-olds don't typically dwell on the concept of death. The future stretches out, seemingly vast and endless, convincing us we have decades down the road to tackle “grown-up” decisions.

Retiring Early at 55

kristen@mypinklawyer.com (Kristen Marks) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:22:11 GMT

“Wow, I could never retire early like you guys. How did you do it? You must have been really diligent about saving money for years.”

Crazy Amy Strikes Again!

kristen@mypinklawyer.com (Kristen Marks) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:30:00 GMT

“You know, I really need to find another Ultra trail race to get motivated to run again,” my best friend and running cohort mentioned back in June.

Florida Prepaid vs. 529 Plans: Which One Fits Your Estate Plan?

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:30:00 GMT

As the summer break stretches on, and the return to school is on the horizon, many of us contemplate the best way to provide future educational funds to our loved ones.

While our strategies may be different and unique to our own families, the intention is the same: One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is the opportunity to learn and grow without the burden of overwhelming student debt.

(…Ask me how I know?!)

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or other caring family member, setting aside funds for a loved one’s education is a powerful and lasting expression of love—and it’s also a meaningful part of a well-crafted estate plan.

It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and my husband and I thoroughly researched this issue ourselves in deciding what we felt was best for your children.

At our firm, we often talk with clients who want to help their children or grandchildren achieve their dreams, but aren’t sure where to start. I’ll compare and contrast two of the most common ways to prepare for future education costs here in Florida (the Florida Prepaid College Plan and the 529 Savings Plan) below.

Each offers unique benefits, and both can play a valuable role in your estate and legacy planning.

Here’s a helpful breakdown of how they are similar and what sets them apart, as well as pros and cons for both:

Florida Prepaid College Plan: Set it and forget it. The Florida Prepaid Plan lets you lock in today’s tuition rates at Florida schools. You pay a fixed monthly amount and your child (or favorite niece, no pressure) gets their tuition covered when the time comes.

This plan allows you to lock in today’s tuition rates at Florida public colleges and universities, giving you predictability and peace of mind. You can choose from several plans that cover tuition, fees, and even dormitory costs.

Pros:

Guaranteed by the State of Florida;
Protects against rising tuition costs;
Can be transferred to another beneficiary if plans change; and
Funds can still be applied to out-of-state or private schools (though not at full value).

Cons:

Less flexibility if your child chooses a private or out-of-state school, though the funds can be applied; and
Limited to tuition and fees.

Summary: Florida Prepaid works well for families who plan to stay in-state and appreciate the security of a fixed cost. It’s especially comforting for grandparents who want to ensure a portion of their legacy is directed toward education with as little risk as possible.

529 Savings Plan: The 529 Plan offers greater flexibility and growth potential through market-based investments - kind of like a Roth IRA for education. You contribute post-tax dollars, they grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified education expenses (including books, housing, and that terrifying first semester of organic chemistry).

Pros:

Can be used at nearly any accredited institution nationwide;
Offers broader spending options beyond just tuition;
Grows tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free if used for education; and
You retain control of the account, even after your child reaches adulthood.

Cons:

Investment-based, so there’s market risk.

Summary: The 529 Plan is a strong choice if you’re unsure where your loved one might attend school or if you want to support a wider range of educational goals, including graduate school or even trade programs.

One of the most important considerations for my husband and I was this: A recent change in federal law now allows you to roll over up to $35,000 in unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, starting in 2024 (certain requirements apply).

This means that even if your loved one doesn’t use the funds for school, the money can still help them build a secure future.

In estate planning, this kind of flexibility is invaluable. It ensures that your investment in your loved one’s future will never go to waste.

When you set up a Florida Prepaid or 529 Plan, it’s important to coordinate it with your estate plan.

Things to consider include:

Who will manage the account if you are no longer able to?
Will this gift affect how your estate is divided among heirs?
Should your spouse or another loved one be named as a successor custodian?

These plans are more than financial tools—they are acts of future love and encouragement. Including them in your estate planning helps protect and preserve your intentions.

We’re here to help you make thoughtful decisions about your legacy.

If you’d like to discuss your estate plan or learn how to integrate an education savings strategy for your loved ones, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

Let’s make sure your planning reflects not just your assets, but your values, too.

Call us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about how education planning can become a part of your family’s future.

Amanda " Planning Today, Protecting Tomorrow” Lynch Elliott

Red, White & (We've Got the) Blues

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Like many well-intentioned parents on the Gulf Coast, I set out this week determined to create a core memory for my children.

I envisioned us on an air conditioned balcony sipping our iced coffee/orange juices as we watched the Blue Angels soar across a crystal blue sky on their first practice morning.

Spoiler alert: This is not how things went.

It all started with a lie… to myself.

When I saw that there was a breakfast/brunch during the first Blue Angels practice, I said, “Oh, perfect! The girls will LOVE this.”

And it’ll be inside. And breakfast. And bathrooms. And earplugs.

It was not indoors.

Definitely no earplugs.

And no one cared about breakfast while their eardrums were being brutally assaulted.

The first jet flew by — low, loud, and impossibly fast. My 4-year-old screamed, dropped to the ground, and covered her ears like we were under attack. My 6-year-old launched into full panic mode, hysterically crying “I want to go home!” on repeat.

I tried to calm them. I crouched down and used the softest, most motherly tone I could muster while literally yelling over the next supersonic fly-by:

“It’s okay! They’re just airplanes! It’s fun! Look how cool!”

They were not buying it. I could see it in their wide, betrayed eyes.

So we left.

Instead, we retreated — to the sweet, blessed hum of air conditioning and a place that served delicious acai bowls and iced coffee.

And you know what? That little café was the memory.

We laughed about the jet-induced trauma. We talked about how sometimes it’s okay to change the plan. And my 4-year-old told the cashier with complete seriousness that “the sky screamed at her.”

Here’s what I realized, between spoonfuls of dragon fruit:

I had wildly unrealistic expectations of what the event would be like.

Sure, the idea of the Blue Angels sounds fun to me — but to a preschooler with a deeply suspicious relationship with loud noises, it was essentially an airborne horror movie.

And while there’s nothing wrong with hoping for magical moments, it’s important — in parenting, in life — to keep our expectations age-appropriate, situationally reasonable, and rooted in reality.

Which brings me, unexpectedly but truthfully, to estate planning.

Wait, what do the Blue Angels have to do with estate planning?

A lot, actually.

Just like my Blue Angels debacle, many of us walk into life’s big moments (or responsibilities) with completely mismatched expectations.

We think:

“I’ll get to my will someday — probably when the kids are older.”

“We don’t really need a trust unless we’re millionaires, right?”

“It’ll be obvious who should take care of everything if something happens to me.”

But the truth is:

Life rarely goes as planned.

Kids don’t always enjoy loud, patriotic air shows.

Emergencies don’t wait for you to have your legal documents in order.

And your loved ones won’t magically know your wishes if you haven’t spelled them out clearly.

We can’t protect our kids from every loud surprise life throws at them — but we can make sure that, if something happens to us, they’re cared for, supported, and not left scrambling through legal chaos.

So here’s your nudge.

If you’ve been meaning to start (or update) your estate plan — let’s do it.

Click here to schedule a consultation and let’s get it taken care of.

No jet fuel required.

Happy Belated Fourth from a mom who now checks the decibel rating before planning family outings.

P.S. We’re never doing Monster Trucks.

Amanda “Trying My Best Over Here” Lynch Elliott

The Art of Overpacking (and Over-Planning)

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, I watched my childless friends pack for their month-long European adventure: one small carry-on, a phone charger, and the confidence of people who no longer have to explain why Goldfish crackers are a legitimate travel essential.

Meanwhile, I'm over here preparing for a five-day trip to visit my brother in California like I'm mounting an expedition to base camp Everest. Seven outfit changes per child (because someone will spill something on the backup outfit), enough snacks to feed a small village, three different types of wipes, emergency entertainment for every possible meltdown scenario, and yes, that ratty stuffed babydoll that hasn't been washed since 2019 but is apparently crucial for survival.

I digress.

My pre-kid self would have laughed at this chaos.

Gone are the days of booking a flight the week before and throwing a trip together (for now).

When you're traveling with little ones, you quickly learn that redundancy isn't paranoia – it's survival.

While I’ve gotten more efficient over time, I still pack and repack several times before we travel. I still double and triple check for essential items. And my luggage still typically earns the “heavy” tag - despite my best efforts.

Estate planning works the same way.

You don't create a will because you're planning to die next Tuesday.

You do it because life is unpredictable, and the people you love deserve better than having to figure everything out while they're grieving.

You set up your emergency contacts, organize those important documents, and yes, have those tough conversations about who gets the kids– not because you're morbid, but because you've learned that preparation is an act of love.

Remember when "roughing it" meant staying in a hostel? Now it means forgetting to pack the white noise machine.

Your travel priorities shift dramatically once you're responsible for small humans who have very strong opinions about everything from airplane snacks to the temperature of the hotel pool.

Your estate planning needs will evolve, too.

That simple will you drafted when you were 25 and owned nothing but student debt and a houseplant? Probably time for an upgrade.

Now you've got kids who need guardians, a house with a mortgage, retirement accounts, and possibly even life insurance that your younger self swore you'd never need.

Single? Your concerns might focus on who handles your affairs and where your assets go.

Married with young kids? You're thinking about guardianship, education funding, and making sure your spouse isn't drowning in financial decisions during an already overwhelming time.

Empty nesters? Time to consider long-term needs, legacy planning, and whether your adult children actually want that antique furniture collection.

There's something magical that happens when you're truly prepared for a family trip. You still expect chaos – because that’s life– but you're ready for it. You can actually enjoy the vacation instead of spending it stressed about everything that could go wrong.

The same principle applies to estate planning. When your affairs are in order, you know that your family is protected and you’ve contemplated exactly what would happen in your absence (hopefully wayyy down the road!).

At My Pink Lawyer®, we understand that taking that first step towards planning can feel overwhelming. The good news is: you don't have to solve everything at once. We have processes in place to simplify the process - and we’ll ask the right questions to get the information we need.

Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or planning for your family's future, the key is the same: think ahead, prepare for multiple scenarios, and remember that your needs will change as your life does.

Because when it comes to protecting the people you love – whether from vacation meltdowns or life's bigger uncertainties – there's really no such thing as being too prepared.

Amanda “Here for the Peace of Mind Dividends” Lynch Elliott

Journey to My Pink Lawyer®

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

In this season of gratitude, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that brought me to My Pink Lawyer®.

It’s a path paved with inspiration, encouragement, and the incredible opportunity to work alongside our founding attorney, Kristen Marks.

I vividly remember the first time I met Kristen.

You probably do, too.

Her energy is infectious and her enthusiasm for life is palpable.

I was a young attorney, trying to find my place in the legal world, when our paths first crossed.

She told me about her business and how much she enjoyed her practice. The timing wasn’t right, but I was interested.

We kept in touch after that, and our initial meeting marked a turning point in my career.

When a position became available shortly thereafter, I graciously accepted. She taught me that I could have a thriving practice and still show up for myself and my family. She showed by example what it looks like to prioritize your own well-being and build a fulfilling life while simultaneously providing impeccable service to our clients.

I watched her children grow up and become incredible, independent adults. I watched her and Andrew make the most thoughtful decisions at each stage of their lives, always hoping that when I find myself in that same position, I’ll do the same.

My favorite thing about her (and there are many) is her thoughtfulness: the kindness and respect that she shows to all things. I always told her that whenever an important decision was to be made, it was as if she stepped back from the situation, identified the most considerate path forward, and then acted. It’s truly remarkable.

She’s been my inspiration for most of my professional life.

Kristen started a running team many years ago and it brought some amazing people together – many of whom are still some of my favorite people. I asked Kristen more than once whether she always approached life with such enthusiasm or whether it might have been a product of working in an industry that focuses so heavily on end-of-life.

She said she was always like this (as corroborated by her mom!) and what a gift it has been to observe that energy and to incorporate that enthusiasm in our own lives.

Kristen’s wisdom and guidance opened my eyes to the profound impact that we, as attorneys, can have on the lives of our clients, and in turn, the impact that our team and our clients have on our lives, too.

Being part of this firm, surrounded by a team of compassionate and empowering women, has been nothing short of transformative. Each day, I am inspired by the dedication and commitment of my colleagues, reminding me of the importance of prioritizing our personal well-being while simultaneously flourishing in our professional lives.

Kristen has been a guiding light throughout this journey, always encouraging us to chase our dreams and reminding us that a fulfilling life is built on balance and purpose.

As I step into this role, I carry with me the lessons Kristen has imparted, not just as a mentor in my legal career, but as a friend.

Her belief in the power of planning extends beyond our professional lives; it resonates deeply in our personal lives as well. Estate planning is about more than just legal documents; it’s about ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of. It’s about creating a legacy filled with love, security, and peace of mind.

We understand that these conversations can be challenging, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our tried-and-true processes ensure that even the toughest conversations feel manageable, and our friendly team will communicate with you at each step.

I invite you to reflect on your own plans and aspirations. Are your affairs in order? Have you taken the necessary steps to protect your family’s future?

If not, I encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with our team.

Let’s organize your affairs and create a roadmap that secures your family's legacy.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to carry on Kristen’s legacy, and to continue to serve you and your families.

Sincerely,

Amanda “Living with Intention” Lynch Elliott

“In the Woods, On the Waves, and In the Garden: A Father’s Legacy”

Amanda Lynch Elliott — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:08:13 GMT

In honor of Father’s Day, this one is for the dads.