Wauchula is a city located in Hardee County, Florida, United States, and had a population of 4,368 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 4,441. It is the county seat of Hardee County. Wauchula has been called the "Cucumber Capital of the World", although citrus has become a more important agricultural crop over the past few decades. It is home to the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation, a residential therapy facility for people who have suffered debilitating brain trauma. In 1978, Wauchula was the location of the "Baby Swap", which took place at Hardee Memorial Hospital, where the babies Arlena Twigg and Kimberly Mays were switched and sent home with the wrong parents. (This event was documented in the book The Baby Swap Conspiracy by Loretta Schwartz-Nobel, and in the 1991 made-for-TV movie Switched at Birth). Barbara Coker Mays, the natural mother of Arlena Twigg, who died from a congenital heart defect on August 23 1988, was a member of one of Hardee county's prominent families, the Cokers. Bryant Coker was involved in the building and financing of the hospital, and had a commemorative plaque at Hardee Memorial; H L Coker was on the board of trustees. Hardee Memorial, a modern, beige two-storey building, served the area until July 1992, when it declared bankruptcy due to the legal battle over the baby swap case and closed its doors, according to Schwartz-Nobel. It is now served by the Florida Hospital.

What is estate planning and probate law?

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Estate planning attorneys advise clients on their options for disposition of real and personal property after death, and create any number of necessary documents pertaining to the estate and finances of the client -- including wills and trusts. Estate planning law attorneys also assist clients in setting out their end-of-life health care wishes through living wills and health care powers of attorney.

Answers to estate planning and probate law issues in Florida

The law dealing with estates governs the passing of the property of people who have passed away as well as people...

In the administration of any estate of a person who has passed away, there may be significant tax consequences. An...

When a person dies, someone must step in to wind up the deceased persons affairs. Bills must be paid, property must...

An executor is the person you name in your will to handle your property after death. The executor--called a personal...

A trust is an arrangement under which one person, called the trustee, holds legal title to property on behalf of...

The federal government imposes estate taxes only if your property is worth more than a certain amount at your death...

Every adult should have a will. A will makes sure that your property goes where you want it to go, and makes the...