Category Archives: Estate Planning
Simplified Probate Procedures in Florida
In Florida, it’s possible for small estates to take a shortcut through the probate process, making it easier for people to transfer property left by a deceased person to his or her beneficiary. This shortcut could even allow you to transfer large amounts of property, saving you a great deal of time and money. To […]
Arranging Financial Power of Attorney in Florida
If you suddenly find yourself ill or injured and unable to manage your own finances, you will need another person who can come in and assist you. A person to whom you grant financial power of attorney can pay your bills, collect benefits, manage your investments and handle a variety of other financial matters on […]
What are the Regulations for Creating a Will in Florida?
A last will and testament allows you to designate the beneficiaries who will inherit your property upon your passing. If you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to the laws of intestate succession, in which the state handles the distribution of your assets and property. The same could be true if […]
Estate Planning Tips for Same-Sex Couples in Florida
Same-sex couples often have circumstances that require special consideration when it comes to estate planning. Below are a few tips to help same-sex couples make sure they have an estate plan that covers all their needs: Don’t stop at a will: A last will and testament is a necessity, but it is not an end […]
Are Assets in a Living Trust Taxable?
One of the many reasons people create living trusts is to maximize their assets’ value by avoiding taxation. However, not all living trusts will protect your assets in these situations, so it is important to understand the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust. Below is quick overview of the main categories of living trusts […]
Florida Governor Rick Scott Vetoes Electronic Wills Act
The Electronic Wills Act for Florida was slated to go into effect on July 1. However, Governor Rick Scott vetoed the bill July 26, days before it would have been made law. The act would have allowed for the use of remote technology to help in notarizing and witnessing a last will and testament. It […]
What to Consider When Estate Planning in a Second Marriage
When you’re in a second marriage, your estate planning process may look a little different than it does for couples who have only been married once. Both spouses in a second marriage might already have children from prior relationships. In addition, each spouse may have brought assets into the marriage that the spouse wants to […]
Estate Planning Considerations for Single Parents
Being a single parent comes with many responsibilities that often go beyond what married people experience. One of the biggest sources of stress for single parents is the constant worry of what would happen to their children if they were to pass away or suddenly become unable to raise them. There are several estate planning […]
What Happens if the Beneficiary of a Will Has Passed Away?
If one of the beneficiaries of your will dies before (or shortly after) you do, it can be difficult to determine who inherits the property. There are a number of factors that influence this determination: Survivorship: Survivorship requirements determine the amount of time a beneficiary must live after your death to be able to inherit […]
The Most Common Mistakes Made When Creating Trusts
As you create your trust, you should be mindful of some common mistakes that could either invalidate the trust or interfere with its effectiveness. The following are a few of the most common mistakes people make when creating a trust: Lack of intent: You must demonstrate your intent to create the trust for the mechanism […]