Category Archives: Estate Planning
Benefits of Avoiding the Probate Process in Florida
Though you may not know the legal details, you’re probably aware that your final affairs will go through probate when you die. Florida laws on estate administration govern the legal process, and many of them apply regardless of whether or not you have a will. Beyond these basics, you might hear a lot of… Read More »
3 Components to Integrated Estate Planning
By now, you’re probably aware that there are multiple benefits of executing a will and other estate planning documents. AARP describes a few of them in its publication on the Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning, including maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime, providing guidance to your loved ones upon death, and planning… Read More »
Florida Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents
US Census data indicates that there are 13.7 million single parents nationwide, and they’re responsible for raising 22.4 million children under the age of 21 years old. If you’re one of them, you know that parenting involves more than just daily obligations like caring for kids when they’re sick, guiding them through education, and… Read More »
What the COVID-19 Pandemic Teaches About Estate Planning in an Emergency
After several weeks of working from home and only leaving the home for essential reasons, the nation continues to feel the impact of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. While some news outlets report that the curve may be leveling in Florida other experts indicate that the reopening will spark a new resurgence. Because new information… Read More »
April 16 was the 13th Annual Health Care Decisions Day
It seems like there’s a national day for just about every food, drink, and activity, but there’s one upcoming event that’s raising awareness in an important legal area. April 16, 2020 was National Health Care Decisions Day (NHDD) an initiative created by the Conversation Project to inspire people to plan ahead with respect to… Read More »
Pitfalls of Online and DIY Estate Planning Packages
If you’re currently reviewing your options for estate planning, there’s a good chance you’ve at least seen a few online or TV ads offering do-it-yourself services. These solutions typically involve downloading software and answering questions; when you work your way through to the end, the technology creates a will, trust, and powers of attorney… Read More »
Is Your Estate Plan Optimized for the New Estate Tax Exemption?
Floridians with large estates have reason to celebrate the second year in a row in which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has increased the estate tax exemption, but they must also be prepared to act quickly to take advantage of the move. The higher exemption amount, which was included as a provision of the… Read More »
Pour Over Wills & Living Trusts in Florida Estate Planning
Many people want to know their options regarding revocable living trusts in Florida estate planning, without realizing how a will works within the bigger picture of estate administration. Contrary to popular assumption, this type of trust does NOT replace your will for most practical purposes. Instead, the two structures work together to ease the… Read More »
Tips on Starting Up a Conversation About Florida Estate Planning
Many people see estate planning as being too morbid or doom-and-gloom to discuss, while still others avoid the topic because they’re superstitious about what it might bring. Unfortunately, individuals with this mind-set could face an even worse fate: Dying without a will or other arrangements, which means Florida’s statute on Intestate Estates will be… Read More »
New Electronic Notary Process for Florida in 2020
The beginning of every calendar year brings a range of new laws in Florida, and 2020 is no different. A recent Tampa Bay Times article outlined several measures that became effective on January 1, though one that touches on estate planning may have escaped your notice. Instead of visiting your bank, public office, or… Read More »
