Author Archives: Site Administrator
Three tips for executors facing a will challenge
Getting named as an executor or executrix of a will is a serious responsibility. These responsibilities are put to the test when the will in question is challenged. What leads to a will challenge? A will can be challenged for a number of reasons. Two of the more common instances that result in ac… Read More »
What is a health proxy?
Some Ft. Myers residents are familiar with the basic types of estate planning documents. They may know about the importance of a will and how a trust can also be an integral part of their estate plan. They may even know about the importance of a power of attorney (POA) and how that document… Read More »
What you need to know about the Medicaid look-back period and long-term care
Estate planning needs to take into account if one or both spouses will need to tap into Medicaid for long-term care needs. Unlike Medicare which is an insurance program, Medicaid is a social welfare program with certain eligibility requirements. These programs are not only called Medicaid, for example, California has Medi-Cal and Wisconsin has… Read More »
Estate planning with stepchildren: what to know
Estate planning is often a very helpful tool when it comes to making sure that any assets you have are distributed the right way after your death. However, a remarriage and stepchildren can complicate things and make estate planning more difficult. If you find yourself in that situation, though, it becomes more important than… Read More »
Typical functions of a will executor
An executor is an individual named in a testator’s will who is charged with taking care of any legal and financial responsibilities that the deceased individual needs to settle. This can include paying any outstanding taxes for the testator’s estate, settling any debts for the estate and selling off any property that is required…. Read More »
Is it ever too late to create an estate plan?
Plan. Do you have an overall plan for your life? The dream job and how to achieve it. Your perfect home and family. Retirement, or work that dream job forever. Estate plans outline the end-game, your legacy, the gift of your life-long achievements. Who do you want to design your legacy, your life’s work?… Read More »
What is a guardian and what are their duties?
Many Florida residents may know how they want their assets divided once they have passed away. They may have even developed a comprehensive will that explicitly spells out their final wishes. However, they may not know what can be done to care for a special family member once they are gone. Situations like this… Read More »
Creating a strong and robust will
With today’s longer life spans, our lives get more and more complex, and having money and assets to leave behind to friends and family only adds to the confusion. Creating a will that spells out who gets what can help avoid unseemly family squabbles and can help assure that your wishes are attended to…. Read More »
Basic estate planning documents that provide substantial benefits
When it comes to estate planning, uncertainty can be a recipe for disaster. Not making specific and detailed plans for one’s assets means that the state will decide how to divide them after a person dies. But with just a little thought and effort, a testator can make sure that their assets go to… Read More »
A Power of Attorney can be a flexible estate planning tool
Solid estate planning can really help bring peace of mind and can clearly delineate a person’s final wishes. However, there are still some Florida residents who fail to see the many advantages of estate planning. Some of them have not even developed simple power of attorney. That is unfortunate since a POA can become… Read More »
