Recent Blog Posts
Trusts can be an important part of a complete estate plan
Trusts can sometimes be complex and intimidating to understand but they can also be an important part of a complete estate plan. A will and the documents that accompany it, which can include trusts, is the solid foundation of any estate plan. A variety of documents can accompany an estate plan, including wills and… Read More »
What estate tax benefits are available to same-sex couples?
Until recently, same-sex couples could not take advantage of the same tax benefits that heterosexual couples could. That changed on June 25, 2015, with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legality of gay marriage. However, that historic decision did more than just grant same-sex couples the right marry. It also granted them the right… Read More »
Updating an estate plan now can help prevent problems later
There aren’t many people who like to work on estate planning documents. It constantly reminds them of their own mortality and can be tedious. However, failing to take the time to update an estate plan can lead to major disaster later on. If a testator doesn’t update the beneficiaries to their estate after a… Read More »
Typical IRA mistakes that can hurt your estate planning
An IRA can be the cornerstone of an effective estate plan. It can guarantee income to one’s beneficiaries as well as protect the testator’s assets from excessive taxes. But, far too often, people make mistakes when initially filling out their IRA forms. These mistakes can then be forgotten until the testator’s assets go through… Read More »
Are there trusts that can help someone who has special needs?
Most Florida residents only want the best for their loved ones and they will always try to provide for them even after they are gone by including them as estate beneficiaries. However, some of these family members may have special physical, mental or emotional needs and they may be receiving benefits from government programs… Read More »
Steps that must be taken when seeking a Florida guardianship
It can be heartbreaking to realize that a beloved family member is no longer able to make their own decisions. But, should that time occur, many Florida residents choose to appoint a guardian for their family member to take care of them and make their medical, financial and personal decisions. However, the process of… Read More »
What components are essential for a valid will?
Most Florida residents know that a valid will is an essential foundation of a good estate plan. That’s because an expertly prepared will can go a long way to protect assets and ensure that the testator’s final wishes are properly carried out. But what specific requirements must be included in a will in order… Read More »
Husband and children fight over art collector’s sizeable estate
Many times careful estate planning by the testator can avoid squabbles between their designated heirs later on. Precise instructions on what benefits are to be awarded to a specific beneficiary through the use of a well-thought out and understandable will can render the testator’s final wishes apparent. However, this is not always the case… Read More »
Rocker leaves sizable estate to wife, children and two others
Deciding who should receive one’s assets after they pass away can sometimes involve careful thought and rigorous planning. An individual may also have to consider different methods to pass their assets on to their heirs. Now, it seems that one famous rocker carefully considered this very question when he created his will. Rocker David… Read More »
Lawsuit claims partner stole millions from other pantyhose heir
Differences between business partners can be a fairly common occurrence. These differences can even continue after one of the partners dies and the other partner and the testator’s family members both inherit the estate. This is apparently true for the heirs to the estate of the creator of the L’eggs pantyhose container. One of… Read More »
