Recent Blog Posts
Estate Planning Not Just For Mega-Rich Floridians
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal indicates that too many Americans view estate planning as a tool for the uber-wealthy. The report suggested that the generic term estate planning conjured up images of complex tax shelters and inheritances with too many zeroes to count. Such misconceptions exist in Florida too. One need… Read More »
Florida’s favorable laws affect others’ estate planning
Florida is often the subject of lighthearted jabs directed at the age of its residents. While it is certainly true that the state possesses its fair share of retirement communities, few outside the Sunshine State realize there are reasons, other than the sun, for why retirees are drawn to it. One of the biggest… Read More »
Estate planning documents that should not be neglected
It is an unfortunate reality that many Florida residents put off planning their estate or do so in a haphazard fashion. Neglecting this very important process can lead to unwanted consequences for both the estate planner and family members. In fact, a non-existent or poorly planned estate could result in higher estate taxes, family… Read More »
Singer’s estate fights for rights almost 30 years after his death
Much of estate planning is concerned with wrapping up one’s affairs. Florida residents who execute their wills or create other estate planning documents are thinking about passing their assets on to the next generation. However, sometimes these assets are things that will continue to gather value for many years to come. Sometimes estate administration… Read More »
Do-it-yourself wills could be problematic in Florida courts
For many Floridians, saving money can play a huge role in many decisions. We may forego the name-brand item in favor of the generic version in an effort to keep more in the piggy bank. However, in some situations, going with the higher value option may actually be a better decision in the long-run…. Read More »
Floridians wonder about revocability of trusts
Florida residents have enough on their plate. From running their businesses to taking care of their kids, adults have little time to manage issues on their periphery. Estate planning is one of the issues that is often pushed back until another day. This delay is also caused by confusion over what is needed in… Read More »
Battles over family inheritance can be difficult
Many Florida residents have had the terrible experience of losing a loved one only to find out afterward that their inheritance has been lost or the loved one’s estate has been depleted through someone’s fraud or manipulation. To restore the estate, these Florida resident must then go to court with a will contest or… Read More »
Trustee watches over the trust, but who watches the trustee?
One of the most powerful tools available to Florida residents to provide for their loved ones after they are gone is a trust. A person who creates a trust, sometimes known as a settlor or grantor, places assets in the possession of a trustee, who maintains the trust property for the benefit of the… Read More »
White House ivory ban may affect estate administration
Recently, a White House official announced an initiative to ban all commercial trade of ivory. Long sought after for its beauty, elephant ivory has been under scrutiny in the United States for decades because of concerns over its collection. While such an initiative may seem like just another mundane action being taken in Washington,… Read More »
Tax consequences critical for estate administration in Florida
One of the biggest estate questions that family members have after losing a loved one is the extent of their tax liabilities. The media loves to report on the ever-changing estate tax environment. Often referred to as death taxes, this levy is often misunderstood. For instance, most estates do not owe any estate taxes…. Read More »
