Category Archives: Estate Planning
How often do I need to revisit my estate plan?
As this blog regularly reports, too many local Fort Myers and Lee County residents fail to engage in comprehensive estate planning. This risky strategy exposes their wealth to the whims of family and friends, along with state and federal regulations. Nevertheless, many of them cite the inability to account for contingencies as a reason… Read More »
Lee County residents advised to add estate planning as resolution
It’s that time of year when we roll our eyes at the urging to adopt this resolution or that for the new year. While a new diet or workout routine may seem like a daunting 2015 exercise, there are other more simple resolutions you can make to get the momentum going. For many Fort… Read More »
Some things women should keep in mind when estate planning
A recent article published here in Fort Myers suggests that many women suffer from what one study terms “Bag Lady Syndrome.” As ominous as it may sound, the condition is nothing more than a fear of losing their financial independence. Of those suffering from Bag Lady Syndrome, over 60 percent were the primary earner… Read More »
Florida residents can take a few steps to enact an estate plan
Estate planning is often viewed as a myriad of confusing forms, trusts, regulations and difficult decisions. In reality, most estate planning can be done with a few, mostly painless, steps. By knocking out some of the more fundamental exposure areas, local Lee County residents can set up a plan that surpasses that of many… Read More »
Should Fort Myers residents opt for a will or a trust?
Local residents want to know whether they should have a trust carry out their wishes after they are gone. They then want to know whether this step could do away with their wills. Despite the common nature of such questions, many Lee County residents are still wondering which direction is best for them. The… Read More »
Importance of estate planning highlighted in veteran’s dilemma
Some people are questioning what happened after a distinguished World War II veteran was removed from his home and placed in a nursing home by a court-appointed conservator. According to reports, the 96-year-old man was unnecessarily forced to move out of his home which has since drained his life-savings in nursing home expenses. Friends… Read More »
New study highlights Floridians motivations for estate planning
Estate planning is extremely important for Floridians. A new study from industry leaders has honed in on the top three reasons people engage in estate planning. The number one reason surveyed was the desire to avoid probate. The next two reasons cited for an individual’s decision to undertake estate planning were to prevent discord… Read More »
Does Court’s inaction on gay marriage effect estate planning?
As the gay marriage issues grabs more headlines many local Florida residents wonder what the practical consequences of the changing laws are and whether they will be affected. One of the biggest effects for states that recognize gay marriage will come in the form of changes to the application of probate laws. Currently, every… Read More »
Florida estate planning nightmares
Despite the stakes, many local Florida residents are surprisingly hands-off about what will happen to their assets after they die. Often times, when these individuals finally decide they want to direct their inheritance, they are too weak or disabled to fully engage in effective estate planning. While default laws are meant to assume the… Read More »
Robin Williams’ Estate Planning Provides Lessons for Floridians
If there is a silver lining to tragic celebrity deaths it is the massive amount of media attention which can shed light on issues we often choose to ignore. From Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s substance abuse to Robin Williams’ depression, public tragedies may allow us to recognize challenges faced by loved ones and jump start… Read More »
