Tag Archives: Estate administration
Simple estate planning steps that can provide real benefits
Most Florida estate planning experts agree that Floridians do not need to be wealthy to enjoy the benefits of a good estate plan. A good estate plan can help ensure that all of the testator’s wishes are properly carried out. However, it also does not matter if the testator is a financial mogul or… 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 »
What federal taxes must be paid during the probate process?
The probate process is intended to settle the estate of an individual who has recently died. It is overseen by a court and identifies and collects all of the testator’s assets and tries to distribute them to any beneficiaries that have been named. But probate must also identify any debts that the testator had… Read More »
Is there a difference between summary and formal administration?
If an individual living in Florida dies without owning any property or other asset in their name alone, it may be possible to avoid going through the probate process. However, if that person did indeed own property or other assets in their name alone, then their estate must go through probate. But many Florida… Read More »
What assets does a Florida court consider to be probate assets?
Probate is the process by which the assets and property of a deceased individual are identified and labeled by a court and then distributed to the testator’s beneficiaries after these assets are used to first pay off any outstanding debt that the testator may have had, including probate costs. But, there are many different… Read More »
Comic’s children continue to wage estate battle with his spouse
A battle over a decedent’s estate can turn ugly very fast. So many Florida residents have tried to avoid this type of legal squabble by developing a solid estate administration plan. However, one celebrated comic’s family continues to wage a legal fight over his assets with his wife. Comic genius Robin Williams’ three children… Read More »
What happens to your assets if you don’t have a will in Florida?
A will is the basic estate planning document and most Floridians know that this essential tool lays the foundation for a good estate plan. But there are still many individuals who have not taken this important first step and have not prepared their wills. So what happens to one’s assets if they die without… Read More »
What are the duties of an executor in Florida?
An executor is an individual named in a testator’s will who is charged with taking care of the legal and financial responsibilities of the deceased individual’s estate. The executor’s responsibilities include submitting the will for probate, paying any outstanding taxes for the testator’s estate, settling any debts of the estate, collecting money due the… Read More »
Fort Myers residents, self-dealing and estate administration
A recent revenue ruling issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has caught the attention of many estate planners in the Fort Myers’ area. The ruling concerned an individual who had sold an interest in his company to a trust for a note. Under his will, the man then conveyed the note to several… Read More »
Smooth estate administration planning requires pro-activity
This blog regularly discusses issues with estate planning. From wills to trusts, there are countless ways for local Fort Myers and Lee County residents to control their final wishes. In practice, though, these plans can be undone by poor administration. As a result, any comprehensive estate plan must make provisions for a smooth estate… Read More »
