Recent Blog Posts
Successful Family Business Succession Planning: What Makes It Work
We’ve discussed how the pandemic makes the right estate planning essential. There is perhaps no area of estate planning where this is more important than when it comes to family business succession, as many fail to remain a family business past the second generation precisely because family firms fail to properly engage in the… Read More »
What Happens If You Do Not Designate a Guardian for Your Child, And Something Happens to You Both?
Guardianships are more important than many realize. Here in Florida, we hear a lot about them with respect to the elderly, especially concerning the corruption that has been unearthed in connection with some professional guardians and examining committees that judges rely upon in deciding whether individuals are incapacitated and in need of a guardian…. Read More »
Why Setting Up a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust During COVID-19 Could Significantly Maximize Assets You Pass onto Beneficiaries
There is no question that although COVID-19 has brought a tremendous amount of devastation and panic to our country and economy, there are, at the same time, some unique opportunities that it has introduced into estate planning that have to do with instruments that have been put in place precisely to benefit from growing… Read More »
How A Castle Trust Can Help You Manage Long-Term Healthcare Costs
We have frequently discussed forming trusts in order to protect your estate from going through probate and allow you to directly pass your assets onto your heirs. But one particular type of trust that you can use – especially if you are concerned about potential nursing home or other healthcare costs at some point… Read More »
What Is at Risk If Your Will Is Panic-Written During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The current pandemic understandably has many people panicked such that they want to make sure everything is in order with their estate plan. However, it is extremely important that, as a result of the pandemic, you do not rush into drafting or updating your estate planning documents, especially when it comes to writing your… Read More »
The HEMS Distribution Standard: Administering Trusts During a Recession
When the economy goes through a downturn, as is occurring now during the coronavirus pandemic, where a number of people have lost their jobs, expenses are increasing, and some are also experiencing expensive health crises, trustees are often under more pressure to distribute assets under what is known as the “HEMS” standard, which is… Read More »
If You Own a Second Home, Make Sure You Plan for It in Your Estate Plan Now
More than seven million Americans have second (or vacation) homes, and many are now concerned that, as a result of the coronavirus bailouts, they could face an increase in estate taxes in the next few years. For this reason, planning for these assets is a very important part of your estate planning process, and… Read More »
Current Estate Planning Opportunities in The Market/Stock Sell-Off
People are understandably concerned right now about the state of the market and portfolio losses, and what they need to do, right away, in order to ensure that they have basic estate planning steps in place. We have already discussed how important it is to ensure that, at a minimum, you have a will,… Read More »
The Coronavirus Pandemic Makes the Right Estate Planning Essential
The coronavirus has thrown the entire country and globe into a tailspin, with people afraid to go to work, let their children go outside, run errands such as getting groceries, have the kids go to school, etc. Florida is no exception, where the number of positive cases of the virus has grown fivefold during… Read More »
Essential Estate Planning Steps for New Parents
As a new parent, there is much to think about in the midst of all of the excitement, upheaval and changes in your life (not to mention the sleep deprivation). However, it is important to note that making and/or updating an estate plan is an essential step that needs to be taken in order… Read More »