Recent Blog Posts
Make Sure Your Estate Plan Does Not Fall Prey to The Three Deadliest Tax Complications
While there are a number of tax issues that can affect estate plans, there are several in particular that can have significantly sinister effects and are therefore worth discussing in greater depth. When you have your regular discussion with your estate planning attorney, it is wise to discuss the specific topics to see if… Read More »
The Most Important Tax Issues to Consider If You Are an Executor, Trustee, Or Administrator
There are a number of key tax questions that pop up when a loved one passes away and you are responsible for their estate as the executor. Below, we discuss some of the most important considerations to take into account if you are responsible for an estate: General Responsibilities The executor of an estate… Read More »
Have You Properly Accounted for Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan?
There is arguably enough to worry about when it comes to estate planning without also having to plan for a new type of asset, and one that can be present challenges to even the most tech-savvy of us. Still, as part of your overall estate plan, you need to make sure that you have… Read More »
Can I Choose a Non-Resident Executor (Personal Representative) for My Estate?
We have discussed what an executor (known as “personal representative” in Florida) is, who can be appointed as one, and whether/how they can be removed. Personal representatives can be selected by those setting up their estate plans or by the judge to take charge of the administration of a decedent’s estate. They identify, organize,… Read More »
How to Protect Art & Antiques in Estate Planning
As attorneys who practice in estate planning here in Florida, one of the most common questions we receive is how to intelligently cover estate planning for art, antiques, and other personal property valuables. These items frequently pose additional layers of complexity when it comes to a estate planning; complexities beyond what real estate or… Read More »
Terri Schiavo’s Story of Starving to Death Highlights How Important Designating a Health Care Surrogate Is While You Are Still Healthy
One notorious story here in Florida that occurred years ago is a powerful reminder of just why it is so important for us to designate a healthcare surrogate. The story is that of Terri Schiavo who, at the age of 26, experienced a debilitating severe brain injury and, without a medical directive, was left… Read More »
How Payable On Death Accounts Fit into Florida Estate Planning
A “transfer on death” account (also known as “payable on death” or “in-trust-for” accounts, or “Totten trust”) allows joint account holders (of a bank account, etc.) to dictate who receives the funds or assets once that the second owner dies. These accounts are managed based on state law; for example, Florida does not allow… Read More »
Estate Planning “When You Hate Your Son-In-Law”
As attorneys who regularly practice in the area of estate planning and probate, we frequently assist clients who have concerns about which family members are going to be privy to their estate. Specifically, there are a number of families that have concerns about certain family members—such as in-laws—and they will sometimes seek counsel from… Read More »
The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
In a society that is obsessed with all things do-it-yourself, it can be enticing to apply the same motto to estate planning. However, “doing it yourself” when it comes to estate planning can be downright hazardous for the reasons we discuss below. Templates First, when it comes to estate planning, “one size” does not… Read More »
High Priority Tips & Advice For Estate Planning & Avoiding Probate
As estate planning and probate attorneys that practice and advise clients every day here in Florida, we see a lot of mistakes made with family estates; mistakes that lead to nasty probate outcomes that absolutely could have been avoided with better legal counsel and planning. Below, we’ve discussed some of the common topics that… Read More »