Category Archives: Estate Planning
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 »
You Need an Estate Plan Even If You Do Not Have Children. Here’s Why
Just like some couples assume that they do not need a prenuptial agreement unless they are extremely wealthy, others may assume that they do not need an estate plan if they do not have children. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The reality is that, without an estate plan, you have no… Read More »
Why Do I Need Beneficiary Designations If I Have A Will?
A will—like other elements of your estate plan, such as a trust, advance directive, health care proxy, power of attorney, etc.—is part of a bigger whole when it comes to estate planning. Beneficiary forms are another essential part of this process. They designate who you want to receive proceeds from certain accounts, such as… Read More »
Marital Trusts and Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trusts in Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, two of the most popular types of trusts that individuals and couples rely on are known as the Marital Trust and the Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP). Both of these options allow clients to mitigate tax burdens by keeping in place the tax exemption to be used by… Read More »
Your Estate Plan Is Likely Out of Date Due to Our “Digitized” World
As estate planning attorneys here in Florida, one of our regular tasks is to update estate plans with our clients, because not only do life circumstances changing all the time, but the law is also changing as well, warranting important updates. In addition, more and more is being done online, especially when it comes… Read More »
Do Wills Need to Be Probated In Estate Planning?
Figuring out both the overlap and differences between estate planning and probate can be complicated. For example, while many wills are never probated, most of them probably should be. What we mean by that is: when a will is presented for probate, an estate is open, and a personal representative is appointed, and the… Read More »
What Must A Surviving Spouse Do Immediately After Their Spouse Passes In Order To Protect Themselves?
What most people think about in estate planning in the event of their death is how to make sure a loved one’s beneficiaries are taken care of, but what about surviving spouses? Most-everyone focuses on administering the estate of the decedent, but very little attention is given to the legal needs of the surviving… Read More »
How to Approach Estate Planning Without Triggering a Family Feud
One of the biggest concerns people have with approaching their families about estate planning is that a feud will break out if they do. Yet, if you fail to discuss these important issues with them, it is entirely possible that feuds will occur, and discord, rancor, and resentment will form amongst your heirs. Below,… Read More »