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A lot of people are daunted by the estate planning process. When they finally find the motivation to create their initial plan, they make think the process is over, but this usually isn’t the case. In fact, estate planning should be an ongoing process if you want to...
An estate plan, whether in Florida or any other state, contains a lot more than just a will. However, a will is an important part of your estate planning package and it is essential to ensure that your will is effective and valid. It is a good idea to work with an...
It is no secret that most of us do not have an estate plan. In fact, recent studies have shown about two-thirds of us do not have one. Some people figure that an estate plan can only help after they are gone, so they don’t think they need to worry about it. In...
One aspect of planning your estate is to provide a set of instructions about how you want your affairs handled after you are gone. For instance, you may have a will that states how you want your property distributed to your loved ones. As long as your will is valid,...
Many of our clients find themselves happily married, but planning for their children from a previous marriage. One of the key concepts in this kind of planning, among others, is that of the elective share in Florida. Essentially, Florida law prohibits one spouse from “disinheriting” the other spouse in favor of the spouse’s children or other heirs. This recent article…
The ‘Sandwich Generation’ – Taking Care of Your Kids While Taking Care of Your Parents “The sandwich generation” is the term given to adults who are raising children and simultaneously caring for elderly or infirm parents. Your children are one piece of “bread,” your parents are the other piece of “bread,” and you are “sandwiched” into the middle. Caring for…
If you have a child who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who is financially irresponsible, you already know the heartbreak associated with trying to help that child make healthy decisions. Perhaps your other adult children are living independent lives, but this child still turns to you to bail him out – either figuratively or literally – of trouble.…
Think Treasure Hunts are Fun and Games? Think Again You’ve had an attorney draft your estate planning documents, including your living trust and will. Probate avoidance and tax saving strategies have been implemented. Your documents are signed, notarized and witnessed in accordance with all applicable laws, and are stored in a location known to your chosen executor or estate administrator.…
Advance Planning Can Help Relieve the Worries of Alzheimer’s Disease The “ostrich syndrome” is part of human nature; it’s unpleasant to observe that which frightens us. However, pulling our heads from the sand and making preparations for frightening possibilities can provide significant emotional and psychological relief from fear. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, more…
As you probably know, Congress avoided the so-called “fiscal cliff” by passing – at the 11th hour – the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the 2012 Tax Act), signed into law by the President on January 2, 2013. The 2012 Tax Act makes several important revisions to the tax code that will affect estate planning for the foreseeable future. What…
