When you have kids, your whole world changes. You’re not just living for yourself anymore; everything you do is for the family you created, raised, and will ultimately leave behind. Whether you are enjoying hard-earned financial success or have a modest amount in savings, there is always more you can do to increase the value of your estate for your …
On the eve of one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history, it’s no surprise that Florida residents are uneasy about the next resident of the White House. However, it is worth noting that the occupant of the Oval Office has little effect on how your assets will be distributed to your heirs after you are gone. State Laws …
Congratulations! You have created a living trust to avoid probate and ensure that your heirs will have instant access to their inheritances. However, your job is not done yet—and without taking the next step, you may as well toss your trust documents straight into the recycling bin. The Basics of Funding a Living Trust in Florida Funding a trust is the legal term …
If you are going through a divorce, you may be overwhelmed by the number of life-changing decisions you must make before you can move on. Unfortunately, the day-to-day decisions often push the estate planning consequences of separation further down the road, causing havoc if a former spouse suffers incapacity or death. Whether you have already created a will or have not yet …
Every estate plan has legal requirements and formalities for distributing property to heirs. If the plan is based on a Last Will and Testament, the executor is responsible for paying the estate’s debts and passing on assets to beneficiaries. However, if the estate plan includes a trust, the successor trustee immediately assumes control of all trust assets upon the death or …
You’ve done it! After years of procrastination and worry, you finally made an estate plan to provide for your loved ones after you’re gone. While you may feel as if an enormous weight has been lifted off your shoulders, you could be experiencing a false euphoria. After all, a last will and testament downloaded from the internet has very different …
There are many different kinds of estate planning attorneys, but most fall into one of two categories. The first is someone who will prepare your documents, rubber-stamp your plan to ensure it stands up in court, and may even offer to administer the estate after your passing. The second is a person who does all of the above but also …
If you’re considering investing in real estate, you’re not alone. Investors from northern cities are looking for relief from harsh winters, hoping to buy a vacation home that can be turned into a rental property for the rest of the year. Locals may be looking into real estate as a way to generate income year-round or just to diversify their …
It’s easy to assume that the world of estate planning never changes. Unfortunately, a lot of attorneys hold this same view and get comfortable in their roles without examining the way they do business. I’m an innovator at heart, eager to learn new ways to accomplish my goals, and never afraid to change something for the better—and something can always …
Nobody goes into business thinking about what would happen if the partnership goes sour. Unfortunately, failure to plan exit strategies while business is good will almost certainly result in hurt feelings, unprofessional behavior, and long, expensive litigation. Consider this recent case: Burt was the owner and founder of HRtoGo, a company that provided back-office services such as human resources, bookkeeping, …
