Estate Planning Essentials for Parents

A comprehensive estate plan can protect the things that matter most. For many, this means their property and their family. Including provisions for the care of your children in your estate plan is essential for peace of mind. But many parents struggle with including such provisions as naming a legal guardian for their child in their plan. Indeed, even the fictional parents …

4 Ways to Draft All Your Contracts

“We just signed a major deal!” “I just put in a contract on a house!” “Click here to accept our terms and continue . . .” These phrases all have in common that a contract has just been made. Contracts are the cornerstone of business dealings. In some places, contracts are still made on handshakes or someone’s word. For many …

Thinking Past Step 1: Other Policy Changes to Improve School Security

Slightly over a week ago, horror struck home. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is a short few miles away from my home and office. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at his former high school. Cruz admitted to the massacre with 17 dead and as many wounded. Already, the finger …

Florida’s Asset Protection for Married Couples: Tenancy by the Entirety

Not only does the Sunshine State have white sandy beaches and warm weather year-round, it also has one of the best basic asset protection devices available for married people. For us lucky Floridians, we get to enjoy special forms of joint tenancy. Not everyone can take advantage of the benefits of tenancy by the entireties (TBE) in Florida, but for …

Helping Employees Access Health Care While Easing the Burden on Small Businesses

In December 2016, former President Obama signed an important health care access act that will help alleviate the burden of employee health insurance on small businesses. The 21st Century Cures Act will allow, among other things, small businesses to reimburse their employees for individual health insurance if they do not offer a group plan. For small companies with less than 50 …

How to Approach Buying an Existing Business

Buying an existing business is a great way to hit the ground running in the world of entrepreneurship. Because an existing business already has a legal structure, employees, a customer base, and is making a profit, you get to skip over one of the most challenging aspects of owning a business – starting it. But you still need to do …

Tragedy in Paris: Lessons & Courses of Action

Primer on National Power             Bataclan Theater, Stade France, Le Petit Cambodge, Avenue de la République, Charonne, and Beaumarchais – these are the six locations that Islamic terrorists, under the banner of ISIL (or “Daesh”)[1] brutally murdered more than 100 people and injured hundreds more. The after effects of this attack will continue to reverberate throughout the western world. Presently, media …

Thinking About Small Business Bankruptcy? Consider These Factors First

Although often perceived as a worst case scenario, bankruptcy can be an appropriate way for small businesses to recover from unmanageable debt by reorganization, reducing personal liability or liquidating business assets. Sometimes small businesses (or their owners) must turn to bankruptcy when cash flow slows or business expenses cannot be met. There are three types of bankruptcy filings available. If …

How to Include a New Child or Grandchild in Your Estate Plan

The arrival of a new family member can make you feel like anything is possible. As you enjoy the precious moments, months, or years of taking care of a child, it’s easy to forget that they may not get the same care after you’re gone. Unfortunately, many children are in this position, suffering unintentional disinheritance simply because of outdated or …

When Florida Trust Administration Goes Wrong: Words of Warning for Trustees

The passing of a loved one often requires us to step into unfamiliar roles. If you have been named as the successor trustee of a living trust, you must understand that trust administration and estate administration are very different animals. Trusts often contain complicated language and legally-binding duties, and making a small error can result in large financial consequences for the trustee. …