When a loved one passes away, the feeling of grief could prove overwhelming. However, responsibilities may follow the passing of a spouse, parent, or another close relative. If the decedent had a will, and the document needs to go through probate. Attempting to...
Estate Planning
Avoiding will contests in Panama City
When you work with an estate planner, he or she will discuss how to ensure that your estate plan does not get tied up in your state’s probate system. Probate is the process where people have the option to contest a will, which can leave your beneficiaries waiting for...
Should you inform your children about your estate plan?
Family dynamics can be the hardest variable to account for when creating an estate plan in Florida. However, actively communicating your wishes to family members may increase the likelihood that they are respected and understood. Let's take a look at what to consider...
Separate trust: The benefits of keeping your assets divided
Across the state of Florida and in many states throughout the country, the burden of having to pay heavy taxes on an estate plan has been reduced or eliminated altogether. This has lead many married couples to decide to simply combine their assets into a joint trust,...
Estate planning and remarriage
In recent years, older people in Florida have been divorcing more than ever before. This phenomenon has also led to an increase in the number of remarriages among seniors. It's important for couples to revisit their estate plans when preparing for marriage. That's...
Why to include estate planning in your wedding preparations
A growing number of people in Florida are deciding to remarry later in life, especially as "gray divorce" becomes more common and people live longer, healthier lives. If you are planning to remarry in your senior years, it may be important to keep your estate plan in...
Advantages of trusts and wills for estate planning
Many Florida families and heads of households have significant assets that they want to protect for future beneficiaries and heirs. Two very effective tools help you to do just that: the living trust and the last will and testament. Here is how they work. Trusts...
Estate planning can be tough on families
People in Florida should know that estate planning can be tough on their families. Whenever someone has things to leave to his or her loved ones, there's a chance that someone will be hurt or feel left out. This can be especially difficult to deal with when there are...
How to amend a revocable trust in Florida
Amending a revocable trust in the state of Florida is a fairly straightforward process. However, it must be executed properly to be valid. Obtain a copy of your current trust document First, review the most recent copy of your trust document. In Florida, the amendment...
The benefits of creating a will
It is estimated that at least half of adults living in Florida and elsewhere in America don't have a will. A will is a legal document that allows you to dictate where assets go or who will care for a minor child after you pass. Generally speaking, you should strongly...