Estate Planning

If you have a loved one who recently died, you probably do not want probate to last longer than necessary. The time period of closing an estate can vary. Sometimes probate drags out for months or even over a year. By understanding different factors that affect the...

When considering your estate plan in Florida, you may wonder if you should use a trust or a will. These are both fundamental elements of estate planning, and each has its unique benefits and potential drawbacks. To make an informed decision, it is vital to understand...

Trusts can provide value to your estate plan and help you exert some control over the use of your assets. A trustee is the person in charge of overseeing a trust. You will want to think carefully about who you appoint as a trustee. Picking someone reliable and...

Estate planning, the process of arranging for the management and distribution of an individual's estate after death, often faces a series of misconceptions. These misconceptions stem from a lack of information, misunderstandings or preconceived notions. These mistaken...

Your estate plan offers great peace of mind to you as well as your loved ones. With a solid plan in place, you can rest assured that your family will receive assets as you intend. Additionally, your family will not have to deal with complex legal issues after you are...

Drafting a will is an integral part of estate planning. However, two-thirds of Americans have no instructions for what to do with their funds when they die. Part of the hesitancy may come from the discomfort of discussing death. Another concern is the time and...

Choosing someone to take control of your estate upon your death requires thought and, most times, communication. You want to choose someone who will honor your wishes, but does this mean you have to convey them beforehand? Florida probate code demands that personal...

There are certain decisions that only you can make about your life. What happens when you no longer have the ability to make those decisions? The unexpected — or even expected — loss of ability to make decisions could put your loved ones in a painful, confusing...

Trusts can meet the financial needs of a family making estate plans. Different types of trusts exist that can offer tax advantages and eliminate the need for probate. When a family understands their options, they can make a beneficial decision. What does a trust do?...

Minimizing taxes is an important part of effective estate planning. Different types of trusts can affect the taxes you, your estate or your heirs must pay in different ways. What are the different types of trusts and how do they affect taxes? Grantor trust A grantor...