Introduction Estate planning is a crucial aspect of life, ensuring your assets are distributed as per your wishes when you’re no longer here. Proper storage of estate planning documents is […]
Introduction Sarasota, Florida, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and lush landscapes, is a sought-after place to call home. Many Sarasota residents have the privilege of owning homestead properties, […]
Introduction Probate is a legal process that can be emotionally and financially challenging, especially during a time of grief and loss. If you find yourself in a situation where you […]
Estate planning is not just about distributing assets upon one’s passing; it also encompasses preparing for the possibility of incapacity during one’s lifetime. Planning for incapacity is a crucial aspect […]
Blended families, which involve remarriage and the combining of two families, have become increasingly common in Florida and the rest of the United States. While blending families can bring joy […]
Estate planning is a vital part of financial strategy, as it enables individuals and families to secure their assets and distribute them according to their posthumous wishes. One of the […]
A No Contest Clause, or In Terrorem Clause, is a provision often used in Wills & Trusts stating that if a beneficiary disputes any part of the Will or Trust […]
Small businesses present a particular challenge to Florida Estate Planners. First off, businesses can operate in a wide variety of entities. Secondly, they may be more valuable being carried on […]
As of 2022, the following Estate and Gift tax exemptions are in effect: Estate Tax Exemption – $12,060,000 (U.S. Citizens and Residents) Annual Gift Tax Exemption – $16,000 (U.S. Citizens […]
By Susan Teel Are you storing your will under the sofa cushions? Have you considered the best storage location for your will – your most important financial document? Would you […]
As of 2019, the following Estate and Gift tax exemptions are in effect: Estate Tax Exemption – $11,400,000 (U.S. Citizens and Residents) Annual Gift Tax Exemption – $15,000 (U.S. Citizens […]
In preparing your estate planning documents, we will need the following information. Executor/Successor Trustee – The person or people who will be in charge of enforcing your wishes either through […]
Wrongful death claims in Florida always require a probate administration. This is true whether it’s because of accident or medical malpractice. Florida’s Wrongful Death Act requires a wrongful death action […]
Many Americans are against the so-called death tax (estate tax) as an unfair tax. But the reality is more than 99% of Americans benefit from the estate tax. If you […]
As of 2016, the following Estate and Gift tax exemptions are in effect: Estate Tax Exemption – $11,580,000 (U.S. Citizens and Residents) Annual Gift Tax Exemption – $15,000 (U.S. Citizens and […]
The simple answer is no. Trusts by themselves do not avoid probate, but they make probate avoidance possible. Think of the trust agreement as a box. Anything put in the […]
It is generally recommended that your estate plan be reviewed every 3 to 5 years. Additionally, it should be reviewed prior to or following any major life event. Some examples […]
Asset Protection – Our assets are always at risk. Whether it’s through unknown creditors, accident, divorce, or acts of God; there will always be risks. However, this risk can be […]
Intestacy occurs when someone dies without a will. In this instance, the individual’s property will be distributed according to state law. Also, if the person had minor children and did […]
Couples getting married need to be aware of how marriage immediately changes property rights for both individuals. Intestacy When someone dies without a will, their estate is intestate. Without a […]