Wills and Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide to Estate Planning
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 […]
Category Archives: Estate Planning
No Contest Clauses in Florida
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 […]
Incorporating Your Business Into Your Florida Estate Plan
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 […]
Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions 2022
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 […]
Aretha Franklin’s Will Found in Sofa
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 […]
Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions 2019
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 […]
Information Required For Your Estate Plan
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 […]
Probate & The Florida Wrongful Death Act
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 […]
Repeal of the Death Tax Will Harm 99% of Americans
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 […]
Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions for 2020
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 […]
Do Trusts Really Avoid Probate?
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 […]
When to Review Your Estate Plan
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
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
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 […]
Getting Married
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 […]
Effect of Divorce on Your Estate Plan
If you are getting divorced, or are already divorced, you need to be aware of how the dissolution of your marriage affects your estate plan. It is important to understand […]
New to Florida?
You’ve chosen a wonderful state in which to live. We certainly love it; however, any time you change your residence to a new state, there are changes that need to […]
Could An Ex-Spouse Inherit Your Property?
It has long been established in Florida that when a marriage is dissolved (divorce, dissolution or annulment), the ex-spouses are treated as having died before each other. This prevents divorced […]
Estate Planning For Parents
Few groups have more need of estate planning than parents. Without a plan, parents will have no say to whom their children go in the event the unthinkable happens. Furthermore, […]
Living Wills
Livings Wills in Sarasota Of all the documents included in an estate plan, perhaps none is as important as your living will. Unless you are a judge, this is probably […]