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Estate planning isn’t something you complete once and forget. Just like your finances, family dynamics, and even the law itself, your estate plan should evolve over time. That’s why performing an annual estate plan review is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect your legacy and ensure your wishes are carried…
A knight handing a deed to a barrister before departing on a crusade.
What Happened? Anna Nicole Smith, a former model, married billionaire J. Howard Marshall in 1994, when she was 26 and he was 89. When Marshall passed away just over a year later, he left his estate to his son, omitting Smith from his will. Smith argued that Marshall intended to leave her part of his…
What Happened? When Michael Jackson died in 2009, his estate was valued at around $500 million. He had established a will and a trust, but that didn’t stop legal challenges and complications. The estate faced issues ranging from IRS tax disputes to conflicts with family members over the management of his assets, music rights, and…
Getting married is a joyous occasion that marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. However, marriage also brings significant legal and financial changes that may directly affect your estate plan. Whether it’s your first marriage or a subsequent one, reviewing and updating your estate plan is crucial to ensure your wishes are honored…
What Happened? After actor Heath Ledger passed away in 2008, his will, created years prior, left his estate to his parents and sisters. However, he hadn’t updated his will after the birth of his daughter, Matilda. This oversight led to disputes over whether his daughter should inherit his assets, with his family ultimately deciding to…
As we step into a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on our goals and make sure we are on track for a secure and organized future. One of the most important aspects of personal and financial security is estate planning. Estate planning involves preparing for the future by making decisions about how…
When it comes to estate planning in Florida, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they should create a will or a trust. Both documents are important tools that serve different purposes, and understanding the differences between them can help you make the right choice for your estate plan. What Is a…
Being named the executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. As an executor, you are tasked with ensuring that the decedent’s assets are properly distributed according to their will, settling debts, and ensuring that the estate is administered according to the laws of Florida. The probate process, which is the legal procedure for managing…
Florida’s property tax laws are designed to maintain fairness and consistency while allowing certain protections for property owners. When property ownership changes hands, the property’s taxable value may be reassessed, potentially leading to an increase in property taxes. However, not all transfers result in reassessment. Knowing which transfers trigger a reassessment and which are exempt…
Estate planning is an essential step in securing your family’s future, but for blended families, the process can be more complex. A blended family often includes children from previous relationships, stepchildren, and sometimes even grandchildren or other relatives. With so many individuals involved, creating an estate plan that addresses the needs of everyone can be…
Introduction Florida’s homestead laws provide homeowners with significant benefits, from tax breaks to creditor protection. But how do these laws apply to mobile homes, which often occupy a gray area in real estate? This article will clarify how homestead laws intersect with mobile homes in Florida, focusing on eligibility, protection, and practical tips for owners….
A living trust is an essential estate planning tool for many Floridians, offering significant benefits over a simple will. It allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and pass them on to your heirs without the need for probate. Here are the top five reasons why creating a living trust could be the best option…
What Happened? When Swedish author Stieg Larsson, creator of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, passed away unexpectedly in 2004, he left no will. Larsson’s estate, valued at millions due to the success of his books, became the center of a legal dispute between his longtime partner, Eva Gabrielsson, and his father and brother, who…
Estate planning is essential to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to minimize legal complications after your death. In Florida, as in most states, estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan for how your assets will be managed and distributed, and it often includes documents such as wills, trusts, powers of…
Wills and trusts are essential components of estate planning that help ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, many people find the process of creating these legal documents overwhelming. At Bart Scovill, PLC, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand wills and…
What Happened? When Pablo Picasso passed away in 1973, he left behind an estate estimated at $250 million, including artworks, real estate, and other assets. However, Picasso did not leave a will, and his complex estate became the subject of a lengthy legal battle among his six heirs. The lack of a clear plan for…
Estate planning is one of the most important steps to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes after death. Despite its importance, many people delay creating an estate plan, often assuming it’s unnecessary or too complicated. However, having a well-crafted estate plan is essential for everyone, regardless of the size…
Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing experiences. While it’s a time filled with joy and excitement, it’s also a time when you need to make important decisions for the future—particularly when it comes to estate planning. Estate planning ensures that your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are followed, especially…
As 2025 approaches, Florida’s estate planning landscape may be subject to important legal changes. While no updates have been finalized yet, several potential adjustments could impact how Floridians manage their assets and plan for the future. In this article, we’ll explore possible changes to estate planning law in Florida that could arise in 2025 and…