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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, benefiting from Florida’s generous homestead exemption. However, gifting homestead real property during your lifetime in Sarasota requires careful consideration due to specific local regulations and…
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 need to navigate the complexities of probate in Sarasota, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled probate attorney. This article will discuss the…
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 of estate planning that ensures your wishes are respected and your financial, medical, and personal affairs are managed according to your preferences. In the State…
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 and new opportunities, it can also complicate estate planning. Without careful planning, blended families may face challenges when it comes to distributing assets and ensuring…
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 key elements of estate planning is the creation of either a will or a trust. This article will provide an in-depth examination of wills and…
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 during probate or other administration, their share shall be reduced or removed. While in theory it sound like a perfectly reasonable way of preventing disputes;…
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 than simply liquidated and distributed. Finally, businesses owned by more than one person must consider what happens if one of those owners died or became…
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 and Residents) Gifts Between Spouses – Unlimited (U.S. Citizens only) Nonresident Alien Estate Tax Exemption – $60,000 (may be subject to foreign treaty) Gifts to…
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 store all of your cash or valuables there? Aretha Franklin, who died in August of 2018 with a large and complex estate, and a complicated…
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 a Will or Trust. For a Successor Trustee, it is possible they will manage assets in your Trust for your benefit if you become incapacitated….
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 are married and own less than $11 million worth of assets, or are single and own less than $5 1/2 million in assets*, you or…
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 Residents) Gifts Between Spouses – Unlimited (U.S. Citizens only) Nonresident Alien Estate Tax Exemption – $60,000 (may be subject to foreign treaty) Gifts to Non-Citizen…
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 box does not require court administration (probate) to pass to the beneficiaries. This is known as funding the trust and is one of the most…
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 of life events requiring review of your estate plan are as follows: Marriage – Marriage can have a drastic effect on your estate plan. A…
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 minimized through proper planning. On this page you’ll find various strategies to limit an individual or couple’s exposure to creditors. Homestead – Homestead property is only…
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 not prepare a designation of preneed guardian for his or her children, choice of a guardian will also be according to state law. The laws…
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 will, the courts must rely on the laws of intestacy to determine how the individual’s assets are divided. Application of these laws changes immediately upon…
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 that you already have an estate plan. Either you have a will or a trust, or what the State of Florida provides which could include…
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 be made. Wills and other estate planning documents are state specific. They are controlled by the state in which you have your primary residence. If…