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When people think about estate planning, they often worry about the government taking a large portion of their life savings after they pass away. The good news is that for most Floridians, this fear rarely becomes reality. Thanks to Florida’s favorable tax laws and the high federal estate tax exemption, very few estates in Florida…
Many Floridians think of estate planning only in terms of wills, trusts, and financial matters. But there’s another gift you can leave that has nothing to do with money: the gift of life through organ donation. Making your wishes clear about donation is one of the most compassionate decisions you can make—and it can ease…
Creating an estate plan is a critical step to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are legally recognized. However, entrusting this task to an attorney who doesn’t focus on estate planning can leave important details overlooked. Even well-meaning attorneys in other practice areas may not have the depth of knowledge needed to navigate the…
If you don’t create your own estate plan, Florida already has one for you. But relying on that plan is a lot like asking one estate planning attorney to prepare a single plan that will work for all 23 million Floridians. It’s not designed for your specific needs—it’s designed for the average situation. And you…
In today’s world, our lives are increasingly tied to the digital world. From bank accounts and cloud storage to social media profiles and email accounts, digital assets now make up a significant portion of a person’s legacy. But what happens to those digital accounts when you die? And how can you plan ahead so your…
In today’s digital world, more of our lives, both personal and financial, exist online. Yet many estate plans still overlook these digital assets, potentially leaving families locked out of important accounts or vulnerable to identity theft after a loved one’s death. In this article, we’ll explain what counts as a digital asset, how Florida law…
When planning your estate, you may hear the terms “TOD” (Transfer on Death) and “POD” (Payable on Death). These are simple yet powerful tools that allow your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries—without going through probate. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you know which is right for your situation? Below,…
When creating a living trust, many clients assume their estate plan is complete. But without one key document, a pour-over will, important assets may be left exposed to probate or legal confusion. If you’ve established a trust in Florida or are considering one, understanding how a pour-over will fits into your estate plan is essential….
Transferring your Florida home into a revocable living trust is a smart way to avoid probate and keep things simple for your family. But there’s one step many owners miss: telling the insurance company. Here’s what to update—and how to do it—so you don’t accidentally create a coverage gap. Why insurers care when title moves…
Florida vacation homes are often more than an investment; they’re places where family memories are made and traditions are built. But when it comes to passing down these second properties, too many families are caught off guard by legal and tax issues that could have been avoided. In this article, we’ll walk through the key…
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. In my Sarasota practice, I frequently meet clients who delay essential planning based on misconceptions. Unfortunately, these myths can create legal complications, family disputes, and delays in transferring property, especially real estate. Whether you’re a single parent, retiree, or first-time homebuyer, the consequences of poor planning…
When someone passes away, their heirs often receive a “step-up” in the cost basis of inherited assets, which can significantly reduce capital gains taxes. But not all transfers qualify for this valuable tax treatment. Understanding which assets don’t receive a stepped-up basis is just as important as knowing which ones do—especially when crafting a thoughtful…
Few names are more recognizable in professional wrestling than Hulk Hogan. From his days headlining WrestleMania to his reality TV appearances, Hogan has lived much of his life in the spotlight. Off stage, he has also been through a highly publicized divorce, financial ups and downs, and ongoing questions about his wealth and property. When…
Estate Planning Attorney near Venice Each August, legal professionals across the country observe Make-A-Will Month, an annual reminder of the importance of having a valid will in place. Whether you’re 28 or 82, single or married, a parent or not, having a legally sound will is a cornerstone of responsible planning. In Florida, the absence…
Business owners in Florida often want to ensure their company can pass smoothly to loved ones or successors without probate. But some businesses—especially professional service entities—can’t be directly titled into a revocable trust due to state licensing restrictions. That’s where a nomination agreement becomes a powerful tool. What Is a Nomination Agreement? A nomination agreement…
Estate Planning Lawyer near Lakewood Ranch As children transition into adulthood and head off to college or begin their independent lives, one legal issue often overlooked is healthcare decision-making. Many parents are surprised to learn they no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions once their child turns 18, even in emergencies. This article…
When a loved one dies, grieving families are often faced with more than just emotional heartbreak—they’re thrust into a complicated legal process known as probate. While probate serves an important legal function by overseeing the distribution of a deceased person’s assets, the emotional toll it takes on families is frequently underestimated. In this article, we’ll…
Written by a Florida Bar-licensed estate planning attorney serving Sarasota and surrounding area When someone passes away owning real property in Florida but resides in another state, their estate may need to go through ancillary probate to legally transfer or sell that property. Unfortunately, delays in this process can create significant complications, especially for heirs…
Serving as the Personal Representative (PR) of an estate in Florida comes with many responsibilities—including paying debts, taxes, and administration expenses. But what if the estate’s primary asset is real estate? Can a PR sell estate property to cover costs? Yes, but with specific requirements and limitations. Here’s what Florida law allows. Authority to Sell…
By an Estate Planning Attorney Serving Sarasota and Venice areas As families prepare for the back-to-school season, it’s a good time to revisit the legal protections you’ve put in place for your children, particularly who would care for them in the event something unexpected happens to you. Naming a guardian is one of the most…