Is a Trust Better Than a Transfer on Death Account?
For many families, estate planning is a balance between avoiding the time and expense of probate and making the most of their money. You might wonder if you need a trust or whether there are less expensive ways to skip the probate process. That could lead you to ask whether a trust is better than […]
A Guide to Florida Pet Trust Law
The internet is full of sad stories about pets who are sent to shelters after their owners are no longer able to care for them. If you are a “pet parent,” you may want to be certain that your cat, dog, horse, or bird is provided for after you are gone or incapacitated. The Florida […]
Advantages v. Disadvantages of a Revocable Trust
When you are weighing your estate planning options, a revocable trust or living trust will likely be among the choices. Find out how to decide if you need a trust, and what the drawbacks and benefits of having a revocable living trust can be for you and your family. Advantages of a Revocable Trust For […]
What the COVID-19 Outbreak Means for Florida Probate and Estate Planning
With the uncertainty and fear surrounding COVID-19, we wanted to address some of the services that we offer and some of the documents that we recommend you have in place. We are also going to focus on what you can do without leaving your home to come to an attorney’s office and will provide as […]
Should Holiday Gifts Be Part of Your Estate Plan?
When you are creating your holiday shopping list, estate planning probably isn’t on your radar. But if you have a larger estate or valuable heirlooms, maybe it should be. Learn how you can use holiday gifts to roll out your estate plan and help your loved ones avoid surprises later on—updated as of December 2 […]
The Florida Uniform Directed Trust Act: What You Should Know
The Florida Uniform Directed Trust can give you more certainty about how your affairs will be handled after your death – even decades later. By using a directed trust and appointing a professional trust director, you can make sure your family’s interests are protected and your assets are put to their best use long after […]
Tips to Create A Florida Will that Cannot be Contested
You may have strong feelings about the way you want your affairs handled after your death. You may believe (rightfully) that an heir will not handle their inheritance well, or that a spouse or family member should not receive a share of your assets. In these cases, having a Will is not enough. You need […]
Celebrity Estate Lessons Lou Reed
Celebrity Estate Lessons Lou Reed Some people make a lot of money during their career. Then there are people who make even more once they’ve passed. Such was the case for the Lou Reed Estate, the value of which nearly tripled in the year after he died. Lou Reed did do some estate planning, leaving […]
What is a Revocable Living Trust?
If you are considering the options available for your estate plan, you may have come across the idea of a revocable living trust. This alternative to a traditional estate plan gives you more control over what happens to your assets. It also reduces or even eliminates the role of the Florida probate court in your […]
The Importance of Keeping your Estate Plan Up-to-Date
Your estate plan has one purpose: to make sure your welfare and your affairs are handled according to your wishes once you can no longer make decisions for yourself. But estate planning should not be a one-time occurrence. Your estate plan should change over time to reflect your current assets, affairs, and expectations. If you […]