Recent Blog Posts
Figuring Out HOA Dues & Rights During Pandemic
When news of the coronavirus initially emerged, we discussed some of the initial disputes that often came up between residents and their Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) here in Florida; namely, disputes involving how far HOAs could go (legally speaking) in restricting residents’ rights in order to protect the safety of the community as a whole…. Read More »
Why Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts Could Transfer Significant Wealth to Beneficiaries If Set Up Right Now
In the wake of the coronavirus, a number of Americans are looking into whether a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) makes sense for them and their estate planning in order to allow them to pass the most onto the next generation without also passing on any estate or gift taxes. The conditions surrounding the… Read More »
Do Not Underestimate the Power of Beneficiary Designations, And The Importance of Keeping Them Updated
As estate planning attorneys who regularly help clients with wills and probate here in Florida, we regularly discuss the importance of not only having a will in place, but a complete estate plan, which also includes beneficiary designations linked to important accounts such as your 401(k), IRAs, life insurance, annuities, etc. These forms are… Read More »
The Coronavirus Crisis & Estate Planning: Are You Prepared?
The coronavirus outbreak and panic that is present in Florida and the entire country has many who put off estate planning now wondering what they should do, quickly, in order to make sure that everything is in order; should the unthinkable happen, especially if they have young children. Indeed, as estate planning attorneys who… Read More »
Dealing with COVID-19 And Potential Homeowners’ Association Disputes in Florida
There have been a number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in Florida, leading Governor DeSantis to declare a State of Emergency. At this point, there is an increased risk for everyone, especially those with underlying autoimmune and respiratory issues and the elderly. As a result, we have received several legal questions and… Read More »
Coronavirus Price Gouging Consumer Fraud in Florida
According to law-enforcement officials across the country, including here in Florida, price gouging has become a serious consumer fraud and protection issue since the coronavirus crisis has hit, and not only is this an issue in terms of the individual sellers, but also the online platforms that host the sellers, such as Amazon, Craigslist,… Read More »
There Is One Regulation That Is Miserably Failing Consumers & Killing People
It is a horrifying, dangerous consumer safety and protection issue many of us thought was already resolved: Tip-over furniture accidents. In 2016, IKEA issued a recall of almost 30 million dressers and chests after the seven toddlers died in these accidents due to a design flaw which made them prone to fall forward. The… Read More »
The SECURE Act Passing Warrants Updating Your Estate Plan
Passed in late December, the SECURE Act makes a number of important changes to retirement plans that also impact estate planning. Most notably, the Act eliminates the “stretch” IRA for non-spouse beneficiaries, meaning anyone other than your spouse who is the beneficiary of your IRA can no longer only take the required minimum distributions… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
There is currently a case before the US Supreme Court which has the power to dramatically reshape how the US government provides us with basic legal protections when it comes to consumer fraud and protection. Specifically, the case could ultimately lead to the dissolution of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or the Bureau),… Read More »
Survey & Changes in Law Highlight Why Working with an Estate Planning Attorney On an Ongoing Basis Is So Important
According to a new survey conducted by TD Wealth, in addition to increasing healthcare costs and life expectancy, a rise in gray divorces – or those after age 50 – is having a significant effect on estate planning. As a result, it is becoming more and more important to constantly and proactively review these… Read More »