Category Archives: Wills Probate
A Revocable Trust: When You Don’t Know What to Do
Everyone has heard that they should get their estate in order. Everyone recognizes the wisdom in this. Even if they do not fully grasp the specific nuances, most people have a vague understanding the inheritance will come easier if a last will and testament and other estate building tools are employed. However, when push… Read More »
FAQs for Wills and Probate Attorneys
Whatever your past experience with Florida probate and/or estate planning, anyone and everyone can benefit from an initial consultation with a wills and probate attorney. Making the most of an initial consultation requires active participation, and a back and forth conversation so your attorney can better assess your situation and advise on your unique… Read More »
Can a Premarital Agreement Affect Your Probate Estate?
Premarital agreements– aka prenups–are most often associated with a couple divorcing. This may very well be true, but a divorce is not the only thing that a prenup might affect. Prenuptial agreements – and postnuptial agreements – can also be drafted to address what will happen to various assets should either of them die… Read More »
Fighting Creditor Claims in Florida Probate
Have you had a loved one pass away in Florida recently? The passing of a loved one is always a difficult time. Adding to this is the mix of emotion and often overwhelming thoughts of trying to navigate the legal intricacies of the notorious Florida probate process. One significant wrinkle to work through that… Read More »
Resolving Disputes Between Beneficiaries
Picking up the pieces after the death of a loved one can be grueling. The last thing anyone wants to add is an explosive, bitter feud rising between beneficiaries. Unfortunately, disputes between beneficiaries are common. Whether one person feels they did not receive their fair share, or there is a particular asset or sentimental… Read More »
How Estate Planning Can Help Prevent Elder Exploitation
Older generations of Americans are vulnerable to financial exploitation by a broad spectrum of perpetrators. Unfortunately, this includes not only strangers, but also people they know, trust, and welcome into their lives. Elder exploitation cases are normally complex and can be difficult to fully investigate and pursue. Elders can lose their life savings and… Read More »
Gifting in Life vs. After Death
In Florida the estate tax, commonly referred to as the “death tax,” will only affect the estates with a taxable value that exceeds the federal estate tax threshold. In 2024 the federal estate tax threshold sits at $13.61 million for individuals. This means that married couples will only have to worry about estate taxes… Read More »
Tips for Using Photos as a Clarification Strategy in Estate Planning
Along with purely financial assets and property, clients also usually use a last will and testament (or other estate planning tools such as trusts) to pass down important sentimental items. Many families retain heirlooms that hold important value to the family, while not holding a particularly high financial value. The issue with these kinds… Read More »
Elder Exploitation and Estate Planning in Florida
It is widely understood that areas with a larger percentage of senior citizens will have a larger likelihood for incidents of elder abuse to occur. Florida stands as a retirement beacon for the rest of the U.S. and, indeed, to the rest of the world. Because Florida has such a large percentage of elderly… Read More »
Essential Florida Asset Protection and Estate Planning Strategies: Part II
In the first installment of this two part series, we began discussing the plethora of estate planning and asset protection options Florida law has for its citizens to take advantage of. Different tools serve different needs, and many options exist to help every Floridian safeguard their hard-earned assets. Today, we continue the conversation and… Read More »