Category Archives: Estate Planning
Why Estate Planning is Critical for Unmarried Couples in Florida
While estate planning is essential for married individuals, it is no less important for unmarried couples. In fact, creating an estate plan may be even more critical if you are dating someone but have not married yet. With more and more individuals deciding that marriage is not an option for them, it is important… Read More »
How Can You Protect Your Child’s Inheritance from Their Spouse?
In some families, parents do not get along with their son-in-law or daughter-in-law. If you think that your child’s spouse is not trustworthy or you want to protect your child’s inheritance from their spouse for any other reason, you may need to consult with an experienced St. Petersburg estate planning attorney. Many people who… Read More »
Are Out-of-State Wills Valid in Florida?
If you are considering moving to Florida, or have already moved to the Sunshine State, you may be concerned about the validity of your out-of-state Will. If you are a new resident of Florida, is your previous Will created in another state still valid? In Florida, any out-of-state Will is valid as long as… Read More »
Pour-Over Will in Florida: What is It and What Are the Benefits?
A pour-over Will can be an important addition to your estate plan. In Florida, a pour-over Will transfers any probate assets into your Trust upon your death, hence the nickname “pour-over.” The Will simply names the Trust as the beneficiary of your probate estate. Your Trust then ensures that your assets will be distributed… Read More »
The Need to Plan for Guardianship of Minor Children
When people think about estate planning, most people believe it is only for the elderly or the wealthy. Moreover, many people believe that estate planning is only for those individuals who have family disharmony or need to minimize estate taxes. However, many young individuals tend to overlook an important aspect of estate planning: planning… Read More »
4 Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As doctors urge Americans to establish their estate plans amid the coronavirus pandemic, an increasing number of people are taking this advice seriously. During these times of uncertainty, Americans are working with their families to decide what is best for them. Some are updating their current plans and others are establishing a plan for… Read More »
Naming More Than One Personal Representative in Your Florida Will
One of the first decisions a person must make when creating a Florida Will is selecting the person they wish to serve as the Personal Representative (sometimes called Executor in other states) of their Estate. For many married individuals with adult children, the decision is usually to name their spouse as their Personal Representative. … Read More »
Estate Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: 5 Things to Consider
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state agencies have taken unprecedented steps to ease the economic burden. In particular, the U.S. government extended some tax filings deadlines and introduced changes that could impact probate court filings and other estate planning processes. 5 Things to Consider for Estate Planning in the Coronavirus… Read More »
Notarizing Estate Planning Documents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, many Americans cannot help but wonder, “Who will make medical decisions on my behalf if I become incapacitated?” and “Is this the right time to create an estate plan?” The COVID-19 pandemic has created a surge in requests to draft wills, trusts, and other financial and healthcare documents. Many people… Read More »
Online Estate Planning Platforms Are Booming in the Coronavirus Era, But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Use Them
An ever-increasing number of Americans of all ages turned to estate planning as the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the country. As more and more Americans are looking to set up Wills and create trusts, online estate planning platforms have seen a surge in users. However, experts and lawyers alike caution Americans against using… Read More »