Category Archives: Estate Planning
What You Need to Know About Estate Tax in Florida
Florida is an attractive state to live in for several reasons. It is only one of seven states that does not have an income tax. Also, Florida does not require inheritance and estate taxes. The Sunshine State is so popular that over 300,000 people move to Orlando every year. Every day, 906 new residents… Read More »
What Does Joint Tenancy Mean And Why Does It Matter To Florida Landowners?
Paying off a home mortgage is something many Americans work toward for many years. Those who can make that final payment do so with a sigh of relief. Whether or not you own your home outright, you can legally transfer your property interests to your spouse or another person after your death while avoiding… Read More »
Should My High School Graduate Have a Durable Power of Attorney?
Parents work incredibly hard. You’ve cared for, clothed, fed, protected, and encouraged your child who just graduated from high school. Perhaps your child is heading off to university far away, joining the military or staying at home to figure out what comes next. In any case, it is wise to consider what legal documents… Read More »
Estate Planning for Small Business Owners
If you own a business, you know what it’s like to sacrifice your time and energy to build your company. You’ve worked hard to create an successful business and source of income for you and your family. What will happen to your Florida small business upon your death? Having a business estate plan can… Read More »
What Is a Florida Revocable Trust and Do You Need One?
More than half of Americans do not have any estate planning documents in place. However, even if they have a Last Will & Testament as their primary estate planning document, their estate still will be subject to Florida probate courts. Entrusting your life savings and assets to a probate court comes with a host… Read More »
Three Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds
Congratulations on your upcoming or recent marriage! You’ve spent time and care planning your wedding and honeymoon, and now is a great time to evaluate your estate plans. Now that you’ve legally joined your lives, it makes sense to have a comprehensive Florida estate plan that addresses both of your estates and any join… Read More »
How to Help Your Aging Parents Manage Their Finances
Around 15% of the population is over age 65. Between 2014 and 2015, the number of citizens aged 65 and older grew by 1.6 million people, according to the United States Census Bureau. With the population of aging Americans growing, it is crucial to consider the best way to support one’s aging parents. Adults… Read More »
Do I Need To Update My Estate Plans When I Move to Florida?
If you’re moving to Florida or considering a move to Florida, you may be wondering if you will need to update your estate planning documents after you move. Maybe you haven’t put together an estate plan, but the thought of your upcoming move is spurring you on to consider putting one together. Whatever your… Read More »
Leave your mark with a dynasty trust
If a prime objective of your estate plan is to leave a lasting legacy, a dynasty trust may be the right estate planning vehicle for you. And, thanks to the substantially increased generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption amount established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a dynasty trust is more appealing than ever…. Read More »
Beware if your estate plan leaves specific assets to specific heirs
Planning your estate around specific assets is risky and, in most cases, should be avoided. If you leave specific assets — such as homes, cars or stock — to specific people, you may inadvertently disinherit them. Illustrating the problem Let’s say Debbie has three children — Abbie, Mary Kate and Lizzie — and wishes… Read More »