Some Florida residents might assume that a do-it-yourself will is easier and cheaper than having a lawyer help prepare an estate plan. In fact, there can be a number of disadvantages to a DIY will, and it can be more costly to family members in the long run....
Month: July 2019
What are the different types of adult guardianship?
There are many different reasons why an adult in Florida may require a guardian to help manage his or her affairs. Therefore, it stands to reason that what a ward needs from his or her guardian may vary. If your ward is only slightly incapacitated, it does not...
4 trust myths dispelled
Trusts can be an extremely powerful and useful tool for estate planning, potentially saving your surviving family members from the lengthy and often expensive process of probate. However, you may be reluctant to create a trust because of a perceived stigma. At the Law...
What is gross estate?
Many people in Florida do not need to worry about their survivors paying estate tax after they die because they do not possess property/assets of sufficient value. However, if you are someone whose family members may be subject to an estate tax after you are gone, you...
Trusts can be named the beneficiary of an IRA
Individual retirement accounts are among the most popular ways that people in Florida save for their senior years. IRAs allow for the designation of a beneficiary who will get the funds in the event that the account creator dies before the funds are exhausted. While...
How can a living trust benefit you?
As a resident of Florida, you have multiple options available for how you can have your assets handled after your passing. Naturally, you wish to ensure that your loved ones have as little trouble as possible when dealing with matters of said assets. We at the...
Gloria Vanderbilt estate worth far less than initial estimates
Some people in Florida might have assumed that when heiress and fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt died, she left an enormous estate behind. There was speculation that it might be worth as much as $200 million. However, based on probate documents, her estate was valued at...
When to use an irrevocable trust
Some people in Florida who are creating an estate plan may want to consider an irrevocable trust. While a revocable trust is a more common choice because it allows the creator to remain in control of the assets, there are some advantages to an irrevocable trust.The...
Estate plans and chronic illness
Almost 157 million people around the country will have a chronic illness by 2020. Florida residents who have a chronic illness or have a loved one who is chronically ill should make sure that their estate plans include the legal documents that directly address their...
What are the behavioral signs of elder abuse?
If you suspect that an elderly loved one in Florida is enduring abuse at the hands of a guardian, it is important to take action right away. Unfortunately, the signs of mistreatment can be very subtle and difficult to spot. They may take the form of behavioral...
