Although last wills and testaments are spoken about in a general way when they're discussed in the media, the requirements that a testator must adhere to when drafting this legal document vary by state. Florida is no different in this respect.Testators, or the...
Month: December 2019
Estate planning in the movies
One common theme in many films, particularly murder mysteries, is a challenged will. While drama over inheritance can make for an intriguing story, the reality in Florida and across the country is more subdued.One example of how reality and Hollywood diverge is in the...
‘Knives Out’ holds lessons on estate planning
You can be forgiven if you don't particularly find wills and estates that compelling -- but the 2019 sneaker-hit "Knives Out" may make you change your mind.Estate planning and wills don't make it into the movies that much. Most of the time, when it's important to the...
Why health care directives are so important
The process of estate planning can seem overwhelming. It can be hard for a person to confront their own mortality and make tough decisions regarding how their family members and assets will be cared for once they are no longer around. However, Florida residents know...
Understanding the estate tax closing letter timeline
If you have recently lost a loved one, you have likely been listed as an heir to their estate. Many heirs assume that the process of receiving their inheritance will be relatively smooth, however, this is not always the case. There are many administrative aspects to...
Wills can change repeatedly over the years
When people in Florida think about the future, they may want to prepare by making a will. It is important to remember that a will can always be revoked or amended on an ongoing basis so long as the person who made out the will is competent to do so and not being...
Estate of Miami Beach musician files claim against bandmates
Whether it's expected or it's not, even when people have made their peace with someone passing away, a death is very difficult to manage emotionally. Sometimes, the bequests of a deceased person to their loved ones and cherished causes can help ease this pain. But...
A living trust becomes irrevocable after you pass away
If you create a living trust, you still have a lot of freedom. You can typically revoke the trust or make alterations as you see fit. This could include adding more assets to the trust or removing assets as you need them.This is often attractive to those who do not...
Tips for writing a will
Many people may neglect to create a will or another estate plan. One famous example is the former Supreme Court justice Warren Burger, who left only a short, error-filled will, which ended up costing his family over $450,000 in taxes and an additional amount in legal...
Why is it important to avoid probate?
If you are beginning the process of planning your estate, you may have encountered articles and other information about probate avoidance. However, you may not be entirely sure about why it is so important to avoid probate, and how your estate will benefit from...
