Trusts

When a trust is set up in Florida, the designated trustee is responsible for ensuring distributions are made in accordance with the wishes of the party or parties who established the trust. However, there may be times when a trustee acts in a way that appears...

If you are the executor of an estate, you may be responsible for ensuring the terms of the trusts and wills are carried out according to the deceased’s wishes. When a trust is dissolved, the money and/or property is transferred to the beneficiary designated in...

When Florida residents create an estate plan, they may wonder what to do about so-called "illiquid" or "hard" assets such as art and jewelry. There may be complex issues around assessing their value as well as deciding who should get them and how. It may have been a...

Irrevocable trusts are a popular way for Florida families to transfer wealth to their heirs while minimizing tax burdens. There are, however, many nuances in the way these trusts can be constructed that change how money flows from grantors to beneficiaries. Laws that...

As a general rule, a trustee is obligated to communicate information about a trust to beneficiaries. However, some Florida residents and others may find that talking about a trust doesn't fit their estate planning needs. For instance, a parent may feel as if a child...

Many people in Florida want to be able to leave behind a legacy that future generations may use to further their education. Whether people are considering their children, grandchildren or other loved ones, they may be looking for a way to shape their estate plan in...

Some Floridians might assume that they've done everything necessary to properly prepare their estate plans. However, there are still small errors people might make that can cause problems. For example, estate owners should make sure their beneficiary designations are...

Giving to charity is a popular way for people in Florida to show their support for a cause. When incorporating charitable giving into an estate plan, there are several important considerations.The first step is to choose a charity. It is important for a person who is...

Florida residents may be well aware that estate planning can be used to reduce the taxes that will be assessed on an estate. However, they should be mindful that there are additional, non-tax reasons to construct an estate plan.Handling a disorganized estate can be a...

If you have considered the idea of setting up a special needs trust for the benefit of your disabled California child, you must first determine whether or not (s)he qualifies for such a trust. Since “special needs” constitutes a very broad term, many...