Planning for your child’s future begins the moment that you learn you are going to be a parent. You prepare the infant’s room with bright colors, cute clothes and soft comforts. You research the best daycares and preschools. You might establish a 529 plan...
Wills
What discrepancies might give rise to a will contest?
Even if beneficiaries are not fighting over an inheritance, might there be a reason for them to contest a will or trust? An attorney that focuses on estate planning knows that answer to be yes.For example, unintended results may result when an individual creates a...
A comprehensive estate plan addresses financial and medical items
Let’s set the record straight: Estate planning is more about preparing for the future, rather than wealth distribution. The reason our firm takes this approach is that an estate plan may account for both financial and medical contingencies. In addition to a...
This year, resolve to plan for the future
At the beginning of a new year, people typically look forward to making a fresh start and resolve to be happier, healthier or more relaxed than they were the year before.Some of these resolutions fall through; after all, keeping a resolution is much more difficult...
Tips for avoiding common mistakes when writing a will
Although individuals may have a clear idea of how they want to transfer money, possessions or pay off debts of their estate after their passing, certain mistakes are commonly made. Today’s post offers advice on how to avoid common errors.First, Florida state law...
If you have a trust, do you still need a will?
Recent media coverage has focused on the details of Joan Rivers’ will. Since a will most go through probate and the details of a probate proceeding are generally open to the public, juicy tidbits about the estate, such as its estimated value of $150 million,...
Do’s & Don’ts Of Funeral/Estate Planning
By Austin A Frye, MBA, CFP, JD Do provide your heirs with as much details as possible. For example;Don't write instructions such as "I want my ashes spread at sea."Do include more details such as, "I want my ashes spread over the Pacific ocean near the Santa Monica...
New retirement plan feature may impact estate planning
Advances in medicine have unfortunately been accompanied by rising costs of healthcare and medication. Consequently, any serious discussion about estate planning must include a projection of retirement needs. More than ever, the prospect of outliving savings and...
Creating a will? Don’t try this on your own!
Estate planning is not something one should wish to try without assistance. When preparing estate planning documents, it's vital to make certain that the language actually carries out the intent of the person that owns the assets. There is simply too much for one...
Testator’s reliance on legal form proves to be costly
One woman used what was called an "E-Z Legal Form" when creating her will in 2004. However, since the form did not contain a residuary clause, a pair of nieces who were not mentioned in the will inherited property that the testator failed to list in the...
