There are a lot of things to consider when you're making an estate plan, from what future medical decisions you want to make to how you're going to divide your assets between your heirs. People often tend to focus on big-ticket items like an investment portfolio, a...
Complex Legal Challenges
Estate Planning
When did you last update your estate plan?
Planning for what happens to your estate once you are gone is a step in the right direction. However, it should not be a one-off event, and you need to continually update your estate plans in line with the changes in your life. While it is advisable to revise your...
Which Separate Writing Counts if There’s More Than One?
In previous blog entries, we’ve discussed the use if a “separate writing” in Florida estate planning. A person may refer to a separate writing in his or her Will or Trust. The separate writing allows a person to gift their personal property such as jewelry, furniture,...
Handling foreign assets in your estate planning
If this is the year you finally put an estate plan in place, good for you! It’s an important endeavor that requires a lot of careful thought – and legal guidance. One thing that too many people who try to rush through the process and just get something in place forget...
Deposit of a Decedent’s Separate Writing with the Clerk
In Florida estate planning, a commonly used and helpful tool is what is known as the “separate writing.” This is a document referred to in a Will or Trust which designates the recipients of certain items of tangible personal property (like jewelry, furniture,...
Get to know 3 essential estate planning documents
When you are working on your estate plan, you may realize that there are many ways to protect your assets and those you care about. With so many legal options, it can feel confusing and hard to know which documents you do or don’t need. There are several documents...
Plan now for a seamless business succession transition
No matter what your age or stage in life, if you are the owner of a successful business, a well-crafted business succession plan should be a priority. Without this vital document in place as a blueprint to preserve business continuity, your business could suffer major...
Can a nonresident of Florida serve as agent under a Florida Durable Power of Attorney?
When working with clients, we are often asked who can serve as agent under their Durable Power of Attorney. Often the reason for the question is that they want to know if a nonresident of Florida can be designated. The short answer is that a nonresident person can be...
3 tips for avoiding family disputes during estate planning
At times, estate planning issues such as inheritances can be a significant source of conflict. While planning for what happens in the event of your death can be a daunting prospect, it may also bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. Having a solid...
Get to know Florida’s designation of health care surrogate form
In many states, there is a document called a health care power of attorney. This document gives an agent the power to make medical decisions for someone who is incapacitated. In Florida, this same document is called a designation of health care surrogate. The form for...