Trusts are a useful estate planning tool for many Florida residents. Trusts require a trustee to manage the assets in a trust. Generally, the creator of the trust will serve as the trustee until they pass away or become incapacitated, at which point the assigned...
Far too many Floridians forego estate planning. In fact, a recent study showed that 67% of Americans don’t have an estate plan. This shortcoming flies in the face of the pandemic and an increased awareness of the need for adequate estate planning. Why people put of...
Probate is the process in which, upon your death, your assets will be passed on to your heirs either per the terms of your will or per state law. Some assets must be probated, and some assets can bypass the probate process. You can name who you want to inherit your...
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating. You might be worried about what you’re going to experience as you condition worsens, and you may be concerned about how your loved ones are going to be able to get by while still caring for you. First, we’re sorry to hear...
Most Fort Lauderdale area residents have heard of a will and many of us have had ours created. But a will is just a small portion of an estate plan. Estate planning encompasses many different matters and one item that you may not have is a living will. So, what is a...
Most Florida residents try to avoid the probate process if possible, assuming it to be costly, complex and lengthy. Unfortunately, the estates of Florida residents who die without a will must go through probate, which is the legal process of distributing a person’s...
Making an estate plan should not be done once and stored away until death. Changes in your life and the law could make an unchanged plan ineffective. When to update Your estate planning documents should be reviewed for needed updates every three to five years. There...
You might have heard or read discussions on elder law planning and estate planning. While some law firms work with both legal areas, and there is some overlap between them, technically they are distinctly different and equally important. Elder law planning protects...
When a person in Fort Lauderdale passes away, their estate generally must be probated. Probate is the legal process through which their assets are located, debts and taxes are paid out of the estate and the remainder distributed to the decedent’s heirs. Overseeing...
Your estate plan is only effective if it’s found to be legally valid. This means that your documents have to align with applicable state laws, but it also means that you have to be able to provide assurances that you had the requisite mental capacity when creating...