Many Floridians who are concerned about what might happen to them if they are incapacitated will have a health care advance directive as part of their estate plan. This is a document that designates a representative – a proxy – to make decisions as the person would if...
Estate Planning
The right personal representative is key to estate planning
When creating an estate plan in Florida, most people decide to write a will. This is the easiest solution for many as they do not want to move forward with the complexities inherent with trusts and other estate planning options. Still, a will is not necessarily...
Avoiding probate: why and what to do instead
Probate and estate planning may not seem like the most exciting topics to discuss. However, what if I told you that by avoiding one and choosing another, you could save yourself and your loved ones a lot of time, money and headaches? Many people, upon evaluating the...
Designating a guardian for your child
When you become a parent, it can feel like a tornado just passed through your life and everything changed. It’s true—becoming a parent changes everything. After you bring your baby home from the hospital, you will be busy changing diapers, hosting guests and adapting....
When should you modify your estate plan?
Getting your estate plan set up was a wise and responsible choice. Your estate plan gives you the peace of mind you need knowing that your loved ones will be protected if you pass away. One common mistake people make once their estate plan is in place is forgetting to...
How to estate plan to shield assets from creditors
When you engage in the estate planning process, your hope is to pass down as much wealth as possible to your loved ones. Your ability to achieve that goal can be jeopardized by your creditors, though, who are hungry to get their hands on your wealth to recoup debts...
Estate planning tools that could reduce your estate taxes
If you have significant assets, you might be worried about how estate taxes will eat into your legacy and your loved ones’ inheritances. Fortunately, the federal estate tax doesn’t kick in until your assets hit the $12.92 million mark. At that point, only assets...
How can you use estate planning to avoid probate?
If you intend to leave assets to your loved ones, then you probably want a smooth transition of wealth so that your named heirs and beneficiaries can enjoy those assets as soon as possible. Ensuring a smooth transfer can also reduce costs that will otherwise be...
Top reasons to plan your estate as a young adult
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that estate planning is reserved for the elderly. The truth is that if you wait until you’re older to create your estate plan, then you’ve waited too long. Delaying in the creation of your estate plan could put you, your...
Top reasons to plan your estate as a young adult
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that estate planning is reserved for the elderly. The truth is that if you wait until you’re older to create your estate plan, then you’ve waited too long. Delaying in the creation of your estate plan could put you, your...
Jennifer D. Sharpe
Call: (954) 361-9449