When it comes to estate planning, the core laws across the United States are similar, although there are some subtle differences from state to state. Because a large amount of Florida's population is older, there is a lot of interest in estate planning and it is...
Estate Planning
What is a “living will” and why do you need one?
Most people in Florida who have an estate plan in place probably have a “living will” as part of that plan. So, what is a “living will”? Quite simply, it is a directive for medical professionals to follow that includes your wishes if, in a worst-case scenario, you...
Choosing a trustee for your estate plan
Many Florida estate plans use trusts to accomplish all or a portion of the goals of the person making the plan. Perhaps the most obvious issue in creating a trust is finding a person to act as trustee. Many people simply choose a friend or relative to fill this role,...
What are the reasons people contest wills?
Floridians might contest a will for a number of reasons. A family member or other loved one might challenge the validity of a will because they feel like they have been treated unfairly. People who feel that a will did not divide property fairly or left them without a...
How estate planning is about more than the transfer of wealth
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that estate planning is nothing more than divvying up assets to loved ones. While figuring out how your assets are going to be distributed upon your passing is certainly part of the process, it’s just a piece of a...
Trusts can benefit estates of all sizes
There is a misconception that only wealthy people with large inheritances to give away can benefit from creating a trust. However, trusts can be beneficial to estates of all sizes. If you are considering creating a trust, an estate planning attorney can advise you on...
Can you take care of your pet through an estate plan?
Much of the focus in estate planning is on how to distribute wealth once you pass away. But there are a lot of other considerations that can be addressed through the estate planning process. For example, if you have a pet, you might worry about who is going to take...
Five ways to support a charity in your estate plan
Although some people find the estate planning process to be stressful, it can really be enjoyable to figure out how you can support those you care about, even after you’re gone. Your decisions during this process can make a huge difference to those you care about,...
Steps in the Florida trust administration process
Being a trust administrator involves a great deal of responsibility. If you have never served in this role before, you might be intimidated and overwhelmed by the process. Read the trust document carefully Florida’s trust administration process involves several steps....
Florida POA superpowers
When you are estate planning, your estate planning attorney likely brought up a Power of Attorney (POA). Essentially, these legal designation documents allow someone to act as your agent or on your behalf when you cannot. However, there are many types of POAs, and...
Jennifer D. Sharpe
Call: (954) 361-9449