If a resident of the Fort Lauderdale area dies without a will, then Florida law will decide how the property of their estate will be divided. Like other states, Florida has a law that spells out how a resident of this state’s property will get divided if the person...
As this blog has previously discussed, a trustee has an important role to play in the trust administration process. If you are setting up a trust, you should know what to look for when selecting your trustee. Trustworthiness One of the first things you should look for...
In Florida, people are frequently advised as to the value of having even a basic estate plan. The refrains include statements about protecting loved ones, how simple it is, why it is important and what can happen if a person does not take the initiative and create an...
It’s your property, and you want to do with it as you choose, which is the point of good estate planning. However, your beneficiaries may not agree with your choices, deciding to challenge them instead. Perhaps you’ve considered including a no-contest clause – will it...
Many Florida families have a member who suffers from serious and permanent injuries or illnesses. These family members may be totally disabled and eligible for federal and state financial assistance, including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security...
Everyone who plans their estate wants to set up a plan that meets their needs, is aligned with their desires for the future and adequately cares for their family members and loved ones. If you are worried about setting up an estate plan that is best for you and your...
At first glance, estate planning may seem pretty simple. You simply draft up a document that specifies how you want your assets to be distributed, right? That’s true to a certain extent, but the process is much more nuanced than that, especially if you want your...
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...
Jennifer D. Sharpe, P.A.