The person who executes or administers (the preferred term) an estate during probate is usually called the personal representative. The jobs of getting an estate through probate may seem simple. However, estates vary greatly in value and complexity. Generally, though, there are at least 6 steps to take when administering an estate. #1 Obtain Multiple Copies...
Many couples do all their financial and estate planning together. It seems expedient and keeps both of them completely informed. But is this always a good idea? Are there times when a husband and wife need separate Wills? Separate Wills, The Key To His and Hers Estate Planning A joint Will is a single legal document...
Trusts generally consist of a grantor or settlor, a trustee, and at least one beneficiary. Every trust also has another characteristic – a purpose. Trusts may be established to save taxes, protect assets, provide for someone with special needs, or distribute wealth to current and future generations. For Standalone Retirement Trusts, the purpose is to serve...
Perhaps you are new to estate planning. Or you prepared a plan years ago and need to revise it. Estate plans typically include a Will, a durable power of attorney, and a medical power of attorney. The cornerstone of a solid estate plan is a revocable trust, and/or an irrevocable trust . If you are wondering,...
Lawyer advertisements are everywhere, from the local newspaper to billboards out on I-95 to the Internet. The sheer number of attorneys seeking to represent you can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a probate matter. How will you choose the attorney who is the best fit for you? There are some compelling reasons why you should...
Joe had very clear ideas about where his property should go after he passed away. Fortunately, he put together an estate plan that stated his wishes. However, he was concerned about how his firearms would be transferred to his son. In addition to a Will, general durable power of attorney, and medical power of attorney, Joe...
Dividing estate assets can be a thorny problem. In addition to a deceased person’s Will – assuming they prepared one – personal representatives and heirs may tackle family allowance eligibility, homestead laws, unusual Wills, and beneficiary designations that have not been updated for years. Add the following to that list of issues: the Florida Elective Share....
This St. Lucie Probate Lawyer Joined The List of Top 500 Fastest Growing Law Firms For The 3rd Consecutive Year Probate cases hit close to home. Often, close family members are involved, and it can be a stressful time. Hiring a local attorney to handle your probate case may reduce the stress of estate administration. That’s...
When someone dies, they leave behind heirs and sometimes a surviving spouse. Sometimes surviving spouses may be dismayed to learn they have been disinherited by the decedent, left a smaller share than expected, or simply not mentioned. When this happens, the surviving spouse may be able to claim an elective share of their spouse’s estate. What...
Choosing the right tool often requires specific knowledge. You have to know what you want to accomplish and what the tool can do. When preparing your estate plan, you have a number of tools from which to choose, including revocable and irrevocable trusts. Both offer advantages and disadvantages. However, in a direct, head-to-head face off –...
- Business Estate Planning
- Digital Assets
- Digital Currency Estate Planning
- Do It Yourself
- Domicile
- Elder Law
- Estate Planning
- Estate Tax
- Executor - Personal Representative
- Exemptions
- Gift Tax
- Homestead Law
- Intestate
- Lady Bird Deed
- Medicaid
- News
- Portability
- Probate
- Retirement and Estate Planning
- Senior Caregiving
- Tax Planning With Estate Planning
- Trusts
- Vacation Estate Planning
- Wills