If you have built and/or acquired substantial assets over your lifetime, chances are you want to enjoy their fruits before passing them on to loved ones. Gifts are one way to share the wealth.  In addition, trusts that transfer wealth may reduce your taxable estate with some added benefits. Besides transferring wealth, you may be able...

Every trust has a purpose. Avoiding probate and asset protection are common reasons for establishing a trust. Every trust is also either revocable or irrevocable. When choosing trusts for the purpose of tax reduction, it’s critical to understand the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Revocable vs. Irrevocable – Some Basic Differences The biggest and most...

When you hear the word “guardianship” you may think of children. It seems to be the most common occurrence – a guardian caring for a child. However, guardians also assist adults with their daily lives. Having a stranger take on that guardianship role is not always the best solution, though. With the right estate planning, you...

Your estate plan is one of the most important sets of documents you’ll ever prepare. However, estate planning laws vary from state to state. Knowing which documents to prepare can be confusing if you moved to Florida from another state. If you live in Florida, allow this article to serve as your Florida estate planning guide....

Social media has become part of the very fabric of our society. Through our online accounts, we share personal moments, reconnect with loved ones and friends, and often create a kind of digital legacy. Instead of boxes of love letters and ancient photographs our parents and grandparents kept, we now have posts on Facebook and digital...

People usually want their property and assets to go their spouses and children. However, what do you do when your child is under age 18? Are there ways your minor child can inherit if you die before they reach their majority? Fortunately, estate planning can address this situation to make sure your child receives the inheritance...

When Joe K. passed away last year at age 52, his family began the process of probating his estate. They were glad he had left a Will. However, he prepared the Will when he was only 30 years old. Much had changed in the ensuing 22 years. Sally B. also left an estate plan for her...

Not every state collects estate taxes. However, the federal estate tax potentially applies to everyone, though not everyone will have to pay federal estate taxes. The best time to worry about estate taxes is while you are working on your estate planning. You and your estate planning lawyer may be able to lower or eliminate your...

When you consider the goals of estate planning, typically people want to pass on their property and assets to their loved ones. People may preserve wealth by careful investments in rare coins, fine art, exclusive real estate, and other items estimated to maintain or increase in value. However, wealthy individuals may need innovative and comprehensive strategies...

During an accident or natural disaster, it may be difficult or impossible to determine which victim lived longer than the other. This type of situation can cause serious consequences for beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries. Understanding the Florida Simultaneous Death Law may also make a difference in the estate planning choices you make. Simultaneous Death Law: What...