When a friend or loved one asks us to do something, we often say yes without giving the request any deep thought. But some requests carry with them responsibility and even potential liability, like being named an agent in a durable power of attorney or the trustee to a trust. If you’re thinking of agreeing to...
You spent summers there, squishing sand between your toes while ocean breezes ruffled your hair. Your own children played under the lofty pines in the front yard while discovering the house’s secrets and building lifelong bonds. Now, your grandchildren eagerly await their time on the front porch swing with you. Preserving memories is important. Keeping your...
Shortly before their wedding, Mack and Julia opened a business that manufactured and distributed small electronics. Their three partners were Mack’s friends from college. After 12 years, Mack and Julia decided to divorce and began dividing up assets. As business owners, they now had to consider how to handle their business during their divorce. Basic Considerations....
Florida executor requirements are stringent.  Choosing the right personal representative for your estate is an extremely important decision. Personal representatives take on responsibilities and duties that will affect loved ones. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, so you may want to consider some of the following qualities when looking for your ideal personal...
It sometimes seems we’ve been invaded by technology. From books to entertainment to education, digital is the way to go. In fact, even our wallets have been affected. Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, though somewhat controversial, are becoming more commonplace. Aside from the digital aspect of bitcoins, you need to remember that they are an asset, potentially an...
People with special needs often face rapidly increasing costs for their care and shrinking public benefits. For example, eligibility for some benefits is based on the recipient’s income and resources. Applicants may try to keep their income below those limitations only to see their available funds are insufficient to meet their needs. The Florida ABLE Account...
For some clients, the thought of legacy extends beyond the confines of family. Donating time and money to community charities is one way to do that. An estate planning tool – the charitable remainder trust – allows people to donate while still retaining some important benefits. A Most Useful Tool – the Charitable Remainder Trust. An...
Whether a deceased person leaves a valid Florida Will or not, their possessions must go somewhere, usually through probate. During a probate proceeding, a personal representative will be appointed to settle the decedent’s affairs and dispose of their estate assets. That sounds simple on paper, but the personal representative often has a huge job ahead of...
Taking on responsibility for another person can be taxing. Florida law lays out duties and responsibilities of guardians. In addition, courts often supervise guardianships, along with requiring action from the people caring for the protected person (the ward). One such example is an annual accounting, which is also known as the guardian accounting. Guardianship Requirements When...
We often pride ourselves on being self-sufficient. Do it yourself projects abound, from painting the living room to building a deck. People choose projects for reasons ranging from the pleasure of doing something themselves to saving money. But some projects may cost the consumer more in the long run. Take do it yourself estate planning, for...
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