Estate planning is not just about drafting a last will and testament or allocating assets; it is also about ensuring the creation of your legacy as well as a smooth transition for the management of your estate after you pass away. One of your goals should be to create an estate plan that can establish your...

A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) can be a strategic tool for funding your retirement, especially if your estate includes appreciable assets. By transferring these assets into a GRAT, you can receive regular annuity payments during the trust's term, providing a stable income stream for retirement. The true financial benefit, however, hinges on the performance of...

Understanding the steps to establish a trust in Florida might appear overwhelming at first. However, it's a beneficial move for those aiming to handle their assets effectively and guarantee the financial security of their family members. It provides a legal framework that can offer protection for your assets and peace of mind for your family's future....

Diane was a successful business owner with three children from her first marriage. Jack, a car salesman, was a father to two children from his first marriage. When they found love the second time around, they realized it was time to update their estate plans to meet the needs of their blended family.  Their goals were...

Trust agreements, an integral component of strategic Florida estate planning, serve as a tool for managing assets during one's life and efficiently passing them on after death. While Florida trusts provide numerous benefits, the decision of which assets to fund into a trust is not black and white. We want to delve into the pros and...

One of the foundational pieces of advice for many married couples, especially those in stable first-time or long-time marriages, revolves around the ownership structure known as tenants by the entirety Florida.  Under this ownership model, both spouses own the property wholly. In simpler terms, neither has a divisible interest; both own one hundred percent. When it...

Planning to pass on your hard-earned assets to your loved ones is a heartwarming endeavor. You want to ensure that your family's future is secure and that they inherit the wealth you've worked diligently to accumulate. However, the looming shadow of estate taxes can turn this blessing into a burden without the benefit of a disclaimer...

When it comes to estate planning, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Marital trusts, including Marital Disclaimer Trusts, serve essential roles in the preservation and distribution of your assets. Each type of trust caters to unique circumstances, providing flexibility and options for couples.  One such trust is the Bypass Trust, which can be a valuable addition to your...

The Standalone Retirement Trust can be an incredibly useful estate planning tool. Suppose you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) which is not fully depleted at the time of your death. You should consider two important questions: 1) Where do you want that money to go? 2) How do you want it to be distributed? The...

A Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trust - A decision with critical ramifications.  Were you aware of the fact that there are many different types of trusts in estate law? For example, a marital trust can be a legal arrangement that transfers assets to a surviving spouse after the trustmaker’s death. A credit-shelter trust allows married couples to...