For affluent families in Florida, estate planning is crucial to protect and efficiently transfer their hard-earned wealth. One effective strategy to consider is the use of Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) accounts. These powerful tools can help you...
Estate Planning
3 estate planning strategies for Florida business owners
As a business owner, your enterprise is more than just a source of income; it's your life's work. Ensuring the continuity of the legacy you have built and protecting its value for future generations is crucial. But have you considered what will happen to this legacy...
What you need to know about guardianship in your estate plan
Choosing a guardian for your minor children could be one of the most crucial decisions when creating your estate plan. This person will be responsible for your children's care and upbringing if you and your spouse can no longer do so. Below are factors you may...
Understanding non-probate assets
When planning your estate, it is crucial to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets. This knowledge may help you streamline the distribution of your assets. It could also save your beneficiaries time and money. What are non-probate assets?...
Estate planning considerations for your waterfront property
If you own waterfront property in Florida, you know the immense value in the beauty and enjoyment it brings. This is the type of asset you want your family to have and cherish for generations to come. However, these properties can come with certain considerations,...
How often should you update your estate plan?
An estate plan is a series of legal documents outlining your desires for the distribution of your possessions and the care of any minor children after you die. It often consists of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. An estate plan is vital...
When does summary administration apply in Florida?
Probate can be lengthy and costly, usually varying depending on the estate, its details, and its value. However, in some scenarios, the estate can skip probate and qualify for less formal alternatives that may become applicable according to the circumstances. One of...
Can I minimize my estate tax?
Florida offers a favorable tax climate for estate planning. Unlike many states, Florida no longer has estate taxes. However, the federal government still imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding a specific threshold. Understanding the Federal Estate tax The federal...
When can I use temporary intestacy during estate planning?
Intestacy happens when someone dies without a last will and testament. Since they did not mention how to distribute their property in a will, the courts will determine the beneficiaries based on Florida’s inheritance statute. Temporary intestacy, on the other hand, is...
What assets must go through probate?
After someone’s death, there is no automatic method to distribute their assets to their heirs. In most cases, the estate could go through probate, which helps manage and administer the estate under the court’s direction. This process can involve numerous procedures,...