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,...
Crystal River Florida Legal Blog
How can charitable lead trusts grow benefits for your heirs?
Making contributions to your favorite charities is possible even after death. Some people anticipate disputes to arise out of potential complications this could bring to asset division. However, you can employ strategies to ensure your charitable intentions won’t...
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...
How long does probate really take?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, which includes validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Understanding the duration of probate can help you plan better and set realistic expectations for your...
What are valid reasons to remove a personal representative?
Serving as the personal representative during probate is often a significant task. This position involves fulfilling duties on behalf of the deceased, which usually includes financial and administrative responsibilities. Additionally, the person for this job should...
What does Florida’s elective share law mean for surviving spouses?
Losing a lifetime partner is one of the hardest experiences you will ever face. The grief and sadness can be overwhelming. But what can make this situation even more heartbreaking is discovering that your spouse's will leaves you with little to no inheritance, despite...
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 refuse to be an estate’s executor?
Taking on the role of an estate's executor could be a significant undertaking, especially if the deceased left high-value assets that can be challenging to administer. If someone chose you for this position, it could be reasonable to feel overwhelmed with the...
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...
3 reasons to consider avoiding probate
Probate is often a pivotal step of estate administration, demanding full transparency over all actions taken toward executing a will. This legal process ensures all assets are accounted for, the estate’s taxes and debts are paid and assets are handed to the rightful...