Category Archives: Wills Probate
Long-Term Estate Medicaid Planning
As attorneys who practice estate planning here in Florida, we frequently receive questions about the connection between estate planning and access to benefits and programs people may need as they age, such as Medicaid. Many people have questions about how Medicaid will treat their assets in terms of determining whether they qualify for assistance,… Read More »
Why Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts Could Transfer Significant Wealth to Beneficiaries If Set Up Right Now
In the wake of the coronavirus, a number of Americans are looking into whether a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) makes sense for them and their estate planning in order to allow them to pass the most onto the next generation without also passing on any estate or gift taxes. The conditions surrounding the… Read More »
Do Not Underestimate the Power of Beneficiary Designations, And The Importance of Keeping Them Updated
As estate planning attorneys who regularly help clients with wills and probate here in Florida, we regularly discuss the importance of not only having a will in place, but a complete estate plan, which also includes beneficiary designations linked to important accounts such as your 401(k), IRAs, life insurance, annuities, etc. These forms are… Read More »
The Coronavirus Crisis & Estate Planning: Are You Prepared?
The coronavirus outbreak and panic that is present in Florida and the entire country has many who put off estate planning now wondering what they should do, quickly, in order to make sure that everything is in order; should the unthinkable happen, especially if they have young children. Indeed, as estate planning attorneys who… Read More »
The SECURE Act Passing Warrants Updating Your Estate Plan
Passed in late December, the SECURE Act makes a number of important changes to retirement plans that also impact estate planning. Most notably, the Act eliminates the “stretch” IRA for non-spouse beneficiaries, meaning anyone other than your spouse who is the beneficiary of your IRA can no longer only take the required minimum distributions… Read More »
Survey & Changes in Law Highlight Why Working with an Estate Planning Attorney On an Ongoing Basis Is So Important
According to a new survey conducted by TD Wealth, in addition to increasing healthcare costs and life expectancy, a rise in gray divorces – or those after age 50 – is having a significant effect on estate planning. As a result, it is becoming more and more important to constantly and proactively review these… Read More »
Historic Changes Are Coming for Estate Planning January Due to the Electronic Documents Act
There are a number of important changes that Florida’s Electronic Documents Act will bring to estate planning in the state as of January 1, 2020, when it goes into effect. Advanced directives, trusts, and wills can be electronically signed by the testator, while witnesses and the notary appear via FaceTime or Skype because there… Read More »
Estate Planning Documents Necessary to Protect Your College Student
When people think of estate planning, they think of the elderly planning for the time after they have passed. However, estate planning isn’t just for the aging; it is also for those who might benefit from having a plan in place when it comes to important decisions, such as someone who can make health… Read More »
Setting Up a Special Needs Trust the Right Way Is Imperative
When it comes to setting up a special needs trust, it is imperative that families work with an attorney who not only knows about the complex federal, state, and local laws and rules surrounding the specific type of estate planning required for the specific type of circumstance, but also all of the many programs… Read More »
Creating Estate Plans for Musicians & Musical Works
As estate planning attorneys here in Florida, we talk a lot about planning for assets, but what happens when those assets are song lyrics and recordings? These types of assets (i.e. intellectual property items—copyright, name/likeness, trademark, etc.) are incredibly important, and present an entirely different type of challenge than physical property (like jewelry or… Read More »