What You Cannot Change by Avoiding Probate

Category Archives: Estate Planning

What You Cannot Change by Avoiding Probate

Avoiding probate is one of the more common goals people have when they’re engaged in estate planning. Although there are numerous trusts and other estate planning tools that can help you circumvent probate, it is important to remember that bypassing probate does not allow you to avoid other important obligations. Below are a few examples […]

Reasons You Might Consider Passing Some Assets to Your Heirs While Still Alive

One of the most significant benefits of estate planning is that it allows you to take control over who receives your assets and property after you pass away. However, you do not have to wait until your death to pass along money or gifts to your loved ones. You can give up to $14,000 worth […]

Estate Planning Tips for People with Dementia

If you have been diagnosed with dementia and are still in the early stages of the disease, it is imperative to ensure you have a fully updated estate plan in place. People who have dementia eventually experience trouble with memory loss, cognitive function and language — and the decline can be rapid in some circumstances. […]

Reconstructing Your Records and Estate Plan After a Hurricane

If you are one of the many people throughout Florida who have been affected by the destruction of Hurricane Irma, it’s important to take the time to get your records and estate plan back in order. For example, you might need tax records to prove your losses, or you could need to write a new […]

Tips for Keeping Estate Planning Documents Safe from Natural Disasters

Living in Florida, it is always important to plan for worst-case scenarios regarding the weather. Hurricane Irma was only our most recent reminder of this. Part of your plan should include how you can protect important estate planning and financial documents. Below are a few ways you can safeguard these documents when inclement weather and […]

Key Estate Planning Tips for New Parents

The moment you become a parent is the same time that creating an estate plan becomes much more urgent. Many of new parents are unfamiliar with the strategies and tools associated with estate planning, making it somewhat of an overwhelming experience. However, estate planning does not have to be overwhelming. The following are three simple […]

Why a Will is Important for Business Owners

While just about anyone can benefit from creating a last will and testament, this process is especially important if you are a business owner. Your will allows you to state your desires in a legally binding way regarding who you want to inherit your assets. If you do not leave behind a will, state law […]

How You Can Modify an Irrevocable Trust

You can likely change an irrevocable trust that no longer makes sense for your situation, whether economically or practically. Common reasons people choose to modify an irrevocable trust include changing beneficiaries, changing trust protectors, changing governing laws, moving the trust to a new state, changing the trustee and minimizing income or estate taxes. There are […]

Why Do People Put Off Estate Planning?

Despite the importance of estate planning for everything from passing down assets to arranging end-of-life care, there’s a significant number of Americans who put off their estate planning as long as possible. Why do so many people avoid estate planning, even if they know how important it is? The following are a few of the […]

Frequently Asked Questions About Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Florida

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) is a form the Florida Department of Health uses when identifying people who do not wish to be resuscitated if they suffer an event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions we receive regarding the form: Q: Who should use a DNRO? DNROs […]