Clearwater, Florida Estate Planning Blog
What types of advance directives are in your estate plan?
While you cannot accurately predict what will happen in the future, there are things you can do that will allow you to face the future with confidence. By creating a complete estate plan, you can be certain that your interests are secure and that you have the final...
Effective steps to leaving an inheritance for grandchildren
One of the primary objectives associated with estate planning is creating a strategy that allows you to decide what happens to your personal property in the future. Through your completed plan, you will get the final say over the distribution of assets and even your...
What is probate, and when is it necessary?
End of life planning is a challenging topic for anyone going through it. However, it is necessary for both the individual reaching that stage if they want to protect their assets and make their wishes known. This planning involves making decisions about what to do...
Important estate planning details to discuss with loved ones
It is not easy to talk about the subject of death with a family member. It is difficult to consider one’s own mortality, and it can be even more difficult to discuss another person’s passing while he or she is still alive. However uncomfortable these conversations can...
Who should be the executor of your estate?
When planning for your future legal and financial needs, you must consider details that include what should happen to your personal property, as well as what types of medical care you may want in case of your incapacitation. You should also consider who you want to...
The estate planning mistakes that could cost you and your loved ones
Planning for the future is a complex and often difficult task that requires one to consider his or her own mortality. This is not an easy thing to navigate, and it can be daunting to think about what will happen to your personal property after your passing, or what...
Is That Joint Bank Account Really “Convenient”?
Larkins v. Mendez illustrates how a bank account titled in joint names with right of survivorship ("JTWROS") between a decedent and his child may NOT be distributed to the surviving child, if the decedent named the joint owner merely for convenience. If established as...
Do you own property or have a family? You need an estate plan.
While there is no way to know what will happen in the coming years, there are steps you can take to ensure you have the final say over certain matters. By creating a comprehensive legal and financial strategy that will protect your interests, you can create a plan...
The Murky Waters- Lifetime Waiver by a Surviving Spouse of Their Homestead Right at Death
A recent case, Thayer v. Jefferson, illustrates how a surviving spouse can waive their homestead right under the Florida Constitution during their lifetime. As has been discussed in prior blogs, there are 3 aspects of Florida homestead. First, the homestead real...
Be Careful Transferring Rental Real Estate To an LLC…
Many advisors advise their clients to transfer rental real estate to an LLC for asset protection. However, a recent case illustrates how such a transfer may surprise the client. In S and A Property Investment Services, LLC v. Pedro Garcia et a (Miami-Dad)County...