Estate planning is about protecting your loved ones and executing your wishes after you die. Many people assume the best way to do this is through a will. However, a living trust achieves many of the same purposes with some unique advantages. What is the Difference Between and Will and a Living Trust? Your last…

When approaching estate planning in Florida, many people ask what happens to debt when they pass away. The short answer to this question is it depends. Your debt might pass on to your loved ones, creditors might come after your estate, or creditors could be out of luck. Let’s review the different scenarios. Who inherits…

Estate planning attorneys in Florida encounter many misconceptions when it comes to wills. To help set the record straight, we offer some examples of why having a valid will can be helpful and why it is a good idea for everyone to establish one. Recognizing the Power of a Will At its most basic, a…

The school season is right around the corner. If you are a parent, you have likely bought your little ones the essential items they need to get them through the school year. However, have you thought about how your kids would fare if you pass away during their youth, teens, or early adult years? Designate…

An estate plan is not something you can set in place and then forget. When your life undergoes a significant change, you probably need to make some adjustments to ensure that your plan still functions the way you want. Let’s review a few major life events that provide good reasons to update your estate plan.…

Most people think making an estate plan is something to do later in life, after someone has acquired considerable assets. But estate planning covers much more than just property issues. That means you should be concerned about appropriate estate planning for your young adult children as well as for yourself.  Why Estate Planning for Your…

Wills are valuable tools for distributing property and reducing the stress on families after a loved one has passed. But does a will eliminate the need to probate an estate in Florida? The short answer is, no. Having a will can make distribution easier, but on its own, a will cannot keep your estate from…

Your estate plan should include critical health-related documents as well as traditional property documents such as wills and trusts.  That means that preparing your estate plan will involve issues such as determining who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There is no recommended age to prepare healthcare documents–in fact, the…

When you die without leaving a will, you are said to have died “intestate” and the government decides how to distribute your property according to the laws of intestate succession. These laws may or may not allocate assets in the manner you would choose. If you are married and have children, the laws generally divide…

Getting your affairs in order through an estate plan is a great way to prepare for your future, but have you ever thought about how your family will follow your instructions after your death? An estate planning “fire drill” will help you and your family openly talk and ask questions about your estate plan. Just like…