Author Archives: Chris M
How Does A Revocable Living Trust Work?
Everyone should have an estate plan in place, but different instruments will be beneficial for different people. One of the most commonly used is referred to as a revocable living trust, and it essentially shields many of your assets from Florida probate, which can help them get to your chosen beneficiaries more quickly and… Read More »
Estate Planning For Seniors
Everyone should have an estate plan by a certain point in their lives. However, many in the elder generations do not have these documents in place, simply because attitudes have changed about having them over time. As our parents and other loved ones age, it is generally a good idea to try and assist… Read More »
Asset Transfers In Florida Estate Planning
When making their estate plan, a person’s primary concern is generally determining who will get their assets upon their passing. Asset transfers are most often made via someone’s will or other estate planning instruments, to take effect upon that person’s passing, However, sometimes a person will preemptively transfer the asset to the intended beneficiary… Read More »
Defining Domicile For Florida Estate Planning Purposes
The words ‘residence’ and ‘domicile’ are often used interchangeably. However, they have two different meanings, at least in the legal sense. One can have many residences, but only one legal domicile, because where a person has their domicile affects many different legal questions, particularly in the realm of tax law. From an estate planning… Read More »
Brand New Community Property Trust Law In Florida
In July 2021, Florida’s new Community Property Trust Act (CPTA) became law, along with another act signed on the same day, the Florida Uniform Directed Trust Act (FUDTA). The CPTA is seen as a potential boon to married couples, particularly those with the same creditors, that may operate to save significant amounts in taxes…. Read More »
Florida Domicile For Full-Time RVers
In this tumultuous age, more and more people are choosing to live somewhat outside the box. More and more couples are selling all they have, packing up the kids and pets, and starting to live on the road, usually in a recreational vehicle (RV). However, few people can truly go “off the grid” –… Read More »
Will Vs. Living Trust: Which Is Best For You?
When you are looking to plan your estate, many people’s natural inclination is to stick with a simple will, thinking it will be sufficient to dispose of your assets. Very often, they are correct – but not always. In addition, there are options for estate planning that can offer more flexibility in terms of… Read More »
What Is Intestate Succession?
When an individual dies without any form of estate planning, their assets and debts must still be distributed to their heirs, if any exist. In the absence of a will or trust, the state of Florida uses what is known as intestate succession to decide who gets which assets from the decedent’s personal estate…. Read More »
Estate Planning & Palliative Care
While not everyone chooses to address end-of-life questions in their estate planning, it is generally recommended to do so. This is particularly true of people who think they may need palliative care, which can be cost-prohibitive if not planned for correctly. There are many different things that your estate should plan for, but palliative… Read More »
Do I Need A Healthcare Surrogate Designation?
No one likes to contemplate being in a position where they cannot make their own decisions, or lack the capacity to act for themselves. However, it is a possibility that one has to address, particularly if they are older or disabled. Florida law allows people to create what is known as a healthcare surrogate… Read More »