Category Archives: Estate Planning
How To Protect Family Heirlooms From Probate
Of all the property you own, family heirlooms often hold the most value. Whether the value of your heirlooms is sentimental or an actual dollar value, you likely want to protect these family treasures as much as possible. If you overlook your heirlooms when preparing your estate plan, they may become susceptible to disputes,… Read More »
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost In Florida?
Contrary to what many people think, estate planning is not reserved for only celebrities or wealthy individuals. In fact, every adult should draft an estate plan to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event that they pass away or become incapacitated. As important as estate planning is, many people still put it… Read More »
What To Bring To Your Consultation With An Estate Planning Lawyer
Estate planning is one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones. If you ever become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself, an estate plan can also ensure that your best interests are protected. Clearly, estate planning is very important but it is not something you should attempt on… Read More »
What Property Is Exempt From Probate In Florida?
In Florida, when someone passes away their estate, meaning the assets and liabilities they left behind, must typically go through the probate process. Probate is a legal process that has many purposes. It is intended to give creditors the opportunity to make claims against the estate for unrecovered debt, and to ensure that remaining… Read More »
Trusts vs. Payable On Death Accounts: Which Is Better?
Many people go into estate planning with the goals of helping their loved ones avoid probate and controlling how their property is distributed after they pass away. While there are many ways to do this, two very popular options are trusts and payable on death accounts. So, which one is better for you? Our… Read More »
Why Update Your Estate Plan When Getting A Divorce?
Divorce changes all aspects of your life from where you live to who you consider as family. Ending your marriage is also one of the most important times for you to review your estate plan and make the necessary changes. Below, one of our St. Petersburg estate planning attorneys outline the most important things… Read More »
Do Stepchildren Have Inheritance Rights In Florida?
Today, blended families are extremely common in Florida. People who have children enter a relationship with a new romantic partner, perhaps who also has children of their own. Eventually, the couple may want to have children of their own. Blended families are a blessing but when it comes to estate planning, they can also… Read More »
Mistakes To Avoid When Drafting Your Digital Estate Plan
Traditionally, people included common types of assets, such as their home or vehicle, in their estate plans. Although these assets still appear in estate plans today, more and more are also including digital assets. People often have more digital assets than they think. Whether it is a cryptocurrency wallet or social media profiles, these… Read More »
Four Things Wills Cannot Do
When many people consider estate planning, drafting a will is often the first thing that comes to mind. Sometimes, it is the only legal tool people think they need. While wills are important legal documents and all adults should have one, there are many functions wills cannot perform. Below, our St. Petersburg estate planning… Read More »
What Is The Spousal Elective Share Rule In Florida?
State law in Florida prohibits people from disinheriting their spouse. The spousal elective share in Florida gives the surviving spouse the right to claim a certain percentage of the deceased spouse’s elective estate if the surviving spouse received less than that. Surviving spouses are entitled to this share regardless of what is written in… Read More »