Category Archives: Estate Planning
The Importance Of Including Stepchildren In Your Estate Plan
Estate plans are always an important tool but if you have stepchildren, you must take extra care with yours to ensure your stepchild receives any inheritance you wish to leave them. If you have not legally adopted your stepchild, they do not have any automatic rights to any inheritance you may wish to leave… Read More »
Your Estate Planning Checklist
If you are an adult, you likely know that you need an estate plan. With so many tools available, and each of them serving a different purpose, it can be a real challenge to know where to begin. Below, our St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer has created a checklist you can follow to ensure… Read More »
Does Florida Have An Estate Tax?
Of all the different types of taxes people think about, estate taxes are often overlooked. Truthfully, though many people will not have to pay estate taxes because of the current high lifetime exemption, estate taxes can be quite significant and place a real financial burden on your family. The federal government, as well as… Read More »
Things To Consider When Choosing Beneficiaries
A primary reason to create an estate plan is to designate beneficiaries who will receive certain property once you pass away. Choosing your beneficiaries, therefore, is not something you should take lightly. While you may know who you want to name as a beneficiary, there are certain factors you should consider. Below, our St…. Read More »
The Importance Of Estate Planning When You Are Young
When many people think of estate planning, they often think it is a task reserved for older people. However, this is a misconception. The truth is that everyone can benefit from having an estate plan, whether they are old, young, single, married, wealthy, or low income. If you are a young person, our St…. Read More »
How To Gift An Early Inheritance
Estate planning is important for adults of all ages. By creating an estate plan, you will have the reassurance that your loved ones will be taken care of when you are gone. You will also have the confidence of knowing that your last wishes will be fulfilled. Sometimes, the person providing an inheritance to… Read More »
The Importance Of Updating Your Estate Plan After Your Spouse Passes Away
Losing your spouse is perhaps the most difficult thing you will ever go through. You are grieving and at the same time, you also have a lot to think about. Reviewing and updating your estate plan may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is important that you review and updated your… Read More »
Planning For Your Pet? Avoid These Two Mistakes
As Americans, we love our pets. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 60 million people throughout the country own pets. Pet owners are also willing to spend a significant amount of money on their furry and feathered friends. Between the years of 2007 and 2017, people spent $5.8 billion on their pets. They are… Read More »
When To Review Your Estate Plan
After creating an estate plan, you may be tempted to leave the paperwork in a drawer or safe and not think of it again. The important documentation becomes easy to forget about. However, good estate planning requires regular review and revision so you can ensure it reflects your current needs and wishes. So, how… Read More »
What Are My Children’s Inheritance Rights If I Die Without A Will?
Adult children have no right to be named as a beneficiary of their parent’s will or trust under Florida law. In other words, if you do have adult children, you do not have to leave them anything in your estate plan. You could also choose to favor one child over another. In the event… Read More »