During an estate planning consultation I ran into a situation I’ve seen many times over the years—one that I suspect happens far more often than people realize. Because so many families face the same dilemma, I wanted to break it down in a way that can help others who are weighing similar choices in their estate planning. Meet “Bob” and His Two Estate Planning Goals For privacy reasons, we’ll call today’s client “Bob.” Bob came in with two very common goals: Keep costs as low

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but understanding key documents like a pour-over will  is essential—especially if you have a revocable living trust. You might think a pour-over will automatically avoids probate for all your assets. Think again. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all. What Is a Pour-Over Will? A pour-over will  is a special type of last will and testament used alongside a revocable trust  (also called a living trust). Your standard last will and

Many people call our office interested in pursuing probate in Florida , whether formal or summary. This guide explains the key requirements and documents needed to start the process, based on common questions we receive. Formal vs. Summary Probate in Florida Florida uses two main types of probate: Formal Probate : Required when assets subject to creditor claims exceed $75,000 or the decedent passed away less than 2 years ago. This process takes longer. Summary Probate : Avail

When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions families ask is what happens to the money left in their bank accounts — especially if the person wasn’t married and didn’t have a will. Let’s walk through a real-world scenario that illustrates how Florida law handles this situation and how to make sure your loved one’s money ends up where it should. The Situation: A Gift, a Bank Account, and an Unmarried Partner A mother gifted each of her children $13,000 . One of her

A common question about Lady Bird Deeds  (also known as Enhanced Life Estate Deeds) is when they should be recorded. Below, we explain...

If you're a property owner with multiple real estate assets, like an individual with 26 properties considering a living trust, you may be...

When it comes to owning real estate in Florida, understanding the different types of property deeds is crucial to ensure your ownership aligns with your goals. One commonly used option is the Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)  deed. This blog post explains how this type of deed works, its benefits, and important considerations for property owners in Florida. Whether you're purchasing property or planning your estate , this guide will help you make informed dec

When it comes to estate planning, one common question is whether you still need a Lady Bird deed if you already have a trust in place. The answer depends on your goals, the type of assets you own, and where you live.

Estate Planning can be a complex process, especially for business owners aiming to protect their assets while minimizing costs. A common...

When planning your estate, you may question what happens if you deed property to Person A before death, but your will instructs Person A to split sale proceeds with Persons B and C.

If you’re an American wondering, “Can I leave my property or money to someone living in another country, like the Philippines, in my will?” the answer is straightforward...