A lot of our small business owner clients ask what the necessity of a trust is if they already have the benefits of a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). While these business structures do provide some personal protection, they may not protect your business assets. That is why …
Read MoreInheritance: When Should You Begin the Discussion?
Most clients typically do not talk to their children about their inheritance. Some don’t want to think or talk about dying, others are uncomfortable talking with their kids about financial matters, or letting them know how much they will inherit out of fear it will curb their motivation. So when …
Read MoreWhat’s the Effect of Divorce on Estate Planning?
What happens when a married couple who has an existing estate plan in place is considering divorce? Estate planning after divorce: Florida law provides that divorce invalidates provisions in wills and trusts that benefit the ex-spouse. The law treats the ex-spouse as if they died at the time of the …
Read MoreThe Two Big I’s In Estate Planning: Inheritance & Incapacity
When we ask clients if they have had an estate planning conversation with their immediate family or heirs, most clients usually say they have not done so. For those that have had the conversation, it’s interesting for us to know how it went, who was involved, and what topics were …
Read MoreIs a Simple Will Enough for Me?
A lot of clients come to their initial consultation, and when asked how we can help them, their answer sounds something like this: “I need to get my last will done, I’ve put it off for far too long, I don’t have a large estate so I just need something …
Read MoreProper Planning: Why it is Essential & Can Help Avoid Headaches
How to ensure proper planning: I came across this funny conversation and then I realized, it’s not so funny when you’re on the other end of the phone. http://bank-aunt.diply.com/auntyacid/bank-charges-dead-aunt-guy-calls-conversation/116392 In probate, all assets must be liquidated and deposited in a court blocked restricted bank account and then distributed to the …
Read MoreWhat is Your Legal Implication For Dog Bites?
“Each year injuries from dog bites hospitalized over 600 Floridians…and each year an average of 2 Floridians die from injuries due to dog bites”[1] Dogs are considered ‘man’s best friend’ but they are still animals and no matter how domesticated, they are capable of expressing themselves in a way that …
Read MorePlanning for Pets: Why You Should Consider It
Why is planning for pets important? It is safe to say that our pets become part of the family…but why is it that people rarely have provisions for their furry “family” in their estate plan. Many people do not know that these provisions for planning for pets even exist. Most …
Read MoreThe Tailored Trust: What are the Different Types of Trusts?
Want to learn more about the types of trusts? Trusts are a great tool to avoid probate and provide certain tax benefits as well. Many clients go see an attorney who plugs in names, numbers and print. The clients sign, and technically they do have a functioning trust but there …
Read MoreThe Unlicensed Practice of Law
The Unlicensed Practice of Law Although you would not think so, there is a very fine line between notarizing a document and the unlicensed practice of law. The law authorizes a notary to verify that the person who is signing a document is who they say they are. By checking …
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