3 Lesser Known Florida Trusts and How You Can Benefit from Them

Trusts are excellent estate planning tools. Their main advantages lie in their flexibility and versatility. A person’s assets and money can be organized in different kinds of trusts according to that person’s individual needs, family situation, and estate planning goals. In this article, we will present a brief overview of 3 trusts available to Florida residents that may be lesser-known but can provide enormous Read More

A Brief Overview of Life Insurance Trusts

Just like tools in a toolbox, legal instruments related to estate planning can be simple and versatile - like Wills or Powers of Attorney - or complex and precise, allowing a person to achieve specific goals related to the unique circumstances of their estate. Life insurance trusts are one of the more advanced estate planning instruments. Read on to learn what they are and in what circumstances it may be useful for Read More

What Is a “Living Trust” and When Is It Helpful?

A living trust can be a practical and versatile addition to an estate plan that can help a person achieve more estate planning objectives. Unlike a Will, a living trust comes into effect during the lifetime of a person who creates it even though its provisions are designed to secure the interests of the person’s family and estate after their passing. In this article, we will explain how a trust is created, the Read More

A Primer for Trust Termination

If life didn’t evolve and change so often we may be able to make better plans. However, it is only natural that life circumstances shift, and when they do, we have to make changes with them. Such is true with Trusts. In Florida, all Trusts are revocable unless stated otherwise. Most Trusts will also include specific language on how the Trust should be dissolved. If such language exists, you must comply with the Read More

What is the Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts?

Before creating a trust, it’s important to understand just what the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts are, and any accompanying advantages or drawbacks.   Revocable Trusts Advantages A revocable trust, also known as a living trust, gives you ownership of and control over your assets. It can be changed, amended, or even terminated as you desire. This gives you a great deal of flexibility if Read More

Trustee Malfeasance Explained

A trustee plays a critical role in the administration of a trust. They have certain duties and obligations that must be fulfilled by law and to carry out the purposes of the trust itself. When a trustee breaches these duties is often referred to as “trustee malfeasance.” In situations where the trustee commits fraud or ignores his or her duties, there can be a significant detrimental effect on the trust and its Read More

4 Important Considerations When Selecting a Trustee

A trustee will hold your assets on your behalf and deal with them according to your instructions. Because the trustee is entrusted with precious assets, it is important to select the trustee for your trust very carefully. Choosing someone who is dishonest or disloyal can be extremely detrimental to your beneficiaries and your trust. Above all else, you should choose someone that you feel is trustworthy and honest. Read More

What You Need to Know About Bypass Trusts

Most people don’t particularly like paying taxes, and if assets are inherited from a family member, it’s even more frustrating to have to pay taxes on something that was intended as a gift. However, with a little planning and forethought, you can utilize a specific document to avoid having excessive taxes taken out of your loved one’s inheritance. It’s called a bypass trust, and in some cases it can save hundreds of Read More

SHOULD I INCLUDE MY RETIREMENT FUND IN A TRUST?

If you are setting up a trust in Florida or even reviewing an existing one, now could be the time that you want to consider including your retirement funds in the trust. Because retirement funds have designated beneficiaries associated with them, they are not generally included in the provisions of a regular will. As Forbes explains, this approach is consistent with how life insurance policies are handled in estate Read More

DO YOU NEED A TRUST?

Many people in Florida hold the notion that estate planning is about preparing for eventual death. Forbes takes a different view on the matter and suggests it should be thought of as a way of assuming important control over your assets while you are still living as well as after you die. As you evaluate your options, you may wonder if a trust can be beneficial for you. That really depends on what you want to achieve Read More