As the widespread use of technology becomes more critical to our everyday lives, more people are considering digital assets when completing their estate planning. Those digital assets may not seem immediately important, but estate administrators say that managing passwords, user names and answers to personal security questions can be critical in the estate planning process. Many self-employed businesspeople, for Read More
GAY JUDGE CONTESTS FATHER’S WILL
A unique probate litigation case has prompted controversy among advocates for same-sex unions. A gay man and his partner decided to become parents using a surrogate, but the man's father has stipulated in his will that the 2-year-old boy will not receive an inheritance unless the father marries the child's mother. That man is a criminal court judge, and he has decided to contest the will left behind by his wealthy Read More
JONES ESTATE STILL CONTESTED
The continuing probate litigation involving former Monkees frontman Davy Jones's estate has resulted in the proceedings being shrouded in mystery, as legal experts throughout the nation postulate why the family chose to seal the musician's will away from the probing eyes of the public. Controversy has arisen in the execution of the man's will because his now-widowed younger wife is not named in any of the estate Read More
INCLUDE YOUR HOME IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS
For many Americans, their home is the most valuable asset in their portfolio. Purchasing a house, paying the mortgage and creating a home culture serve as valuable life events in our society. It is thus critical for many families to protect the family home during estate administration procedures. Experts offer a list of tips for those who are attempting to integrate their houses into their estate planning Read More
BUSINESS OWNERS: CHECK YOUR ESTATE WELLNESS
Florida residents should not only be concerned with their physical wellness. They should also consider their financial wellness by frequently reviewing their estate value. This is particularly true for wealthy families who may own their own businesses. Experts advise wealthy clients to perform a mid-year checkup on their financial holdings. This is because tax savings tend to be time-sensitive. If you decide to Read More
WILLS: NOT JUST FOR YOUR MONEY
In the case of a severe incident, an individual can sustain many injuries and wind up in a persistent vegetative state. The person's children, spouse and other family members are all at odds about whether to keep the person alive using ventilators or allow the person to naturally expire. Living wills can prevent this situation from ever occurring, according to legal experts, by making your wishes known to your family Read More
UNDERSTANDING LIFE INSURANCE TRUSTS
When creating an estate plan, many people become concerned about federal and state taxes that could lower the amount that actually goes to beneficiaries. Trust administration experts say that some taxes can be circumvented by creating an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). This type of trust can help Floridians by allowing more of their money to go to their heirs, instead of to the federal or state Read More
CONSIDER RETIREMENT FUNDS IN ESTATE PLANS
Many Florida residents who are preparing for their estate distribution do not realize that their spouse might lose out on retirement money when the other person passes away. This important estate valuation information should be considered before estate planning is finalized. Couples need to realize that the death of one spouse could spell financial disaster for the surviving partner if a plan is not in place. For Read More
TRUSTS ARE SIMPLER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK
Trusts used to be financial tools only used by the very wealthy. Now, trusts are used to achieve a variety of estate planning goals. Experts say that a working knowledge of trust administration is essential for anyone who plans to leave behind a will. Although trusts sound confusing, they are actually quite simple. A trust is a contract between three parties. A person can have more than one role in a trust. Read More
MISSING FLORIDA MOGUL’S MILLIONS UP FOR GRABS
The sudden and dramatic disappearance of a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, millionaire has drawn attention to the future of his estate, according to local legal experts. The man, who disappeared on June 19 from his fishing boat, is accused of committing suicide or faking his own death, which may jeopardize the estate administration proceedings associated with his holdings. It appears that the family may be in for a lengthy Read More
