The state, whether that is referring to the state of Florida or the general concept of government, deals with a recurring dilemma: keeping the citizens safe and secure while also ensuring their liberties and freedoms are reasonably protected. A notable example that illustrates the state of Florida’s struggle with this question is the Baker Act, which is used to get prompt medical care for those who are exhibiting Read More
How to Avoid Sending Your Estate Through Probate
The probate process involves formal court proceedings in which the assets of a deceased person are divided and transferred to beneficiaries and heirs. This process is usually costly and time-consuming, involves a lot of paperwork, and can be uncomfortable for the surviving members of the family due to its public status. That’s why it is usually advisable to take steps to avoid sending the estate through Read More
4 Factors Florida Courts Consider When Determining Competency
Estate planning is a subject many people don’t seem to think about until it’s almost too late. If you have an elderly loved one who needs to get their affairs in order, it could be more difficult than you imagine. Deciding who receives our assets once we pass on might be easy when we are young and have full mental capacity, but what about when we get older? What about when a loved one is diagnosed with a neurological Read More
CHARITABLE GIVING OPTIONS IN FLORIDA
Florida residents who want to positively contribute to charitable efforts have a myriad of options on how to do so. Certainly, there always exists the option to simply write a check or make a credit card donation to any number of charities. Many organizations also accept donations of items that can be then sold and turned into profits for their charities. However, there can be many situations in which these giving Read More
WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY WILL?
By creating a will, you have taken an important step in prudent future planning for yourself and your family members in Florida or in other states. But, now that you have your will done, what are you doing with it? Have you simply put it in a filing cabinet along with your bills and other financial documents? Does anyone know where it is? Are there multiple copies of your will? These are just some of the questions Read More
WHY MILLENNIALS NEED TO ENGAGE IN ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning. If you are a young Floridian in the millennial generation, just hearing that term may make you immediately think about your parents or grandparents. But, before you stop there you should think more closely about your own self and your own life. You like to go rock climbing or motorcycle riding on the weekends. You're planning your first parachute jump. You drive every day. All of these things are Read More
ESTATE PLANNING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
If you are the parent of a child in Florida who has a disability or some form of special needs, you may be wondering how you can financially provide for your child after you die. Taking into consideration the needs of your child for the rest of his or her life should be done when making any of your own estate planning and retirement plans. This may or may not include the appointment of a guardian depending upon your Read More
ESTATE PLANNING WITH YOUNG KIDS
Young families in Florida often do not think much about estate planning. While still in their 20s or 30s, moms and dads can assume death is far off and there is time for such things. It is also easy to get caught up in the day-to-day needs of raising children. However, tragedy could strike at any time leaving young children without parents. When this happens, who will raise the children? How will the children be Read More
HOW LONG IS THE PROBATE PROCESS IN FLORIDA?
If you are the will executor or heir of a person who has died in Florida, one of the many questions you may have about the probate process is how long it will last. The short answer is that there is no single answer to that question. The length of time that is needed to complete probate varies based upon many things. That said, the minimum amount of time that probate can take is three months according to the Florida Read More
SETTING UP A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Like other Florida parents, if you have a child with a severe disability, you may have understandable concerns about how you can provide financially for your child after you die. Even if social services or disability funds are available, there can be a need for additional sources of income for a disabled person. According to the Pacer Center, there is a specific type of trust that can be created just for this Read More