Many people in Florida wait to make estate plans until they experience some type of major life event, such as a marriage or the birth of a child. Yet, waiting to create, or failing to create, an estate plan may lead to unintended consequences. An estate plan is an...
Year: 2022
What happens with debts in probate?
Debt does not transfer to another person, even after your death. But your estate will take on your debts. Because the assets in your estate belong to you, creditors can go after them to recoup their money. Your personal representative must notify creditors of the...
Are you legally responsible for a deceased parent’s debts?
A parent’s death has the potential to cause you emotional turmoil, and you may feel even more anxious and out-of-sorts if you also have the responsibility of managing and settling your parent’s Florida estate. If your parent dies with significant debts that his or her...
Does Florida collect an estate tax?
If your loved one died recently and you find yourself in charge of their estate, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your responsibilities. Estate administration can become quite complex, especially if an estate plan involves significant assets. As...
Protecting your interests when purchasing a home
Buying a home in Florida requires forethought and careful planning. Failing to thoroughly think everything through can backfire miserably and jeopardize your stability. To protect your interests when purchasing a home, you need to pay close attention to a contract...
Reasons to set up a special needs trust
Whether you struggle with a disability and worry about your financial future or you want to make sure that your disabled loved one receives the support they need down the road, a special needs trust could provide peace of mind. It is important to review the ins and...
Who should you choose for your personal representative?
When estate planning, you will need to choose a person to act as your personal representative. For instance, you will need an executor to carry out the terms of your will. Many people also pick a power of attorney, which is a person who can make medical and financial...
How can you avoid mistakes with beneficiary designations?
While your last will and testament is an essential component of your estate plan, it is not the only tool in your arsenal. Many assets have beneficiary designations, which list the beneficiaries that you wish to receive those funds after you die. Retirement accounts,...
What to include in and exclude from your will
Estate planning provides peace of mind that whatever happens to you, your affairs are in order and your survivors have what they need to carry out your wishes. A will is one of the most basic end-of-life documents and the foundation of many estate plans. Nevertheless,...
Potential title concerns with real estate
Whenever you close on a real estate deal, you want to make sure you have a clear legal title to the property. Occasionally issues and disputes arise that cause unexpected complications. Familiarity with these possibilities could help you successfully respond to the...