If you are the parent of minor children, one of the most important reasons to have an estate plan is to provide for your kids' care after your death. While homestead laws protect the interest of minor children, adult children have no automatic legal right to be named as beneficiaries of their parent’s will or trust under Florida law. However, if you die intestate (without a will) Florida law will name all of your legal children as your beneficiaries for purposes of probate.

Non-U.S. citizens in the United States face some estate planning challenges when it comes to taxes. If you’re a U.S. resident, but not a citizen, the IRS will treat you similarly to a U.S. citizen. If you’re considered a resident, you’re subject to federal gift and estate taxes on your worldwide assets, but you also enjoy the benefits of the $12.06 million federal gift and estate tax exemption and the $16,000 per recipient annual exclusion in 2022.

Inheriting wealth can be a life-altering event. While it may seem like a straightforward financial boom, it comes with its own set of complexities and emotional nuances. Whether it is a modest sum or a significant estate, managing an inheritance responsibly requires careful thought and planning. Here are three key considerations to keep in mind when you find yourself to be the beneficiary of inherited wealth.

Probate estate administration is the legal process used to distribute a person’s estate (i.e. property and possessions) after they die. There are a number of rules and procedures that must be followed to administer an estate and many things to do before a decedent’s property can be distributed to his or her heirs. Here are four (4) steps to take when administering a probate estate in Florida.

Leaving assets to your loved ones or your favorite charities can give you a great sense of satisfaction. As you pass on the resources you have built up during your life, you can make life financially easier for others and make a positive difference in the world.

A Personal Representative (commonly referred to as an Executor) of an estate is an individual or institution designated to administer the estate of a decedent. A Personal Representative must settle and distribute the estate of the decedent as efficiently as possible by adhering to the directions outlined in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament and/or the probate laws of the state where the estate is being administered.

A primary reason to create an estate plan is to designate beneficiaries who will receive certain property once you pass away.

Getting married after you have executed a Will does not invalidate, void, or revoke the will. When someone has a spouse but they are not mentioned in the will at all, they can be legally classified as a pretermitted spouse. A pretermitted spouse means the spouse has been unintentionally omitted in the Decedent’s (deceased spouse) Estate Plan.

After a loved one is diagnosed with autism, you may have a lot of things to consider. Especially, who will take care of them after you have passed away? One important way to have the peace of mind for your special needs loved one is by having an estate plan in place. Without the proper estate plan, your loved one may not have the legal, financial, or medical foundation they will need in the future.

A will is a crucial legal document that outlines how an individual’s assets should be distributed upon death. It is essential to draft a will that is clear, legally binding, and resistant to challenges to avoid disputes among beneficiaries.

Being a single parent typically means you alone must take the steps necessary to ensure that your children will be protected no matter what happens to you. While you might be fit and in perfect health today, there is no way to predict the future. Estate planning is an important means of protecting your children's long-term well-being. Below, outlines some important documents you need as a single parent.

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) will give someone you trust the authority to manage your legal and financial affairs on your behalf. Below are four important considerations for your durable power of attorney.

Many young adults think Estate planning is reserved for older people, however, this is a misconception. Everyone can benefit from having an estate plan, whether they are old, young, single, married, wealthy, or moderate income.

Ancillary probate is necessary when a non-Florida resident passes away and dies owning real property (i.e., land) in Florida. The representatives of the estate must initiate a probate proceeding in each state where the decedent owned property since each state has its own set of property laws.

When someone passes away in Florida without a will, their assets and property is distributed by the court according to Florida's intestate laws. These laws will determine who gets what of your assets and/or property. However, dying without a will can cause a myriad of burdens for the decedent’s family.

A Lady Bird deed is designated to allow property owners in Florida to transfer property to others automatically upon their death while maintaining use, control and ownership while alive. With a Lady Bird deed, a person takes an enhanced “life estate” interest in real property while transferring the “remainder” interest to someone else after they pass away.

A Joint Will for married couples are alternatives to setting up individual wills. If you're trying to create your estate plan and are considering a joint will, consult with an estate planning attorney first. Joint wills can provide married couples with a convenient and straightforward way to manage their assets. However, joint wills also come with potential risks and limitations that couples should carefully consider.

Real estate transactions are crucial for any of the parties involved, whether the buyer is going to live on the property, operate a business from it or further develop it. Having an escrow service is a necessary tool during the process of buying a home in Florida.

Despite their similar names, last wills and living wills are legal documents that serve different purposes. Last wills and living wills should be considered by everyone. Creating them when you are healthy allows you to consider your options carefully without immediate health concerns weighing on you.

In Florida there are two types of title insurance: lender’s title insurance and owner’s title insurance. Lender’s insurance protects your mortgage lender’s interest in their mortgage lien on your property. Owner’s title insurance protects your interests as a homeowner.